SHORELINE — It may cost the city more to purchase right of way to widen Aurora Avenue.
In addition, state Department of Transportation officials stated in writing that they oppose retaining a two-way left turn lane.
Regarding the first issue, city staff is still working within the initial budget for the Aurora Corridor Project, but requested an increase in the amount of money city manager Steve Burkett is authorized to pay property owners for right of way, which was upped from $50,000 to $150,000.
Funds will be used to pay 31 property owners from North 145th to 165th streets in order for the project to go out for bid in 2005. City staff identified 16 of the 31 properties with a potential settlement that exceeds the original $50,000 allotment. As many as six or seven properties may have settlements between $100,000 and $150,000.
This change is necessary, said city attorney Ian Sievers, to avoid taking 16 separate actions to the Council in the future.
“It just turns out that there are a number of properties that are costing more than the typical real estate purchase,” Sievers said. “We are just getting permission to spend money; funding isn’t increasing.”
Sievers said the amount the city will pay to each property owner varies for a variety of reasons. Some temporary construction easements will be needed, while some properties have easements that will need to be enhanced. Some of the intersection properties also will receive more money because of property needed for turn lanes.
“Every property is unique, based on the history of dedication and topography and if it is at an intersection or the middle of the block,” Sievers said.
The second issue, the letter received from the state, was in response to a June 8 letter the Council approved sending to the transportation department. The letter, addressed to agency secretary Doug MacDonald, requested a representative to attend a Council meeting to discuss alternative designs for the first phase of the project, from 145th to 165th streets.
The Council’s decision came after many business owners expressed concern with a raised median included in designs to improve Aurora Avenue.
According to Burkett, the state’s opposition to retaining the two-way left turn lane depends on the city’s cooperation.
According to the letter, “WSDOT does not support retention of the two way left turn lane as part of the proposed widening of SR 99. This is based on national guidance as well as WSDOT’s own policy.”
Council member Bob Ransom said that business owners are still interested in meeting to discuss access issues.
“I am not entirely sure this is the end,” Ransom said. “Businesses are still interested.”
Council member Maggie Fimia seconded Ransom’s concern and said that in the letter, the Council specifically asked for an agency representative to speak with the Council in person. She said that is still something they want to see happen.
“It is important to invite a representative,” Fimia said. ” I would like some discussion.”
Fimia was also concerned that the Aurora Corridor Project will be moving forward, since the Council will not be meeting again for three weeks.
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