One week after Shoreline residents voiced their approval of a flexible alternative for the Aurora Corridor, North 165th to North 205th streets, council members unanimously agreed it was the best design option.
“The whole community seems to be getting behind this and it’s very reassuring to all of us,” councilwoman Janet Way said at the July 23 meeting. “Let’s keep this happy feeling moving, what do you say?”
The 6-0 vote approved Resolution No. 263, adopting a staff recommended flexible alternative design, also known as the hybrid plan. One of four possible alternative alignments placed before council review, the flexible alternative provides a 110-foot cross section, four-foot amenity zone, seven-foot sidewalk and a 16-foot median.
“Tonight is obviously a very big step for us,” public works director Mark Relph said. He and project manager Kirk McKinley made a short presentation to the council before the vote, adding that environmental reviews and additional discussion of property acquisition and right-of-way issues will continue during the design process.
“I’m still singing Kumbaya here,” councilman Keith McGlashan said. “…We need to start now as a city and work with businesses to let them know this is coming and not let them be caught by surprise.”
Although not present at the meeting, Ron Hansen submitted his approval of the flexible alternative design in a letter that was read into record by deputy city clerk Ronald Moore.
Council members expressed their appreciation for work done by city manager Bob Olander and city staff leading up to the recommendation. Councilman Rich Gustafson thanked Deputy Mayor Maggie Fimia for voting in favor of the flexible alternative.
“It has been contentious along the way,” he said. “Deputy Mayor Fimia, you voted against Aurora nine times and I applaud you for looking at the big picture and changing your vote. I think the vision … has truly been accomplished.”
According to Fimia, the flexible alternative is an example of how “form follows function and not the other way around,” and accommodates more left turn pockets and amenity zone options. Although the cost of the project is still a concern, she said, grant acquisition will be more easily accomplished with a community agreed-upon design.
“It’s not the same plan, it’s got a lot of the same elements,” Fimia said. “I would have supported the first plan had it been more flexible.”
Olander asked council members to focus on agreements rather than any disagreements.
“Let’s savor this moment if we can,” he said. “We do have a remarkably unified community on a contentious project. Let’s put our disagreements behind us and move forward.”
The final vote at Monday’s meeting was a resolution proposed by Way to create a lifetime achievement award that would be awarded to a Shoreline resident deemed to have made a significant contribution to the city. The award would be made in conjunction with the annual Celebrate Shoreline Festival and Parade and include a honorary spot in the parade. The inaugural award would be given to Dr. Arthur Kruckeberg of the Kruckeberg Botanical Garden during this year’s celebration.
When put to a vote, the motion to adopt the resolution failed,
3-3. Mayor Ransom and councilmen Gustafson and McGlashan requested more process and set requirements for the creation of the award.
“It boggles the mind,” Way said. “It really seems like we have to have tit-for-tat every week.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
