SHORELINE — The North City Project was revived at the Oct. 25 Council meeting with a discussion that again yielded no definite decision.
“If we don’t discuss this now, we will have to leave it on the side,” said Council member Paul Grace, who asked that the item be put on the agenda.
The Council members have not formally discussed the issue since their Aug. 23 decision to not award a staff-recommended $5.8 million contract to Wilder Construction Inc. to complete all elements of the project. The majority of members favored spending less money and retaining the current four-lane alignment, although the vote left many unsure about a next step.
At Monday’s City Council meeting, city manager Steve Burkett suggested the Council not vote on a proposal, but consider options from city staff for how to proceed.
Public Works director Paul Haines said the three proposals from city staff utilize four lanes instead of three.
“The target tonight is to get some resolve on the area north of 175th Street,” Haines said.
Option 1 utilizes the existing design and stripes for four lanes, Haines said. Additional engineering would cost $45,000-$65,000, and the bid process could begin in January.
Haines said the greatest cost savings may be to bid in January, when projects tend to be most competitive. He said the advantages of Option 1 include a minimal cost to bid while preserving an urban finish and landscaping. The four-lane design would have narrower lanes than the three-lane configuration. This option would also utilize prior Seattle City Light funding commitments.
Option 2 would remove curb bulbouts and stripes for four lanes, which would have an engineering cost of $160,000-$180,000. The intent, Haines said, is to provide less restrictive turning for motorists. This design would also maintain Seattle City Light funding, and could be ready for bids in March.
A possible third option, Haines said, would be for the Council to prioritize the project, which would disrupt schedule commitments and Seattle City Light funding.
During public comment period, LaNita Wacker said she favored Option 1. She said since many agencies are involved in the project, it is important to begin construction at the same time.
“The undergrounding of utilities is critical,” Wacker said. “The project is dependent upon your decision.”
John Sims, owner of Frank Lumber, said he still opposes the project because it has been designed without considering the businesses in North City.
“North City is a huge, great area the way it is now,” Sims said. “I would like to see you say no to this and walk away.”
Council member Bob Ransom asked Sims what exactly he disliked about the project.
Sims replied that the project will damage the area by changing the undergrounding, and he felt that traffic had already been calmed by the three-lane restriping south of the business district.
Council member Rich Gustafson proposed adopting Option 1, saying it provided significant cost savings, and Deputy Mayor Scott Jepsen seconded the motion.
“This is a viable option,” Gustafson said. “Businesses will benefit from increased property value.”
Ransom proposed a substitute motion to eliminate curb bulbs on driveways and intersections and eliminate art work.
Grace then suggested that it was more important for the group to discuss the issue openly, and both motions were withdrawn.
Ransom suggested the Council consider the weight of input from citizens. He said there were 1,500 letters against the project versus 150 letter in favor.
“When I look at the weight, it is clear and convincing people don’t want it,” Ransom said. “I and several other Council members consider input as a mandate that the public doesn’t want it.”
Ransom said he favored some utilities undergrounding and sidewalks.
Council member John Chang said he favored sidewalks from 145th Street to 205th Street, but was concerned with the cost.
“This is all our money,” Chang said. “I am very concerned.”
Hansen then reminded Council members to focus on discussing the area from 172nd to 180th streets. He said he would like to see sidewalks, undergrounding and street lights.
Council member Maggie Fimia said she was optimistic they could find a solution to the situation. She said she was concerned with the cost of the project, and felt is was unfair to spend so much money on a concentrated area. She favored sidewalks, staying within a budget of $7 million and cutting back on some of the landscaping.
Jepsen then said he didn’t feel a compromise could be reached and favored the original three-lane design.
“As far as the project is concerned, it is dead,” Jepsen said. “There were four votes not to award it.”
The Council is scheduled to continue the discussion at the Nov. 1 Council meeting.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
