North City decision artful compromise

The art of compromise can often be tricky, yet it can result in a more colorful, complete picture.

In terms of the North City Project, an issue the Shoreline City Council finally came to a determination on at the Nov. 22 meeting, compromising was a vital component. With the approval of Option 1, which retains the four-lane configuration on 15th Avenue NE in the business district, the majority of Council members attempted to compromise with citizens who opposed the project, primarily due to the original three- lane design.

Yet, it is interesting to contemplate that even though a four-lane design was passed by the Council, it only did so with a 4-3 vote.

Council member Paul Grace was largely the deciding factor, as he previously voted against the original design, but in favor of Option 1. Three Council members – Maggie Fimia, Bob Ransom and John Chang – who denied the original bid and requested a four-lane configuration, did not vote in favor of Option 1. Their reasons included wanting four lanes south of the business district, and also favoring Option 2, which did not include curb bulbs.

Even compromising almost kept the project from fruition. But the bottom line is that the majority of Council members worked together on an outcome and the project is moving forward. In the next few years the North City business district will be painted with the vibrant color of compromise.