by Kirby Lindsay, posted 2 September 2013
So far in 2013, the Fremont Neighborhood Council (FNC) monthly meetings have primarily focused on roadways and transportation issues, and the August meeting reinforced that priority.
Fremont Bridge Repainting 2014
The posted agenda listed off three presentations on Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) projects, including a brief presentation by Art Brochet on a re-painting of the Fremont Bridge currently scheduled for summer 2014. Brochet gave reassurances that the color scheme will remain as it is – blue & orange – and that road closures (four weekends, scheduled in advance,) will be kept to an absolute minimum.
The Ballard to Downtown Seattle Light Rail Line
The presentation by Karen Waterman of Sound Transit and Michael James of SDOT took significantly longer, with more discussion, as they reported on an on-going study of light rail routes between Ballard and Downtown Seattle. Waterman began by explaining that while they’ve held two public open houses on this project, so far, no funding is currently given towards building anything. She also said that they are not attempting to find a single preferred alternative, but they want four potentialities that can be studied and budgeted in the future. James and Waterman did report that while their mission is to find a route to connect Ballard to Downtown Seattle, they have heard strong interest in also connecting to Fremont and Queen Anne.
Eight potential route corridors were presented – four connect Ballard to Downtown Seattle through Interbay, and four route through Fremont. Most of the corridors include construction of a new bridge across the Lake Washington Ship Canal – at heights of 70’ or 140’. Of the four Fremont routes, two include construction of a new 70’ bridge that moves for maritime traffic, and one includes a tunnel under Fremont, with the fourth suggesting light rail cross the 30’ high Fremont Bridge. Two of the Fremont proposals specifically connect the light rail line to the South Lake Union Trolley (SLUT.)
At the March and June Open Houses, as well as at the one proposed for this December, details can mix and match among the eight proposals. Members of the FNC Board voiced support for proposal #6 – the one with at-grade light rail through Ballard (on 24th Ave NW,) on Westlake with a connection to the SLUT, and a tunnel running under the Ship Canal and Fremont.
James and Waterman encouraged everyone to send letters, and e-mails, containing their comments, concerns and questions – not just the FNC Board. These can be submitted through September, to be considered as part of the further refining of the eight route options.
Crosswalk at N 43rd St
Matt Gasparich reported on advances made toward the installation of a crosswalk on Fremont Avenue near N 43rd St. SDOT representative Jonathan Dong recently attended a public meeting with some business owners and neighbors. They evaluated, on-site, the potential locations of the crosswalk. The City will conducted a study, over the next 6 – 8 weeks, to further evaluate the need and location. Another public meeting is proposed for this fall, and if an inexpensive, relatively easy solution can be agreed upon there, a crosswalk could be installed as early as summer 2014.
An Awning for Chase Bank?
While not a traffic issue, this is dramatically affects our street-scape – and a strong public appeal for Chase Bank to replace the awning on the McKenzie Building, where they opened a Fremont Branch this past spring.
According to unconfirmed reports, the City declared the original awning structurally unsound and demanded its removal. Gasparich approached Chase, and has heard back that they will submit an architectural drawing for approval of a replacement awning. FNC Board President Stephanie Pure wants to invite a Chase Bank representative to attend an upcoming meeting and report on their progress.
Jessica Vets, of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, also mentioned that the current Chase Bank Fremont Branch Manager will be leaving on September 3rd. Vets did not know of her replacement.
Another Restricted Parking Zone?
Lower Fremont, in residential areas adjacent to Downtown Fremont, have an RPZ – zone #26 – that restricts parking during certain hours to those Fremont residents with pre-paid permits. The FNC has been approached for assistance in contacting the City to study the Top of the Universe (Upper Fremont) around Linden Avenue near N 43rd about its eligibility for an RPZ.
Two new restaurants, and a preliminary proposal for a hotel to be built to replace the infamous Italia and Isabella motels, have raised concerns about parking availability in that area. An RPZ can only be installed on residential streets – not those with zoning for commercial enterprises, like most of Fremont Avenue. Vafa Ghazi, a former FNC President, mentioned that the easiest way to get an RPZ is to extend the existing zone #26. However, Pure observed that some users of the Powerhouse (workshop of the Fremont Arts Council) have asked to have the RPZ removed along Fremont Avenue due to its severe time restrictions on use of the workshop. Vets suggested a public discussion be held on this at the public meeting on the crosswalk for N 43rd St.
Beyond these matters, the meeting contained several other projects, plans and proposals. To learn more about the FNC, and its operations, attend the next monthly Board meeting – on Monday, September 23rd at 7p at Doric Lodge #92. The meetings are ADA accessible, and open to the public. To propose an agenda item, contact FNC Board President Pure at stephanie@stephaniepure.com
See you there?
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.