The North Seattle Industrial Association (NSIA) met on June 23rd for its last meeting of the summer. They discussed, as usual, the needs of the industrial, manufacturing, and maritime businesses of North Seattle – particularly the ability to move freight.
Brian Surratt attended the meeting, introducing himself as new Director of the Seattle Office of Economic Development. He wants to support and encourage growth of the economy of the city. He acknowledged that the transportation plan for the city is not integrated; that streets need to be kept open for commerce. The NSIA has also raised concerns about the narrowing of streets – 11’ is the minimum needed – and that the city doesn’t have a freight plan. Surratt also acknowledged the need to share the story about our dynamic maritime industry, to engage support to keep it healthy.
Two other guests to the NSIA meeting also ended up discussing transportation. Sarah Gavin, head of communications for Expedia, came to talk about the relocation of the company to Interbay in 2018 – and NSIA members asked about traffic impacts. Art Brochet and Emily Ehlers, of the Seattle Department of Transportation, also presented to the NSIA a greenway planned for Ballard along 17th Street NW. Greenways put obstructions (speed humps, signage, and curb bulbs) along residential streets to make them safer for cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles. While NSIA members saw the need, they pushed that a more efficient and effective placement of the postal drop box at the Post Office on 17th would ease traffic even more.
The NSIA meets monthly, to discuss challenges and opportunities for industrial businesses in Fremont and surrounding areas of Seattle. However, this organization does take summer off – the next meeting is September 22nd. Learn more about the NSIA, its work and its issues, from its website.