SDOT is hosting two Open House events this week to gain local feedback on the four alternatives being considered for the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link Project.
The events are set for July 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and July 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Leif Erikson Hall (2245 NW 57th St).
“We want to hear from people and this comment period is your opportunity to provide us with your thoughts on the environmental analysis and the merits of the alternative alignments,” writes SDOT in a press release.
There has been much talk and some concern in the neighborhood about the different options (pictured below) that are being considered.
Organizers of Ballard Farmers Market have opposed the option running along Ballard Ave NW as it “has the potential to have a devastating effect on the Ballard Farmers Market”.
The My Ballard team reached out to SDOT and received the following statement from Mark Mazola regarding the Ballard Ave option:
At this point we have only a concept for the Ballard Avenue Alternative but recognize the potential conflicts with the Ballard Farmers Market.
We have talked with the owner, manager, and several board members of the Ballard Farmers Market to better understand their operations and look forward to receiving more detail about their operations, logistics, and concerns during the public comment period.
If the Ballard Avenue Alternative were chosen, we would work very closely with the Ballard Farmers Market during the design of the trail to ensure that they could continue to operate in the Ballard neighborhood during and after project construction.
To inform the local community about each of the options Haley Keller, co-owner of Peddler Brewing, created and released an informational video.
“As a resident and business owner in Ballard who regularly bikes and walks around my neighborhood, I am passionate about making Ballard safe and accessible,” says Keller.
Check out the video below:
To view SDOT’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) click here. Hard copies of the DEIS and appendices are also available to review at no cost at Ballard Library (5614 22nd Ave NW).
To give your feedback on the options attend one of the Open House events, email BGT_MissingLink_Info@seattle.gov or mail a letter to :
Scott Kubly, Director
Seattle Department of Transportation
c/o Mark Mazzola, Environmental Manager
P.O. Box 34996
Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
