EXPENSIVE TUNNEL: The wastewater tunnel project that will stretch between Ballard and Wallingford is now projected to cost $147 million more than originally thought, reports Crosscut. The joint city-county project, headed up by SPU, is designed to prevent polluted water — 62 million gallons a year! — from spilling into the Ship Canal, Salmon Bay and Lake Union during heavy rains. SPU believes it can cover the cost overruns, but it still needs city council approval.
NO MAGNOLIA BRIDGE?: SDOT told Magnolia neighbors in a meeting last night that it may not have enough money to replace the aging Magnolia Bridge. “It’s still on the table, but it’s really at the high end of the cost in terms of replacement,” said Kit Loo, SDOT Project Manager. While the city mulls alternatives, some Magnolia neighbors have launched a petition to “Save Magnolia Bridge.”
JOLI COMING BACK: The Ballard restaurant Joli, which closed in late April, announced it will reopen June 5th with “with expanded hours and a menu reset.” Eater has the story.
SPRAY PARK OPENS: This Saturday the spray park at Ballard Commons officially opens for the season, running from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
ORCHESTRA CONCERT: Ballard High is holding its Spring Orchestra Concert this Thursday evening. In March, Ballard’s Chamber Orchestra was named first runner up at the The National Orchestra Cup at the Lincoln Center and was also honored with the best strings section award. The concert is free (donations accepted), and it begins at 7:30 p.m. at BHS.
GARAGE SALES: This Saturday is the Whittier Heights annual garage sale event beginning at 9 a.m. Quite a few families are expected to participate, and you can stop by 73rd and Dibble on Saturday morning to pick up a map.
FOOTBALL CAMPS: BHS football coach Ross Humphries sent us a note to remind everyone about two football camps this June. One is for incoming BHS freshmen (June 25-28th) and the other is a youth camp (June 11-14th for grades 2nd-7th). More details here.
ON THE CALENDAR: Have you seen our Ballard events calendar lately? It’s packed with great community events in the greater Ballard area — and you can submit your own.