In an effort to support downtown cafes, restaurants, and retail stores, two blocks of Ballard Ave will temporarily be converted to one-way traffic.
Working on behalf of Ballard Ave business owners, the Ballard Alliance received a temporary permit from SDOT to modify traffic flow on the 5200 and 5300 blocks of Ballard Ave (between 20th and 22nd Avenues NW). As of yesterday, Sept. 1, traffic is now only be permitted for northbound travel. The permit will expire in six months; on March 1, 2021.
According to the Alliance, “the goal of the traffic flow modification is to allow businesses, who have obtained a Street Cafes and Merchandise Displays permit, a greater footprint in the parking and street area in front of their business.”
The permit now allows for businesses to expand to 12-feet in front of their businesses (where previously only seven feet were permitted) and allows for canopy structures.
Deliveries and curbside pickups will remain open in the northbound direction, and street parking will still be available in designated spaces along the one-way stretch.
So far, 10 businesses along the modified section hold the street cafe/merchandise display permit, with more expected to apply in the coming weeks, the Alliance says.
Why not just close the whole street? Who needs to drive on Ballard Avenue?