Sound Transit Board Rejects Chamber-Backed SLU Station Alternatives
Sound Transit Rejects Chamber's SLU Station Plan?
The Sound Transit Board has decided against adopting chamber-backed alternatives for the South Lake Union station on the Ballard Link light rail line. Despite heavy lobbying from the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and support from entities like Amazon and Vulcan, concerns over significant construction impacts on Westlake Avenue led to the rejection. The proposed changes would have delayed the project by 10 months and added at least $500 million in costs.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, although initially supportive, recognized the lack of votes and the financial and logistical challenges of the alternatives. The board remains committed to minimizing disruptions and improving the existing plans, with a focus on the preferred 7th Avenue and Harrison Street location. This decision aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure effective transit connections and reduced construction impacts as part of the broader Sound Transit 3 project approved in 2016.
How did the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and companies like Amazon and Vulcan attempt to influence the decision regarding the South Lake Union station alternatives?
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, along with companies like Amazon and Vulcan, attempted to influence the decision regarding the South Lake Union station alternatives by lobbying for the late "shifted west" additions. They argued that the existing proposal's construction impacts were too severe, especially on Westlake Avenue. Amazon and other businesses in the area supported the chamber's position, and Vulcan even funded its own station study. However, their efforts were not enough to sway the Sound Transit Board of Directors, who ultimately rejected the late-breaking alternatives due to added costs and delays.
What were the main reasons the Sound Transit Board of Directors rejected the "shifted west" station alternatives for the Ballard Link light rail line?
The Sound Transit Board of Directors rejected the "shifted west" station alternatives for the Ballard Link light rail line for several reasons. The main concerns were the potential for significant delays and increased costs associated with the late addition of these alternatives. Adding the "shifted west" alternatives to the plan was estimated to cause at least 10 months of delay and add at least $500 million in costs. Additionally, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who had signaled support for the chamber-backed alternatives, acknowledged that he did not have the votes to successfully bring a motion or a solution for the added costs and delay risk.
Moreover, the shifted west proposal, which aimed to put the "South Lake Union" station at 5th Avenue N next to Memorial Stadium and the Museum of Pop Music (MoPop), faced opposition from various groups. Seattle Center organizations raised concerns about construction impacts, while transit advocacy groups questioned the location's ability to offer high-quality bus transfers. The agency's preferred location at 7th Avenue and Harrison Street would have offered more convenient connections with Aurora Avenue buses3.
Finally, the board had already voted in favor of the "Shifted North" alternative in the fall, which was projected to add $170 million in costs to Ballard Link but lessen the severity of construction impacts on Westlake Avenue. Adding further alternatives would have complicated the project and potentially caused additional delays.