 |
| Map from City of Shoreline website |
The Lynnwood Link for Sound Transit light rail is deep in the planning process. The trains will run along the east side of I-5 in the public right of way, possibly on elevated rails. The route runs the length of Shoreline, up to Lynnwood.
There may be two stations in Shoreline. Consensus is to site one at N 185th, but the other has not been decided - possibly 145th in Seattle or Shoreline.
The map above shows the impact area for the station at 185th. There is no question that the areas in the impact area will experience tremendous change as the station is built out over the next ten years.
General Timeline
- May 14, 2012 – City Adoption of Station Area Framework Policies
- Spring 2013 – City Begins Station Area Planning Process
- Spring 2013 – Participation of Sound Transit Draft EIS
- Summer 2013 – Sound Transit Board Identifies the Preferred Alternative
- 2014 – City Update of Land Use Map and Zoning
- 2014-2015 – Sound Transit Final EIS
- 2018-2023 – Construction of Light Rail and Stations
- 2023 – Projected Light Rail Service Begins
Neighborhood Associations in the impact zone are being proactive. The neighborhoods of Echo Lake, North City, and Meridian Park have formed a 185th Street Station committee and are collecting information and making contacts, so residents in the impact area will have the best information to make decisions, be prepared, and have some meaningful input into the planning.
One neighborhood meeting has already been held.
On Tuesday, April 16, 2013, a community forum will be held with representatives of the Rainier Valley, Capitol Hill, and Northgate neighborhoods. These Seattle neighborhoods are in different stages of development for their light rail stations.
Dale Lydin, co-chair of the committee and Echo Lake board member, says:
In sections of the LINK Light Rail system that have been completed, the stations have been a catalyst for redevelopment and growth. Multi-story, residential and commercial buildings and parking structures have replaced single family homes.
We invite people to come hear about the experiences these Seattle neighborhoods had with Light Rail redevelopment, so we can learn what to expect from the planning and construction of our future Light Rail Station.
The meeting will be held at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Avenue NE in Shoreline from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Refreshments and childcare will be provided.
This informational forum is also important for those who live south of the target zone for the 185th Station. There will be a second station in Shoreline at one of 2 sites. The 2 sites being considered and currently in the EIS process are at/or near NE 155th and at/or near NE 145th. Following the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) there will be Public meetings for this second station. But why wait? If you live anywhere along the I-5 corridor, or anywhere in Shoreline, it would be wise to attend the April 16th Forum. Light Rail will effect us all.
ReplyDeleteQuite right. Light Rail will affect us all. Aurora Square renewal will affect us all. Point Wells will affect us all. Town Center will affect us all. Crista will affect us all. No neighborhood is an island. Yet none of these major developments is being planned in consideration of the others. Divide and conquer. That is the MO.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, the planning for each will include expanded sidewalks and possibly bicycle lanes - ideally separated, or at least with a raised mini-median and/or flags in-between it and motorized traffic. For instance, for the 185th location, eastward to 10th NE, south on 5th NE and 10th NE to at least 175th, north on 1st NE to the trail at 195th near the Ballinger Apartments. For the southern Shoreline station, bicycle lanes on 5th NE, even all the way from NE 185th to NE145th, would be a plus. A 155th location will provide a straight shot to Westminster Square and Shoreline CC to the west and to new developments planned for Fircrest to the east. A location at 145th has few options for an arterial that's been clogged for decades. Sound Transit has already reviewed their findings with others in the industry, we the public should find out in June/July I would think.
ReplyDelete