By Oliver Moffat
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| Councilmember Annette Ademasu asked staff for more details about tree removals planned for the 175th project especially at Ronald Bog Park |
Councilmember Annette Ademasu raised a 175th corridor project agenda item up for discussion at this week’s council meeting. She questioned the proposed removal of 213 significant trees to make way for the road project. “At Ronald Bog there are three large conifers and a Japanese cherry. Is there anyway to save those at Ronald Bog?” she asked.
In response to questions, Public Works Director, Tricia Juhnke said, “In an earthquake, 175th would most likely slip and slide and fall into the bog. 175th is identified as one of our top emergency corridors for connection throughout the city.”
Making the road safer requires regrading the roadway and building walls on each side to contain the new substrate. “It is also a reason we were able to get an $8 million grant from FEMA to improve the infrastructure,” Juhnke added.
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| Councilmember John Ramsdell raised concerns about transparency and asked why the 175th arborist report had not been published earlier |
Councilmember John Ramsdell said, “I’m concerned about the lack of transparency and communication with the community. I was really hoping to see more transparency. What concerned me is that the arborist report wasn’t done until October.”
City staff reiterated a promise made in September of 2023 to provide more transparency on tree impacts and said the city is still “playing catch up” on projects that have been in the planning phase for many years.
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| Cross section of preferred concept from Meridian Avenue N to I-5 (facing east) |
In recognizing that the 175th project has been in planning since before the city recently reprioritized in favor of increased tree preservation, Mayor Chris Roberts said, “as nimble as Shoreline is we are still a relatively large ship and we can’t turn on a dime”
On Monday April 15, the city council will hold a public hearing and discuss Shoreline’s Transportation Improvement Plan. The plan, which serves as a six-year roadmap for transportation projects in the city, is updated each year.
What is a "shared use path"? Is it a sidewalk? If it is we don't need one on 175th. No one walks up and down that road.
ReplyDeletePlenty of people walk on that road, including myself. There would definitely be more if there were a suitable sidewalk and connecting sidewalks further down the road. Right now it narrows down to just 2-3 feet in several places, and is dangerously close to vehicle traffic, but I still see others using it when I'm using it.
DeleteI'm not very familiar with this project, so maybe I'm missing something. The messaging from the Council is not consistent with the timeframes identified on the City's own Project website. The Arborist's report has been available since Dec 2022 - why is the Council acting like this information is new? Is there any data to support the Public Works Director's claims that the road will fall into the bog, or is that mere speculation? This feels more like political posturing than actual engagement with the design process.
ReplyDeleteThe 175th St project is going to be a test of the city's values. Do we wish to maximize motor vehicle throughput, retain trees, or improve safety for people outside a vehicle? Unfortunately, we can only choose two on this corridor.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'd like to see the road made safer while still retaining trees, even if it means lower motor vehicle throughput.