Travis Phelps, Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program issued a news alert this morning concerning crews closing the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct this weekend to continue reinforcing a two-block section of the structure located above the route of the future SR 99 tunnel.

Both directions of SR 99 between the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge will close from 11 p.m. Friday, May 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, May 21.

Drivers should plan for increased congestion in and near downtown Seattle during the closures, and consider leaving early, carpooling or taking transit. Up-to-the-minute traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic and via the Washington State Department of Transportation’s voice-activated driver information line, 511.

During the closure crews will wrap a protective reinforcing fiber on the concrete beams of the viaduct’s lower deck between South Washington and Columbia streets in Pioneer Square. This spring crews repaired and smoothed the concrete to provide a suitable surface for the protective fiber.

“It’s like wrapping an injured ankle,” said Matt Preedy, WSDOT Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program deputy administrator. “Protecting this section of the viaduct is important because crews will drive the tunnel boring machine beneath it in late 2013.”
Currently being manufactured in Japan, the machine is designed specifically for the soil and groundwater conditions along the tunnel alignment. Although tunneling crews do not anticipate significant levels of ground settlement, they are monitoring structures above and near the tunnel route as a precaution.
In addition to the reinforcement work, tunnel crews are building underground walls beneath the viaduct’s foundations to further protect it during tunneling.

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement program, visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.

This morning I stopped by the Commute Seattle stand at 5th and Stewart to show support for their work to help people conveniently walk, bike, carpool or take transit to work.

Here’s a view of what kind of work goes into  the launching pit preparation for the bore machine being made in Japan. 

Watch here as the ground is being prepared.

Special Committee to discuss Seawall

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council’s Special Committee on the Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program will meet after Full Council on Monday, April 23. 

The Committee will discuss public safety and protection of the Central Waterfront, the downtown business district, transportation and public infrastructure, a possible bond measure to replace the Elliot Bay Seawall and the Seawall design, schedule, cost estimates and next steps.

WHEN:
Monday, April 23, 2012, following Full Council
(approximately 2:30 p.m.)

WHERE:
Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Ave, Second floor, Seattle 98104

View the committee agenda here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Some historical perspective from the Space Needle:

All kinds of famous folks have enjoyed the Space Needle, including entertainers like Elvis Presley, Walt Disney, John Travolta, Mike Myers and Bono; royalty such as Prince Philip of Great Britain and the Shah and Empress of Iran; presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon and Jimmy Carter; and astronauts John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. In fact, martial arts legend Bruce Lee brought his future wife Linda Emery to the Space Needle for their first date on October 25, 1963. They were married the following August.

The Needle by the numbers:

• 605 feet tall
• Original cost: $4.5 million
• Remodel cost in 2000: $21 million
• Visited by 1.2 million people a year
• Repainted 4 times, using 8,000 gallons
• On hot days, the Needle expands about 1 inch

For more information on this weekend’s Next 50 opening celebration at the Seattle Center, visit http://www.thenextfifty.org/.

Seattle Municipal Archives has some excellent resources on the 1962 World’s Fair.  Click to view digital files, text files.  Image files can be viewed here and here.

The proposal includes things like a multi-use bike and pedestrian path, a new “pocket beach” on the south end of the waterfront, habitat enhancements and artificial reefs for fish and other sea life, and soil stabilization with jet grouting (as opposed to shafts drilled into the ground).

Of the $325 million, $300 million is for construction of the new seawall itself (including everything from soil stabilization—the biggest chunk, necessary because the soil near the waterfront is mostly made of fill that can liquify during an earthquake, destabilizing everything that sits on it), habitat restoration, the new surface Alaskan Way, and contingency. The contingency is now $48 million, less than the $81 million in the original plan. That’s a reduction from a contingency of 30 percent to a contingency of 25 percent, a decrease SDOT attributes to the fact that seawall design is further along.

The city council will vote Monday on a resolution to move forward on preparing a seawall funding measure for the November ballot. In June, they’ll hold public hearings on the proposal, and they’ll vote on a final seawall bond measure in July.

Monday, April 23, 2012 at 12:15 p.m.
Broadway and Boylston Avenue
(near Swedish hospital)
To RSVP, please email: streetcar@seattle.gov

The City of Seattle has partnered with Sound Transit to build the First Hill Streetcar Line. In late April utility and rail construction is scheduled to begin.

In Spring 2014 the First Hill Streetcar will be operational and connecting thousands of riders daily to the places they live, work and socialize.

For more information about the streetcar please visit www.seattlestreetcar.org.

KIRO TV.com
SEATTLE

Metro Transit is holding an open house Monday night to announce the largest service change ever proposed. The overhaul, which is the result of public input, means major changes for bus riders. Some of the changes include new rapid ride lines that will connect Ballard and West Seattle to downtown.

More than 50 routes will be affected, and some may be eliminated because of low ridership. The downtown Seattle ride-free zone will be cut as well. The aim of the changes is to increase efficiency by cutting bus overcrowding and boosting ridership.

Metro’s plan is part of a two-year initiative to meet increasing traffic demands and maximize limited transit dollars.

The open house begins at 6 p.m. at Union Station at 401 South Jackson St.

The public will be able to see the plans, talk to Metro staff and make final comments.

City of Burien Newsletter-The City Report

Since May 2011, a transportation consultant and the Transportation Master Plan Advisory Committee have been working on the City’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP). Besides analyzing Burien’s transportation system, they are conducting a review of existing Comprehensive Plan transportation policies to develop a new transportation vision for the City. The TMP provides a comprehensive, integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design that allows safe and convenient travel for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle drivers, and public transit users.

The draft plan will be presented to the City Council at its meeting on Monday, April 16. The public is welcome to attend. See draft Transportation Master Plan

Watch Seattle City Councilmembers share their
favorite Seattle Center memories

SEATTLE - In anticipation of the Seattle Center's Next Fifty celebration kick-off on Saturday, April 21, Seattle City Councilmembers sat down to share their favorite Seattle Center memories. Tune in to our Council Connection blog over the next week as they share their stories.

What:
Seattle City Councilmembers share their Seattle Center memories

When:
Morning and afternoon blog postings, April 16-20, 2012

Where:
Council Connection Blog at http://council.seattle.gov/
Subscribe to the RSS feed at http://council.seattle.gov/feed/

For more information on the Seattle Center's Next Fifty celebration, including the schedule of events, visit http://seattlecenter.com/news/detail.aspx?id=1719.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

It is necessary to move the eastbound traffic off of the old viaduct structure so that its bridge deck surface can be repaired and resurfaced, after which eastbound traffic will be returned to the then refurbished structure. During this temporary configuration, travel lanes will be 10 feet wide to accommodate four lanes of traffic. Once eastbound traffic returns to the refurbished structure, all lanes will be 11 feet wide in the permanent configuration. In the interim, the speed limit on the Spokane Street Viaduct will be 25 MPH (down from 35 MPH) for safety.

Either (or both) the First or Fourth Avenue off-ramps will be open during this period. During the initial phase of work starting April 12 and expected to last six to eight weeks, the Fourth Avenue off-ramp will be closed to all traffic. Motorists who would normally use this exit are instead asked to take the First Avenue S off-ramp and then proceed east on lower Spokane Street to Fourth Avenue S.

In addition, access to the eastbound Spokane Viaduct from the eastbound Harbor Island on-ramp will be restricted – the ramp will only provide access to northbound SR99—until the eastbound traffic is moved back onto the refurbished structure in the late summer.

For more information: Paul Elliott, (206) 684-5321, paul.elliott@seattle.gov

Media contact: Marybeth Turner (206) 684-8548, marybeth.turner@seattle.gov

Library leaders and city officials join together in support of levy for The Seattle Public Library

Seattle Public Library Board President Marie McCaffrey, City Librarian Marcellus Turner, Mayor Mike McGinn and City Councilmember Richard Conlin announced support for a Library levy to restore cuts and improve core services at a noon press conference at Seattle's Central Library. City officials and Library leaders were joined by scores of Library patrons at the event.

The Library levy would fund increased Library hours, build the collection of books and materials, enhance computers and online services and improve building maintenance. The plan grew out of a two-year process that involved comments from more than 39,000 residents through public meetings, open houses, surveys, focus groups and forums. There were more than 14 million visits to The Seattle Public Library last year and over 11 million books and materials circulated.

The City Council is expected to vote on legislation that would authorize an Aug. 7, 2012, ballot for a Library levy at 2:30 p.m. today.

The seven-year Library levy of $17 million annually would stabilize the Library budget after four years of cuts that have eroded services. The Library has been closed for one week each year since 2009, 15 of 26 branches are closed two days a week, and the budget to buy books and other items has been cut by more than 13 percent since 2009. The levy would also provide an estimated $5 million to address anticipated cuts in 2013. The Library would continue to rely on the city's general fund for the majority of its budget. At about 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, the levy would cost the median homeowner approximately $52 a year.

"We owe a huge thank you not only to the mayor and council for their collaboration and support, but also to the people of Seattle who helped shape the plan over the past two years," said McCaffrey. "This is an important step toward completing the vision of the 1998 'Libraries for All' bond measure, which resulted in new and improved libraries across the city."

McGinn said people depend on libraries for access to information and resources they need to succeed. "Libraries are the great equalizers for people of all ages," he said. "A strong Library system contributes to the economic, educational and cultural vitality of our city." He noted that libraries are key partners in supporting his initiatives for youth and families and to bolster civic engagement. "Libraries support our residents looking for work, students needing homework assistance, and people who cannot afford a computer," he said. "Our libraries are educational centers in every community and gathering places for neighborhood meetings and activities."

Conlin initiated a study of alternative funding options for the Library in 2010 after recognizing the city's fiscal challenges and declining tax revenues were affecting services. A levy package grew out of that effort.

"At the City Council's April 3 public hearing, Library patrons spoke to how they have been impacted by the cuts and how critical it was that our libraries be open with the resources and assistance they need," Conlin said. "Libraries are particularly important in challenging economic times and it just doesn't make sense to cut services when people need them the most."

City Librarian Marcellus Turner said the plan was built to reflect the priorities of the community. "Libraries are the city's classrooms for both individuals and the community," he said. "The Library levy will help ensure we can provide essential Library services now and for the next generation of users." 

Ninety-one-year-old Eleanor Owen and local mystery writer Kathrine Beck also spoke about how the Library has helped them, and their families and friends, throughout their lives.

For more information, visit www.spl.org and select "Libraries for All: A Plan for the Present, A Foundation for the Future," or call 206-386-4636.

For more information contact: Andra Addison, communications director, 206-386-4103

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Levy proposal addresses ongoing fiscal challenges and supports critical services

What:
After a two-year process involving the thoughtful contributions of tens of thousands of residents and collaboration between The Seattle Public Library, Mayor’s Office and City Council, a proposal to stabilize Library funding and improve Library services is complete.

Who:
Library Board President Marie McCaffrey, City Librarian Marcellus Turner, Mayor Mike McGinn and Seattle City Councilman Richard Conlin will announce a proposed Library levy to address ongoing financial challenges and support key service priorities: Library hours, collections, technology and building maintenance.

91-year-old Library patron Eleanor Owen and Seattle author Kathrine Beck will also speak about the Library’s importance to the city’s educational, cultural and economic vitality.

Library and city officials will be joined by other members of the City Council and Library Board, as well as the Friends of the Library, Library Foundation and members of the public.

When:
Noon Monday, April 9, 2012

Schedule:
Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Event Remarks
Library Board president, mayor, City Councilman Richard Conlin and city librarian will talk about the levy plan and what it offers the community. Two Library patrons will talk about the importance of libraries in their lives. The press will receive copies of the proposal, “Libraries for All: A Plan for the Present, A Foundation for the Future.”

12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. - Other Broadcast Opportunities
Library officials, the mayor, City Council members, Library patrons Eleanor Owen and Kathrine Beck, as well as Library Friends and Foundation members available for further interviews. Opportunities to film baby story time, tax assistance program and poetry group and other activities happening in the building. City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed Library levy for the Aug. 7, 2012 ballot at 2:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 600 Fourth Ave.

Where:
The Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 3

Information:
Andra Addison, The Seattle Public Library, 206-386-4103, andra.addison@spl.org
Caroline Ullmann, The Seattle Public Library, 206-615-1627, caroline.ullmann@spl.org

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct has been a vital part of Seattle and the Pioneer Square Neighborhood for more than 50 years. Now that construction is underway to replace the aging structure, preservation is also underway to educate visitors to Milepost 31 about the history of the roadway and what stood on the land before Seattle`s first neighborhood was settled. 

Milepost 31 is designed to give people another reason to visit the neighborhood during construction, while giving the public another opportunity to learn about the important work being done to improve our infrastructure.

Watch a Seattle Channel CityStream sneek peek here.

SEATTLE — A heads up for drivers in the Seattle area: The Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed this weekend.

Both directions of SR 99 between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge will close from 11:00 p.m. Friday, April 6, to 5 a.m. Monday, April 9 as state transportation crews do reinforcement work on the viaduct.

“The weather is improving, and shops and restaurants will be open for the holiday weekend,” Matt Preedy, DOT deputy administrator for the viaduct replacement, said in a news release. “Remember to plan ahead and allow a little extra time.”

There will be another weekend closure of the viaduct in mid-May to complete the scheduled work, which includes filling cracks and wrapping previously damaged sections of the viaduct, according to the release.

Drivers should expect heavier traffic in and around the downtown area during the closure.

Join us at Milepost 31 to learn more about upcoming changes and impacts to parking to Pioneer Square .

State and City outreach staff will be on hand to answer questions about significant traffic changes that will affect Alaskan Way and the roadway under the viaduct in May 2012.

Dates: April 11th (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and April 12th (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Location: 211 First Ave. S.

For more information, email viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov or call 1-888-AWV-LINE (298-5463)

Feedback sought on proposed Seattle Public Library Levy

SEATTLE – Providing funding stability for the Seattle Public Library is a priority for the City of Seattle. Seattle City Councilmembers invite members of the public to provide their feedback on the proposed Library Levy legislation before the Council. 

WHAT:
Public Hearing on the proposed Library Levy

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 3, 5:30 p.m. (Sign up will open at 5 p.m.)

WHERE:
Council Chambers, second floor
Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

Over the last two years, the Library has involved over 39,000 residents in strategic planning for the Library's future and setting priorities for Library services. In community surveys, focus groups panel discussions, five open houses, and three community meetings, the people of Seattle came together to identify the priorities for the Library's work now and in the future. Please take this opportunity to share your feedback on the proposed seven year Library Levy.

For more information on the proposed Library Levy, please visit the Council's issue page.  The proposed legislation will likely be voted on at the April 9, meeting of the Special Committee on the Library Levy at 2:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Construction on the Highway 520 bridge is finally getting down to water level, as workers will soon build the fixed sections that extend up from Lake Washington to the Eastside.

Auckland’s waterfront can have it all.

By: Blair Cunningham | Latest Auckland News | Wednesday March 28 2012 9:21

March 22, 2012

By Journal Staff

Seattle Alaskan Way Viaduct under construction-1952

Crews are getting ready to wrap a section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s support columns in carbon-fiber to bolster the against earthquakes and a tunnel boring machine that will pass below.

The work will require closing the viaduct this weekend and the weekend of April 7-8.

“It’s like wrapping an injured ankle,” said Matt Preedy, WSDOT Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program deputy administrator, in a statement. “Reinforcing this section allows us to keep the viaduct safely open to traffic while we build the tunnel, but ultimately this is a short-term fix because the underlying structure remains at risk to earthquakes.”

Reinforcing the viaduct is a multi-step process. It starts with sandblasting a half-century of grime from damaged areas along a two-block section between South Washington and Columbia streets in Pioneer Square.

Before the wrap goes on, crews will fill cracks in the concrete and round out corners where the concrete is spalling. Exposed rebar will be cleaned and fresh concrete will be placed in the spalled areas. Most of the work this weekend is cleaning.

Wrapping the columns will happen during the second weekend closure. A WSDOT spokesman said if wrapping takes longer it could mean partial viaduct closures in the future.

A few other sections of the viaduct already have been wrapped. The latest work will wrap the upper horizontal arches of several column pairs that join in an inverted U-shape to support the road deck.

WSDOT is also installing micro piles to stabilize the ground the columns rest on. That work started last month and is expected to be finished in June.

Seattle Tunnel Partners, the joint venture building the replacement tunnel, is in charge of the wrap and micro-pile operations. Its tunnel boring machine is expected to travel 80 feet below the reinforced section of viaduct late next year. WSDOT and the Seattle Department of Transportation are squeezing in some other work while the viaduct is out of service: WSDOT will inspect it for cracks, settlement and shifting; SDOT will re-strip the road deck.

The WSDOT spokesman said the viaduct was last inspected in October, when engineers found mild settlement near Columbia Street. Preliminary results from this weekend’s inspections are expected April 10.

The streetcar line is being built, in part, to link light rail stations and to serve the First Hill neighborhood. Sound Transit determined that it would be too expensive to build an underground light rail station on First Hill because of geological conditions.

The City offered to build the streetcar faster and for fewer dollars than Sound Transit would be able to build the line. In 2009, the City signed an interlocal agreement with Sound Transit, promising to build the line for under $133 million and complete the work in two-and-a-half years. In spring of 2010, the City Council approved the alignment shown on the map above.

With construction about to begin, the City is reaching out to the communities along the line – Pioneer Square, Chinatown International District, Little Saigon, Central District, First Hill and Capitol Hill – to discuss construction impacts, which include temporary and, in some cases permanent, loss of parking; limited access to business and residential entrance; noise and traffic disruptions. SDOT has already hosted two community meetings in Chinatown/International District and Capitol Hill to discuss these impacts. SDOT will hold additional meetings as the project enters different phases of construction.

The First Hill Streetcar will begin carrying passengers during the first quarter of 2014. Until then, we’ll provide more updates and information about the progress of construction. While any large transportation project creates disruption, the good news about streetcar construction is that in most cases any one block face is only impacted for a week or two during the construction period. If you have any problems related to construction, please call my office, or for immediate attention, call the 24-hour construction hotline at 206.257.2121.

The open house will be an opportunity to find out about construction impacts and how to stay informed of project progress, meet the project team, and learn about the route and stop locations.  Construction is slated to begin in April.

 The City of Seattle is developing the First Hill Streetcar through a partnership with Sound Transit, with funding provided through the 2008 voter approved Sound Transit 2 (ST2) transit expansion plan.

Wednesday, March 7
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Silver Cloud Hotel
The Broadway Room
1100 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122

Getting There:
The main entrance is on Broadway between E Madison Street and E Union Street.

Councilmember Rasmussen announces discounted prescription drug program for Seattle residents
Seattle to join National League of Cities program

SEATTLE – In his position as a Seattle representative to the Association for Washington Cites board, Councilmember Rasmussen is leading the effort for the City of Seattle to soon join the National League of Cities (NLC) prescription discount program. In operation since 2008, the program provides residents of participating NLC cities who have an NLC discount card to save on the cost of prescriptions not covered by insurance.

"Not all Seattle residents have health insurance, or prescription drug insurance benefits that fully meet their needs," said Councilmember Rasmussen. "By having the City of Seattle participate in this program, I expect that people will realize some savings on the costs of their health care. I have asked the Mayor for his support and participation in implementing this program for Seattle. I expect that this program can begin in Seattle by early April."

There is no cost to the City for participation in the NLC Program. The City’s role is to distribute the cards and to promote the program.  Currently 408 cities are participating including nine Washington cities: Tacoma, Shoreline, Sammamish, Puyallup, Auburn, Marysville, Burien, Airway Heights, and Union Gap. 

Residents present the card to participating pharmacies at the time they purchase a prescription. By using the card, a resident will save on the cost of their uninsured prescription. The discount will vary depending on the prescription, however experience in other cities has shown that the average savings is 20% off the regular retail price. Residents are not required to fill out enrollment forms. There are no income requirements, membership fees or limits on the number of times the card can be used.

Additional information can be found at the National League of Cities website.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

The gymnasts are participating in a competition in Seattle on the March 10th, 2012. Six of them are on the New Zealand team to compete at Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships in Everett.

 They are being accompanied by their coaches Iosif Ferencz of Great Britain and Svetlana Sazonova of New Zealand, manager /judge Avril Enslow and Chaperone Michelle Kingston-White.

Here is the list of who will be attending:

• Natasha Boon Gymnast, New Zealand 26/02/2000
• Waverley Gee Gymnast, New Zealand 7/06/1996
• Charleis Kingston-White Gymnast, New Zealand 4/05/2001
• Hanna Malloch Gymnast ,New Zealand 27/10/1998
• Courtney McGregor Gymnast, New Zealand 17/11/1998
• Rebecca Morrison Gymnast, New Zealand 3/08/1998
• Tara Purvis Gymnast, New Zealand 8/01/1999
• Charlotte Sullivan Gymnast, New Zealand 31/05/1998
• Millie Williamson, Gymnast New Zealand 13/10/1999

Watch this month’s City Inside/Out: Council Edition

Seattle City Councilmembers Bagshaw, Burgess and Rasmussen to appear on this month's City Inside/Out: Council Edition
Email your questions now for Seattle City Councilmembers

SEATTLE – What needs to happen to bring NBA and NHL to Seattle? How can residents be involved in this year's budget process? What are the next steps for making Third Avenue safer for residents and visitors? Is the Volunteer Park Conservatory really facing closure? Whatever your questions, submit them now.

This episode of City Inside/Out: Council Edition features Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Tim Burgess and Tom Rasmussen answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by Friday, March 2, at noon.

• Email: contact@seattlechannel.org
• Online: http://www.seattlechannel.org/CouncilEdition/
• Twitter: @SeattleChannel
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattleChannel
• Simply reply to this email

Don't miss this opportunity to put your issues before the City's lawmakers. Email now and tune in on Tuesday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. to hear the answers to your questions.

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Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

The open houses will be an opportunity to find out about construction impacts; information on project progress; meet the project team; and learn about route and stop locations. Both meetings will be open house format. This is a informal presentation, please feel free to drop in at any time.

The City of Seattle is developing the First Hill Streetcar through a partnership with Sound Transit, with funding provided through the 2008 voter approved Sound Transit 2 (ST2) transit expansion plan.

For further information, visit the project Website.

The first open house will be held Wednesday, February 28, 5 – 8 p.m., at Union Station’s Ruth Fisher Boardroom. Union Station is located at 401 South Jackson Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues. The location is transit accessible, and on- and off-street parking is available nearby.

The second open house will be held Wednesday, March 7, 4 – 7 p.m. in the Silver Cloud Hotel’s Broadway Room. The Silver Cloud Hotel is located at 1100 Broadway between East Madison Street and East Union Street. The location is transit accessible and on- and off-street parking is available nearby. There is also limited free parking at the Silver Cloud Hotel.

The First Hill Streetcar Line will be an important link to the regional transit system. It will connect the neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, First Hill, Yesler Terrace, the Central Area, Chinatown International District, and Pioneer Square and serve major employment centers (Harborview, Swedish, and Virginia Mason medical centers) , institutions of higher education (Seattle Central Community College, Seattle University) and sporting venues (CenturyLink and Safeco fields).

The City of Seattle is developing the First Hill Streetcar through a partnership with Sound Transit, with funding provided through the 2008 voter approved Sound Transit 2 (ST2) transit expansion plan.

For further information, visit the project Website at www.seattlestreetcar.org/

Thank you for taking the time to participate in our outreach process for the September 2012 service change – your input has been very valuable.

We undertake our outreach efforts to develop a better understanding of how the community uses our services, so that the changes we propose balance the needs of riders of a particular route with the needs of current and future riders of our entire system.

The proposals Metro presented for feedback were designed to improve the efficiency of our service to serve more people to more places. Talking with you and others helps us understand how existing service is an important part of your lives and neighborhoods. When proposals include long established high ridership routes within a diverse and multifaceted setting, public outreach helps Metro weigh technical considerations with human factors.

We have received valuable feedback. We’ve heard that there are factors that deserve further review, analysis and understanding. As a result, Metro has decided to postpone the route 2, 4 and 27 proposals. Issues were raised of coverage and traffic congestion on Madison Street, and more information about the unique travel needs of those that live and work in the area is needed. For now, we are not proposing to change existing routing of this set of routes. Instead, we are proposing to just make small adjustments to the frequency and running hours of routes 4 and 27 consistent with demand.

You can expect to see updated web content and materials detailing a recommended proposal in mid-March. You can send us comments by email at haveasay@kingcounty.gov, or phone our message line at 206-263-9768.

Sincerely,

Victor Obeso
Manager, Service Development
King County Metro Transit

Seattle City Councilmembers praise Governor Gregoire for signing marriage equality bill
Council's marriage equality resolution supports state legislative efforts

SEATTLE –Seattle City Councilmembers today recognized the signing of Senate Bill 6239, concerning civil marriage and domestic partnerships, as Washington state joins other states in support of marriage equality.

January 23, Councilmembers unanimously approved Resolution 31356 declaring full support of state-wide marriage equality, urging the Washington State Legislature to swiftly pass this legislation.

Council President Sally J. Clark said, "I'd like to recognize and thank Gov. Chris Gregoire, Sen. Ed Murray and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, and all the legislators who took this historic step toward equality.  The unprecedented level of community advocacy has been inspiring."

"This achievement is the result of decades of tenacious and courageous work by people throughout Washington," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.  "I especially want to thank Sen. Ed Murray who has worked tirelessly for fairness and equality for the passage of this landmark law."

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw added, "This issue is about fairness. I am inspired by the thoughtful debate that took place amongst our leaders in Olympia, thrilled to see this day come and proud of our state."

"I thank the Governor and the state Legislature for showing strong leadership on marriage equality," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "This effort has taken great patience and perseverance and today's signing is worthy of celebration."

"I applaud Governor Gregoire and the Legislature for doing the right thing for Washington's residents," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "As a licensed officiant, I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and perform wedding ceremonies as soon as this legislation takes effect and I can legally sign the papers."

"I'm thrilled state legislators and the Governor have made marriage equality the law of the land," stated Councilmember Jean Godden. "It's high time we lived in a state that recognizes everyone's equal rights."

"As an advocate for fairness, I am incredibly proud of our Washington State Senate, House of Representatives, and Gov. Gregoire on fighting for marriage equality in our state," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "Families come in many forms and all families in our city and state should enjoy equal rights and opportunities. I am overcome with pride that Washington state will continue to build momentum towards marriage equality in the United States, by becoming the 7th state to recognize gay marriage. We all benefit from an environment that promotes equality."

Councilmember Nick Licata stated, "As a longtime supporter of marriage equality,  I'm thrilled today that our state Legislature and Governor agree that though Washington's ‘Everything but marriage' law served its purpose for a time, it fell far short of what's right and fair." 

"This historic step makes me proud to be a Washingtonian. I cannot wait to attend my first official gay wedding and celebrate with friends and family who have been left out of this important institution for too long," stated Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

In February 1997, the City of Seattle adopted Resolution 29535 opposing discrimination against same-sex couples in Washington State and supporting legal recognition of civil marriages for same-sex couples. Supporting marriage equality is also in the City of Seattle's 2012 state legislative agenda.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council establishes Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
Coordinated efforts will provide easier to use services to immigrant and refugee communities

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today approved 7-0 Council Bill 117394 establishing the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs as an executive department. By creating one location for immigrant and refugee services, this office will coordinate the City's efforts in reaching and providing services to immigrant and refugee communities.

"The City of Seattle has better invested in the way we serve all residents – including immigrants and refugees," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the committee that will oversee the new Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. "This new office will improve how the City integrates new immigrants and refugees into the civic life of Seattle, as well as help all residents benefit from the diversity of immigrant and refugee cultures. It will be mutually beneficial to all."

The bill recognizes Seattle is home to many immigrant and refugee communities and that language and cultural barriers can compromise equal access to government services and programs. These barriers combined with the complex nature of issues that impact immigrant and refugee communities, resulted in this Council action to strengthen the relationship between government and these communities.

"Immigrant and refugee communities contribute to the vitality of Seattle in countless ways, but they can also have trouble accessing city services," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "The Council created this office because we saw the need to provide a more coordinated welcome to these individuals and families."

"The Immigrant and Refugee Commission is excited about the new City of Seattle's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.  Seattle's Immigrants and refugees have quickly become part of the city's economic life, from the bustling International District downtown to the polyglot scene that is the South East, the most diverse zip code in the nation," said co-chair Devon Abdallah. "What a great way to show commitment to continue to advocate for immigrant and refugees," said co-chair Jesus Rodriguez.  "We are looking forward to having an office coordinating efforts across City departments and a central point of contact for individuals requiring City assistance."

"I am thrilled that we were able to create an office that will reach out to newcomers and serve as a one-stop place to access information and services," stated Councilmember Jean Godden.

"The Office will make city government more accessible and responsive to Seattle's immigrant and refugee communities, which now represent 17 percent of the City's population," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "I look forward to working with the new office to better include these communities, our newest residents, in our civic process and life."

"OneAmerica applauds the Council's leadership in creating this office which will help streamline access to services and create innovative ways to recognize and encourage immigrant and refugee communities to participate in city life. The office also provides a clear signal that city government values the input and contribution made by immigrant communities," said OneAmerica Executive Director, Pramila Jayapal.

The bill also renames the Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board to the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission.  The Seattle City Council created the Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board and developed an Immigrant and Refugee Action Plan in 2007. The Immigrant and Refugee Commission will work with the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative to integrate principles of social justice and ensure consistency with the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

I’m looking forward to having breakfast with Mr. Otmar.

_____________________________________________________________________
Seattle Parks has possession of the propeller that was stolen earlier this week from the University District. After discovering the stolen propeller at the Northwest Corporate Park in Kent, a security guard contacted the Kent Police Department.

Can We Locate This Missing Propeller? If So, I’ll Buy Lunch!

I was distressed to learn this week that a 1,260 pound propeller was stolen from a fenced, residential yard in the University District. What makes this even more aggravating is that it was about to be donated to the City to be installed as a sculpture depicting our maritime heritage at North Passage Point Park on the north shore of Lake Union.

It seems that there is a good chance that the public might spot this and I want to offer this challenge: I will buy lunch for the person who spots this stolen propeller and reports it to the Seattle Police Department at 206-684-5011.

Please read the news release from the Department of Parks and recreation for more information.

Whether these revisions address your concerns or raise new ones, now is the time to weigh in with your opinion. Metro will be holding another round of community meetings to gather additional feedback and finalize the restructure plan for adoption by the King County Council later this spring. Those meetings will be held in neighborhoods all over Seattle throughout the month of February. The schedule can be found here at the Metro website. You may also want to go to the King County Council website and send a comment to the County Councilmember who represents your neighborhood.

As a chair on the Seattle City Council Transportation Committee. I also want to understand how the newly revised plan will affect you and your neighbors. I will convey those concerns and recommendations to Metro Transit’s General Manager and his staff when they come before the City Council to update us on the restructure plan at the Full Council Briefing on Feb. 21 at 9:30am in Council Chambers. You may send me an e-mail at tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov or comment here on my blog.

Join your Seattle elected officials at Saturday's City Hall Open House
Office tours and civic education available for visitors

SEATTLE – Mayor Mike McGinn, City Attorney Pete Holmes and members of the Seattle City Council invite residents to City Hall this Saturday for a day of Seattle-centric festivities.

City Hall Open House
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
(enter on Fifth Avenue)

The open house will include tours of the Mayor's Office, City Council offices, and Office of Intergovernmental Relations, a Q&A with Mayor Mike McGinn, and workshops on the legislative process and interpreting credit reports. All departments will be on-hand to answer resident questions and provide information on City-sponsored programs. City Attorney Pete Holmes will be present along with the four new police Precinct Liaisons. The Seattle Animal Shelter will have adoptable animals available at their booth.

Details are as follows:

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.      

City Hall open for visitors, department tabling

City Council offices available for self-guided tours
(Second floor)

Pai's food truck available on Fifth Avenue

Pike Place Farmer's Market available on Fifth Avenue

"How a bill becomes a law" civic education exhibit
(Council Chambers, second floor)

10:15 a.m.                

Remarks by Council President Sally J. Clark
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

10:20 – 11:15 a.m.  

Q & A with Mayor Mike McGinn
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

11:15 a.m.

Mayor's Honor Song, Arlie Nakeshi, Native American
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

12:00 – 12:30 p.m.  How a bill becomes a law workshop
(Council Chambers, second floor)

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.     Financial Empowerment Workshop: Unraveling the mysteries of credit reports/scores by Becky House, American Financial Solutions, a member of the Seattle-King County Asset Building Collaborative
(Floor L2, Room L280)

The following local musical acts will perform from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.:

• The Fred Hoadley Trio (Latin Jazz; lobby)
• Arlie Neskahi and Eagle's Jump (Native American Music; seventh floor lobby)

The Farmer's Market on Fifth Avenue will include the following local vendors:

• Martin Family Orchards (apples)
• Sidhu Farms (frozen berries, honey, jam)
• Full Circle Farms (organic winter vegetables)
• Garden Flowers (pickled beets and winter vegetables)
• Alm Hill Gardens (fresh tulips)
• Sammamish Valley Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)
• Neng Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)
• Xai Cha Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)

For more information on tomorrow's Open House, visit www.seattle.gov.

I will be joining the South Precinct of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the Southeast Seattle Crime Prevention Council (SSCPC) as they conduct a Walkabout at the Rainier Beach Light Rail Station to assess pedestrian safety.

Please join us at:

The Rainier Beach Station – Monday, January 23rd  at 7:30 pm. We will meet in Quality Rentals parking lot located at: 9000 Martin Luther King Jr Way  Seattle, WA 98118-5055. The wrap-up meeting will be held in the Quality Rentals store.

All community members are invited to attend and walk in groups for several blocks in each direction from the stations, looking for areas where safety improvements can be made.

Please dress warmly and bring a flashlight, note pad and pen for taking notes about areas needing improvement.

For more information, contact SSCPC President Pat Murakami at Pat@NetworkSupportGroup.net or 206.478.9038.

Seattle City Council approves marriage equality resolution
Councilmembers unanimously support state legislative efforts

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today unanimously approved Resolution 31356 declaring full support of state-wide marriage equality, urging the Washington State Legislature to swiftly pass Senate Bill 6239. This bill is explicitly intended to end discrimination in marriage based on gender and sexual orientation, while respecting the religious freedom of religious institutions to determine for whom to perform marriage ceremonies.

"I'm sure it's no surprise that the Seattle City Council favors marriage equality," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "We've long been on record in support, and many of my colleagues and I have actively lobbied for the cause. It's heartening to hear the legislature has the support to turn the measure into law."

"As chair of the committee that oversees Seattle's Office for Civil Rights, I wish to thank the members of the Washington State Senate, House of Representatives, and Gov. Gregoire on fighting for marriage equality in our state," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "Families come in many forms and all families in our city and state should enjoy equal rights and opportunities.  We all benefit from an environment that promotes equality."

The Council resolution also recognizes that all people are created equal and should be treated as such by their government and provides a formal declaration of support to the state legislature and Gov. Gregoire.

"I'm thrilled to support this resolution urging State Legislators to take the final step toward marriage equality. It's about time we lived in a state which recognizes everyone's equal rights under the law," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

"It's long past time for all people in same-sex relationships to be allowed to marry. Washington's 'everything but marriage' law has served its purpose yet I'm glad that many agree that it still falls short of what right and fair," stated Councilmember Nick Licata. 

"The elected leadership of Seattle stands united in support of the marriage equality legislation," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "Washington should no longer make distinctions based on sexual orientation. I encourage my colleagues and friends in the state legislature to pass this bill."

In February 1997, the City of Seattle adopted Resolution 29535 opposing discrimination against same-sex couples in Washington State and supporting legal recognition of civil marriages for same-sex couples. Supporting marriage equality is also in the City of Seattle's 2012 state legislative agenda.

"I am so pleased this day has come," stated Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.

"If two people are ready to commit to spend their lives together, they should have the option to get married," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "Marriage equality is the civil rights issue of our day, and I fully believe we must grant gay and lesbian couples the same rights and privileges before the state as straight couples."

"As a licensed officiant, I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and perform wedding ceremonies as soon as this legislation is approved and I can legally sign the papers," added Councilmember Richard Conlin. "Let's make it happen!"

"The City of Seattle has long prided itself on its commitment to equality and diversity. Marriage equality should be afforded to all consenting people," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. "Equality and fairness is good for people and business, and marriage equality will make Washington state more attractive to those who would move here. I applaud the efforts of Gov. Gregoire and the Legislature to pass these bills in this session.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

 ”As this week’s storm comes to an end, I’m looking for feedback from the public as soon as possible,” said Rasmussen. “The City Council’s Transportation Committee will conduct a review of the City’s response to this significant snow and ice storm. We want to continue to improve how the City responds to storms and your comments, questions and recommendations are vital to our review.”

The public is encouraged to provide feedback and photos at: 

http://www.seattle.gov/council/rasmussen/form_transportation.htm or via email at tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov or over the phone at 206-684-8808.

 The time and date of the Transportation Committee review will be announced early next week.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

How did we do?  
Councilmember Rasmussen solicits resident feedback on Seattle's snow response

SEATTLE –Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the Transportation Committee, wants to hear from you regarding Seattle's winter storm response. 

"As this week's storm comes to an end, I'm looking for feedback from the public as soon as possible," said Rasmussen. "The City Council's Transportation Committee will conduct a review of the City's response to this significant snow and ice storm.  We want to continue to improve how the City responds to storms and your comments, questions and recommendations are vital to our review."

The public is encouraged to provide feedback and photos via a web form or via email at tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov or over the phone at 206-684-8808.

The time and date of the Transportation Committee review will be announced in the early next week.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

In Seattle, there are about 80,000 storm drains, a sizeable task for city crews.

If an inlet or street drain appears to be blocked by snow or debris, try to safely clear a channel to provide a path for the runoff.  If the drain cannot be cleared, or the cause of the blockage or flooding is uncertain, call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 386-1800.

Businesses and residents are reminded to keep their sidewalks clear. Pedestrians should exercise caution, many sidewalks are icy and there is the danger of falling ice from trees, buildings and power lines.

Thank you for your assistance with keeping our city safe.

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen