Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, Vice-chair
Councilmember Richard Conlin, Vice-chair
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Vice-chair
Seattle City Council special committee supports initial Central Waterfront concept design and strategic plan
Council recognizes mix of funding sources and Friends of Seattle Waterfront organization
This afternoon the Seattle City Council unanimously approved Resolution 31399 supporting the overall direction of a Central Waterfront concept design and strategic plan. This resolution also addresses a funding plan for public, private, and philanthropic sources for the Waterfront Improvement Program and states the City’s intent to form a local improvement district to help pay for the waterfront improvements. The resolution calls for partnerships with the Pike Place Market and Seattle Aquarium and supports formation of a Friends of the Seattle Waterfront non-profit organization.
“This resolution marks a significant milestone in turning Seattle’s Central Waterfront into a vibrant and bustling public area,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Special committee on the Central Waterfront, Seawall, and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement program. “We now have a cohesive vision for connecting the waterfront and the City, a thoughtful strategy for funding and implementation, and partnerships to make the vision a reality.”
“We are moving forward and making this once in a lifetime opportunity a reality. With the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, we will create unique and memorable open space and a waterfront for all,” added Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, committee vice-chair.
Nearly 10 years ago, the City began a public process for developing a community vision to reconnect Seattle to its waterfront in conjunction with the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and replacement of the aging Elliott Bay Seawall.
In the summer of 2009, the State, King County, the Port of Seattle and the City of Seattle signed a memorandum of agreement to signify the preferred Alaskan Way Viaduct (AWV) replacement option, a deep bored tunnel.
“Thousands of Seattle residents and organizations helped create this vision,” said Councilmember Richard Conlin, committee vice-chair. “Together we will build a truly remarkable waterfront.”
In early 2011, the Mayor and City Council appointed a 34-member Central Waterfront Committee (CWC) to provide oversight for waterfront planning and design efforts, including robust public outreach. The CWC and its subcommittees met more than 80 times to craft the strategic plan to implement the central waterfront designs. The City held four public meetings garnering feedback from approximately 4, 000 people and five community forums were held to explore topics including mobility and access, habitat, and the culture and uniqueness of Seattle.
“This plan is the product of an incredible collaboration with Seattle residents who attended the design forums, the citizen-led Central Waterfront Committee, and local organizations that will join with the new Friends for Seattle Waterfront non-profit. Public/private partnerships will forge the way to Seattle’s new waterfront,” stated Councilmember and committee vice-chair Tom Rasmussen.
Click for more information on the Special Committee on the Central Waterfront, Seawall, and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program.