Statements of Mayor McGinn and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen on Public Benefits Proposed for New Amazon Development

Home » Statements of Mayor McGinn and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen on Public Benefits Proposed for New Amazon Development

The project team for Amazon’s proposed development in the Denny Triangle today filed an updated public benefits package with the city, which is available here.  Mayor McGinn and Councilmember Tom Rasmussen issued the following comments applauding the public benefits package: 

 “Seattle is recovering at a faster clip from the Great Recession than the rest of the country,” said Mayor McGinn. “We are recovering because companies like Amazon want to build their future in our city and give back to our community. The public benefits proposed by Amazon will give Seattle more transportation options, improve on existing services and help support open space in downtown.”

“I have been working with Amazon representatives to ensure that Seattle receives a strong public benefits package and I thank Amazon for spending many months gathering feedback from the community,” said Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. “Amazon’s proposal would bring substantial benefits to the neighborhood and the city as a whole.”

 The overall proposal includes $5.5 million of support for the Seattle Streetcar. This funding will allow the City to purchase an additional streetcar vehicle and increase operational support for 10 years as a part of the Planned Community Development benefit package.  In total, these benefits will increase street car service to every ten minutes during the workday.  Alley vacation public benefits proposed by Amazon include:

  • Supporting a higher level of service for the Seattle Streetcar, including the purchase of a fourth vehicle;
  • Designing a new cycle track on 7th Avenue;
  • Enhancing pedestrian crossings at 8th and Lenora and 7th and Virginia intersections, consistent with the Westlake Avenue Concept Design;
  • Creating a shared use street along Lenora to enhance the pedestrian experience and calm traffic;
  • Providing green street enhancements, wider-than-required building setbacks, and enhanced landscaping and sidewalk improvements around all properties;
  • Providing additional overhead canopy between buildings;
  • Integrating art throughout the development; 
  • Contributing to the future park at 8th Avenue, Westlake and Lenora. The Department of Parks and Recreation recently purchased property at this location.

The Transportation Committee, chaired by Councilmember Rasmussen, will be reviewing this proposal following a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, September 25 at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers. A Council vote is expected in early November.

The alley vacation proposal is a significant component – but only a part – of the overall public benefits package that would result from this development.  More information will be forthcoming when the Master Use Permit authorizing the three block project is published.  This is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2012.