Open Thread 48
Link Extension Countdown: Lynnwood Link (August 30). What to expect (Sound Transit).
Transit Updates:Sound Transit reports that the 2 Line logged 35,000 boardings on its opening day. The Seattle Times ($), compares it to other opening days. Jon Talton (Seattle Times, $) says the 2 Line is good for the climate and the economy.
WSDOT has an online open house for the planned replacement of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. They are taking feedback until May 24.
Local News:The Seattle Planning Commission, a independent group of volunteer advisors to the City, says the Draft One Seattle Plan does not do enough to change existing unaffordable, inequitable, and unsustainable patterns of development." (PubliCola)
Meanwhile, the Seattle Times ($) reports that the Seattle City Council rejected a bill that would have allowed up to 35 affordable housing projects to be slightly taller.
Seattle Times ($) reports that housing prices are climbing again.
CascadePBS (formerly Crosscut) report that more students are experience homeless than before the pandemic.
The Daily Journal of Commerce ($; passable with a Seattle Library login), reports that Seattle Parks and Recreation is working towards a renovation of Freeway Park, aiming to start next year.
Opinion/Miscellaneous:PubliCola notes that the apparent backlash to Mayor Harrell's modest Comprehensive Plan update shows that we're all YIMBY's, now.
Danny Westneat (Seattle Times; $) opines that the buses are what's holding 3rd Avenue back; Doug Trumm (The Urbanist) offers a rebuttal.
Seattle architect and density advocate Push the Needle" explains how a small change to zoning can go very FAR.
Reece Martin blogs about how American cities have a lot to learn from Seattle.
Videos:Portland TV has an in-depth look at a MAX downtown tunnel. (KGW8; 11:12)
What's the best speed limit for safety? (Not Just Bikes; 22:35)
Ambience sounds and artwork: Japanese Train Crossing. (Miracle Forest, 2 hrs)
Upcoming Events:Seattle Comprehensive Plan feedback deadline extended to May 20. If you haven't commented yet, tell them; they must do more to avoid perpetuating the housing crisis.
May 13, 7:30pm: Seattle-based disability advocate Anna Zivarts discusses her new book When Driving is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency" with two other mobility advocates at The Wyncote NW Forum. Listen to Anna discuss her book on the War on Cars" podcast.
Wednesday, May 15, 2pm: Transportation Choices Coalition hosts a panel discussion on Move Ahead Washington, the statewide transportation funding package passed in 2022, and the threat posed by Initiative 2117. (Webinar)
Sunday, May 19, 1:30pm: Seattle Neighborhood Greenways hosts Shaping Seattle: Building Great Streets" with two Canadian urbanists (The Wyncote NW Forum)
This is an Open Thread.