The Seattle Hearing Examiner has approved the plans to complete the "Missing Link" of the Burke-Gilman Trail, after deciding that the proposal does not create a significant adverse impact to the environment.

This decision was made after review of the project's potential impacts on several elements of the environment, including geology, endangered species, cultural resources, hazardous materials, transportation, and parking.

The "Missing Link" section of the Burke Gilman trail refers to the area where the trail ends at Ballard's Fred Meyer and people are left to find their own route to the Chittenden Locks where the trail picks up again.

In February, SDOT completed additional environmental review of the Burke-Gilman Trail Extension to include a trail alignment along Shilshole Avenue NW, between 17th Avenue NW and NW Vernon Place. SDOT determined that the project will not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment.

The Ballard Business Appellants appealed this decision to further halt a trail from being built, stating concerns of safety and losing parking spaces.

Yesterday's decision brings the trail one step closer to being complete and put to rest one of the city's longest running disputes. That is, if the decision doesn't get appealed again. The Ballard Business Appellants have 21 days to appeal the decision to King County Superior Court.

If Judge Rogers of the King COunty Superior Court gives it a pass, the group could still appeal to Washington Appellate Court.

Warren Aakervik from Ballard Oil, one of the opponents of the trail, said the businesses will meet sometime this coming week to decide whether they will appeal the Hearing Examiner's decision.