The Seattle Department of Transportation Healthy Streets plan for the part of Alki Ave SW that passes by Alki Point has faced opposition from people in West Seattle for some time. SDOT states that  It's a "program that aims to open up more public space for people to use—improving community and individual health. 

Since 2021, we have been evaluating and updating Healthy Streets across the city based on the trends we have seen in terms of community use and public feedback. Healthy Streets are a commitment to the Mayor's Transportation & Climate Justice Executive Order and SDOT's work to prioritize and expand actions that equitably reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) within the transportation sector.

Alki Point is a regional destination park and marine reserve habitat, as well as a destination for many popular outdoor activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, whale watching, exploring the low tides, and taking in views of sunsets and the mountains."

As of May 13 the construction phase for the Alki Point part of the starts and will include"

• A 10-foot-wide shared walking/rolling space
• Three ADA parking spaces
• Stop controls at intersecting streets
• Pavement markings, parking signs, and striping the public parking lot

But an ad hoc group in oppostion to the plan has formed and scheduled a public meeting for May 14 at the C&P Coffeehouse.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

What: Alki Point For All Presentation and Community Meeting

Where: C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW, Seattle

When: Tuesday May 14th, 6:30 to 8:30

Doors open 6 PM

Tickets: FREE

Prergister at brownpapertickets.com: https://bpt.me/6315798

Pre-registration recommended but not required.

Alki Point is one of the places that sets Seattle apart. A public shoreline and city park offer spectacular views of Puget Sound, adjacent to a marine reserve. People come from all over the world to visit the Lighthouse; to storm-watch, bird-watch, whale-watch, and go tide-pooling; to walk, bike, skate, run or simply enjoy the view. Alki Point has provided respite and recreation for generations.

For nonprofit organizations and schools, Alki Point offers a unique opportunity to educate and inspire. From octopus to orcas, the site offers direct and easy access to a marine ecosystem  a front door to the Salish Sea. 

That's all about to change. As early as this week, Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin construction on a project that will radically alter the use of this public space. SDOT will replace most of the parking on the beach side of the street with a 10-ft-wide "walking, jogging, rolling" lane. The harmful impacts of this change haven't been considered, and key questions haven't been answered.

For example, the loss of parking means that even fewer people will be able to visit Alki Point. Traffic will be pushed into nearby neighborhoods, where parking is already a problem. ADA parking spaces will only be on the east side of the street, away from benches, the beach and the view. Where will the school busses park? Marine conservation and outreach will be crippled.

Join us Tuesday night at C&P to discuss these and other changes. In February the Alki Point for All coalition launched a petition directed to Mayor Harrell, asking that the City halt this project until its impacts were fully considered. More than 1350 people have signed the petition so far. https://www.change.org/AlkiPointforAll.

The group will present updates about their efforts, including a recent meeting with SDOT. The group will also share their ideas for how street art could be used to calm traffic, increase safety, and create a Healthy Street that better serves the needs of the wider community. 

There is no charge for this event. Pre-registration is recommended but not required. Pregistering will help us estimate how many people to expect.

The Alki Point for All coalition consists of organizations (The Whale Trail and Seal Sitters) and individuals (Vlad Oustamovich, Leo Shaw, Bill Rogers.)