The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has announced its decision to not proceed with installing new parking on the waterside of Alki Avenue SW, following an extensive public survey that revealed a deeply divided community.

This decision comes after the Seattle City Council’s 2025 Budget Proviso SDOT-005-A directed up to $175,000 for parking adjustments in West Seattle, which included modifying parking at Duwamish Head and exploring new spaces on Alki Avenue SW.

The initial phase of adjustments saw angled parking at Duwamish Head converted to parallel parking in June, while maintaining the 11 PM to 5 AM restrictions. The proviso allowed SDOT to consider adding parallel parking between the 1200 and 1700 blocks of Alki Ave SW to address the net loss of spaces. To gather community input, a survey was conducted, receiving over 880 responses from residents and visitors over approximately three weeks.

The survey was promoted via A-frame signs, local media and email notifications to local community leaders.

Key Reasons for the Decision: What the Survey Revealed

SDOT's review of the survey responses and public input led to the conclusion that a significant portion of respondents opposed the new parking proposal, despite valid arguments from both sides.

Opponents of adding parking raised multiple concerns. A predominant worry was the potential for increased traffic congestion on an already busy avenue. Many respondents described Alki Avenue SW as already congested, with additional parking likely exacerbating issues like noise levels, air pollution, and making it harder for emergency vehicles to navigate through traffic. One resident noted, "It’s already congested, difficult to pull out of the garage and to cross the street. This will impact the safety of those that live here as well as those visiting". Another stated, "Adding parking will just increase congestion, decrease pedestrian safety, increase the car racing between speed bumps, make it harder for emergency vehicles to get through, add more stress to regulating parking, and give more opportunity/location for loitering and illegal activities".

Another significant concern was the loss of Alki’s pedestrian-friendly charm and the diminishing of natural beauty and views. Many felt that prioritizing cars over people would compromise the walkability and aesthetic appeal of the waterfront. Comments highlighted that the area should be for people and green spaces, not car storage. Some respondents suggested that adding parking would simply move existing problems, like loitering and illegal activities, from Duwamish Head further down Alki Avenue.

Survey Questions and Public Sentiment

The survey posed several direct questions, which garnered a wide array of responses:

"How do you feel about this proposal?"

• A divided consensus emerged, with more people opposing the addition of parking8. Many expressed a strong negative sentiment, stating "NO! Just No!" or "Horrible idea". Conversely, supporters were happy, with some exclaiming "DO IT!". or "Good plan".

"What specific benefits or challenges do you think re-establishing parking on the water side of Alki Avenue SW might bring?"

• Benefits cited by supporters included addressing accessibility issues, reducing traffic congestion caused by drivers circling for spots, and supporting local businesses. They highlighted the difficulty for visitors, especially those with mobility challenges or children, in finding parking during peak times. One person argued that "current parking limitations are unfair to individuals with limited mobility who struggle to access waterfront activities when spaces are full".

Some believed it would improve safety by reducing circling