By Gwen Davis

The Myers Way Parcels — 30+ acres of city-owned land on the Southeast edge of West Seattle — was acquired by the city, partly for the construction of the Joint Training Facility (JTF), according to the city. However, what exactly the city would do with all the parcels remained unknown. The latest the public heard about the parcels was in November 2015 when Mayor Ed Murray said that a portion of the proceeds from the purchase not identified for future city prospects nor for environmental protection would be directed toward emergency responsiveness to people experiencing homelessness.

On May 25 however, the city finally unveiled a long-waited draft of recommendations for what the city would do with the land. The draft was announced at the Highland Park Action Committee meeting by two city finance and administrative services managers. Two weeks prior, a tour had been facilitated for community members, organized by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold.

The draft recommendation includes plans for future city needs, financial consideration to loans and preservation of natural spaces.

-> The property immediately south of the JTF (9401 Myers Way S) is proposed to be used for future expansion of parking and training at the JTF. Looking around 15 years ahead, the city will be in need of parking relocation and other training needs.
-> The properties south of Roxbury Street and north of the City Light Right of Way (9501 Myers Way S) are proposed to be sold to a developer who supports community needs, such as job creation or mixed-use facilities.

-> The properties south of the Seattle City Light Right of way and east of Myers Way (9600 and 9701 Myers Way S) are proposed to be bought by a purchaser who will preserve and enhance the national environment. This may include a land trust that would permit opportunities for recreation and education.