Council News Release

Councilmember Nick Licata

Councilmember Licata Sponsors Forum on Mercer Street
Councilmember proposes $43 million for Mercer Street Project be used for citywide pedestrian, bicycle and freight improvements

Councilmember Nick Licata will sponsor a forum on the Mercer Street project on Monday, October 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m., in Seattle City Hall at 600 Fourth Avenue, in the Bertha Knight Landes Room on the first floor.

The question to be discussed will be: "Should the City spend $43 million on citywide transportation improvements or on a two-way Mercer Street Boulevard?"

The Mercer Corridor Project, that will build a two-way boulevard on Mercer Street and narrow Valley Street to one-lane in each direction in the South Lake Union neighborhood, is budgeted to cost $193 million. The City Council has authorized $43 million in bonds for the project to begin construction work.

Councilmember Licata will propose that the $43 million currently allocated to the Mercer Project be redirected to building new sidewalks in Seattle, funding the recommendations of the Bicycle Master Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, and providing a long-term capital program for meeting our freight mobility needs.

The Seattle Department of Transportation has been invited to reply to the proposal and explain why the Mercer Corridor Project is needed and the $43 million should be spent on creating a two-way boulevard on Mercer Street. Residential communities, business and employee groups, and transit advocate groups who will be affected have also been invited to participate.

Audience members will be polled on what is the best approach for achieving more transportation choices, lowering carbon emissions, encouraging greater transit ridership, and promoting economic development.

What: A Forum about the Mercer Street Project
When: Monday, October 6
Doors open at 6 with refreshments, program from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Who: Councilmember Nick Licata, representatives invited from the Seattle Department of Transportation, transit and bicycle advocates, South Lake Union residents, business owners, and employee groups.
Where: Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Bertha Knight Landes Room, First Floor

This forum is free and open to the public. No RSVP needed.

-30-

City Council