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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Announces Breakthrough Agreement on Thornton Creek
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
6/7/2004 11:30:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Mayor Announces Breakthrough Agreement on Thornton Creek
Innovative drainage solution would benefit water quality
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today announced his plan for a unique drainage solution at Northgate that would improve the health of Thornton Creek, enhance the neighborhood's natural environment, and provide a cornerstone for future public and private development.
Called the Channel at Thornton Creek, the plan includes the creation of an open channel with water flowing through it year round, native plant landscaping, and pedestrian connections, as well as water quality features that help clean urban runoff from roads, buildings and parking lots throughout the headwaters of the South Branch of Thornton Creek.
"This is the next step in the revitalization of Northgate, improving the economic vitality of the neighborhood and the environment at the same time," said Mayor Nickels. "Many people from the Northgate community have devoted a huge amount of time and thought to develop this recommendation, and I applaud them for their efforts."
The channel, or hybrid, option was the unanimous choice of the Northgate Stakeholders Group, a 22-member committee that represents a wide range of interests related to Northgate. The group participated in over six sessions to discuss three drainage solutions for the south lot and visited several locations where similar drainage projects have been built. The group is also providing input on a number of major Northgate projects, including transportation improvements and proposed development on the south lot.
The former president of the Thornton Creek Alliance praised the breakthrough, which resolved a 15 year logjam. "It's better than the best of both worlds," said John Lombard, also a member of the Northgate Stakeholders Group. "This plan does much more than a natural stormwater management system or straight daylighting of the Creek."
The innovative solution was developed by landscape architect, Peggy Gaynor, with support from Lorig Associates and community members who have been involved in watershed activities for many years. Seattle Public Utilities led a team of technical experts, including city planners, engineers and the design consultants, to refine the drainage options outlined by the City Council and evaluate the relative costs and benefits. The project is estimated to cost $6.85 million, plus $375,000 to acquire the site. The current timeline calls for construction to be completed in 2008.
The Mayor will forward legislation to the City Council next week to recommend adoption of the hybrid drainage solution.
For more information about Northgate, go to seattle.gov/mayor/issues/northgate
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Office of the Mayor
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