Smarter Transit and business owners to demand accountability from Sound Transit at July 11 press conference

The soon to arrive final Environmental Impact Statement from Sound Transit regarding the West Seattle Link Extension is drawing some fire from groups opposed to the plan and others seeking financial assistance for their business.

As the time for the release of the final Environmental Impact Statement draws nearer, groups both opposed to the project’s path, cost and justifications are getting more vocal. The group Smarter Transit is holding a press conference at Jefferson Square on 42nd SW in the West Seattle Junction July 11 to “demand accountability” for what they see as a plan without adequate planning and justification, even using Sound Transit’s own projections.

They shared a press release below regarding the event.

Smarter Transit  will discuss their petition for voters to require accountability and transparency before any groundbreaking in next phase of Sound Transit 3.

Voters passed Sound Transit 3 (ST3) in 2016 with an estimated price tag of $54 billion. The cost, which also includes massive overruns for their ST1 and ST2 projects, is now at $148 billion and counting. The car, property and sales taxes are forever taxes, and would be in addition to the $1.55 billion transportation levy Seattle voters will be asked to approve this fall.

At the press conference, Smarter Transit will:

• Present key data showing ST3 work will not solve our region’s transportation issues nor alleviate greenhouse gas emissions.
• Ask the Legislature to require Sound Transit to create a post-pandemic plan to increase ridership, decrease single car drivers and lower greenhouse gases.
• Discuss their petition local residents may sign demanding accountability and pausing ST3 planning until the agency shows voters transit alternatives that achieve less congestion, lower emissions and promote greater cost efficiency with taxpayer dollars.
• Promote passing legislation to make the ST Board directly elected by district via publicly funded campaigns to end the cost overruns and lack of oversight.

Local business owners will:

• Discuss past experiences of Sound Transit not offering enough money to relocate businesses and the real challenges of finding new commercial locations.
• Detail the loss of jobs in their communities should they close permanently.
• Explain why the West Seattle light rail extension will both hurt the environment and the community without providing any transit benefits.

Date and Location

• Thursday, July 11, 2024
• 10:30 – 11: 30 a.m.

Smarter Transit also sent along their reasoning behind their opposition specifically to the West Seattle Link in a document attached here.

Beyond that the group comprised of homeowners and business owners most likely affected by the West Seattle Link Extension have produced a map (linked here) of the path the light rail will take, and what they project will be affected. It’s not official until the final EIS is released.

They maintain that 68 businesses face relocation (and the businesses themselves say the funds provided for that purpose are inadequate) and 26 homes will be removed to fit the track. 

Among the businesses being displaced, Ounces Taproom at 3809 Delridge Way SW, will be hosting a Rally for Relocation later the same day on July 11 at 4pm. The list they compiled of displaced businesses is found here: https://www.displacedbylightrail.com

They also have a petition on Change.org seeking signatures in support. 

They emphasize that they, as a group are not opposed to light rail stating: 

“This rally is NOT about light rail or if you support it or not, instead it’s about supporting those local businesses that face relocation as a result –– to ensure that they get the funding and assistance needed to successfully reopen their businesses in a new location should light rail be approved this Summer.

Come in numbers and together let’s send a message to Sound Transit: Ounces, Skylark, Mode, Alki Beach Academy, Delridge Deli Mart and all of West Seattle’s local businesses are essential to our neighborhood’s character and economy. Help these businesses secure the resources we need to relocate successfully and continue serving our community alongside the new light rail.”