21 Nov Pioneer Square in the News

Alaskan Way Viaduct work zone expands into Pioneer Square and waterfront (WSDOT)
For the past three years, construction has been confined to a work zone west of Seattle’s stadiums for the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project. Starting this month, though, state and city projects will expand construction work into Pioneer Square and along the downtown waterfront.

New parking spots to open during viaduct construction (Seattle PI)
As work continues to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct and on-street parking spaces are lost, WSDOT is temporarily opening Pier 48 to public parking. Spaces will be available for $3 per hour for up to four hours. The city’s parking meters charge $3.50 per hour in Pioneer Square. In downtown, the rate is $4.

Photo test: How well do you know Seattle? (PI – Big Blog)
I’m cheating and letting you know that if you don’t recognize the first pic — you probably don’t know our neighborhood very well.

Midweek Tech Scan: Broadband for Seattle? (Crosscut)
When the mayor blessed a public-private effort to bring high-speed Internet broadband to Pioneer Square, it was noted that the city has roughly 500 miles of so-called “dark cable,” fiber optic lines already imbedded throughout the city but not in use. At that time, McGinn said that the city is in partnership with the county, state, the University of Washington and other public entities to bring broadband Internet coverage to all of Seattle.

Man Left Pantsless After Robbery (PubliCola)
A group of muggers left a man pantsless following a robbery under the Viaduct early Wednesday morning.

Neighborhood groups trying to block extended bar hours (King5)
The possibility of Seattle bars staying open past the statewide 2 a.m. closing time is on the rocks. Opposition is building in Precinct Advisory Councils across the city.

Seattle’s Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations got supersonic launch (PSBJ)
McHugh is a natural promoter. When he heard about the hyped-up excitement in France every November accompanying the release of Beaujolais Nouveau, he decided it would be fun to fly the wine to Seattle as a centerpiece for celebrations at McRory’s and two other restaurants he and Tim Firnstahl owned.

Why Seattle tops Forbes list of best cities for tech jobs (TechFlash)
Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic downtown neighborhood, is emerging as a tech hub. Meanwhile, Seattle’s once-neglected South Lake Union area also has become a tech center, thanks to Amazon’s new headquarters and other development.