23 Feb Help bring the First Hill Streetcar to Pioneer Square

[The following is a letter from PSCA — if you want to get involved and help Pioneer Square have a better future, please follow one of the action items listed at the bottom. It will take 10 minutes at the most and will be a really good thing for the neighborhood.]

Dear Pioneer Square Stakeholders, Business Owners, Residents and Friends:

As you know, much is taking place that will greatly impact the future of Pioneer Square, including South End Construction, the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, and the plans for the North Lot.  Many of these issues will be a couple of years off, but one immediate issue we need your input on is the First Hill Streetcar Line.  Please take a few minutes and let our city council know how important it is to bring the First Hill Streetcar into Pioneer Square.

Please help us convey the need for greater transit connections in the City of Seattle.

Background:
The First Hill Streetcar Line was included in the November 2008 voter-approved Sound Transit 2 (ST2) mass transit system.  The development of the First Hill Streetcar Line creates a new multi-modal connection for transit riders via the Sounder commuter rail and Link light rail, as well as enhances connection to public transit sysems including Metro buses and Sound Transit commuter buses.

The City of Seattle, Department of Transportation (SDOT) plans to begin construction in Fall of 2011.  More information about the project at: http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/.

How Does this affect Pioneer Square?
SDOT is currently analyzing several route alternatives for the First Hill line.  A full overview of all the alternatives and additional information is available at: http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/firsthill.asp.

The portion of the project that impacts our neighborhood is the South Terminus Turnback Loop.  The project is fully funded, but will choose one of two alternatives: a Weller Street Loop or a Pioneer Square Loop. (image below is what we’re pushing for)

This project is designed to connect several of Seattle’s most established neighborhoods including Capitol Hill, First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Chinatown/International District, and with the approval of the loop, Pioneer Square.  We need your voice so that historic Pioneer Square is not left unconnected.

Benefits to the neighborhood of choosing the Pioneer Square Loop alternative:

• Will be completed before the viaduct removal begins making our neighborhood more accessible during construction
• New connection helps with economic development in the neighborhood
• Adds to the marketing draw for residential and office development alike
• Allows commuters to safely navigate the intersection at 4th and Jackson
• Brings users closer to the Waterfront, creating a more walkable area
• Project is fully funded by the ST2 mass transit system
• Elegant transportation connection to the east from a convenient location in our Pioneer Square neighborhood
• Creates another leg to the transportation hub at King Street Station
• Helps eliminate the need for parking, especially during stadium events
• Environmentally beneficial as it should reduce the need for vehicles for many uses
• Crosses the ‘gateway’ into Pioneer Square

Action Requested:
You can give your feedback to Seattle City Council members several different ways:

1. Come to the City Council Transportation Committee:
   1. Join us Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 9:30am
   2. Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall, Floor 2, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle
   3. The public comment period is first thing, so please send me an email and join us to communicate the need for the Pioneer Square Loop on the First Hill streetcar line.
   4. Fill out the comment page on the website:
   5. http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/firsthill.asp
2. Send an email (or mail a letter):
   1. Open a new e-mail message and insert “First Hill Streetcar and the Pioneer Square Loop”
   2. Address your  letters or emails to the Seattle City Council, but send copies to each individual council member (both current and newly elected).
   3. Email to: sally.bagshaw@seattle.gov; tim.burgess@seattle.gov; richard.conlin@seattle.gov; sally.clark@seattle.gov; jean.godden@seattle.gov; bruce.harrell@seattle.gov; nick.licata@seattle.gov; michael.obrien@seattle.gov; tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov.  Also copy ethan.malone@seattle.gov.
   4. Or Send to: City Council Mailing Address: Seattle City Council, P.O. Box 34025, Seattle, WA 98124-4025
   5. In your message, it is important to convey the positive impacts of choosing the Pioneer Square Loop for this project.  If you are a small business owners, include how this can impact your business.  Your advocacy matters!

Your voice is important and we need your input on this issue.