Showing posts with label sidewalks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sidewalks. Show all posts

Info meeting on Prop 1 Sales and Use Tax for Sidewalk Improvements

Friday, October 12, 2018



The Meridian Park Neighborhood Association is holding an information meeting on the sidewalk funding proposition on the November ballot.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Room 301 from 7-8:30pm.



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Op-Ed: Why Vote No on Shoreline Proposition 1 Even If You Like Sidewalks

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Bus pad on Meridian - just needs a crosswalk to be connected to the other side


In 2016, I was chair of the Yes on Prop 1 campaign, in support of a property tax increase for city services.

This year, I am the treasurer of the No on Prop 1 campaign, in opposition to a 0.2% sales tax increase for new sidewalks. Here are three reasons why:

  1. Prop 1 comes directly from the Shoreline 2011 Pedestrian System Plan with the unimaginative goal of sidewalks on vehicle arterials every five blocks. But the 2018 Citizen Satisfaction Survey shows 37% of respondents want sidewalks in their neighborhoods. Only 24% want sidewalks on major streets.
  2. Prop 1 would collect $59,000,000 for 4.2 miles of new sidewalk, with $17,000,000 going to interest payments and other debt expenses we’d pay off until 2039. Of course cities can use taxes to repay debt for big projects - Seattle’s Safeco stadium is a recent example. But are 4.2 miles of new sidewalks really our “stadium”?
  3. The projects haven’t been vetted. In their 10/03/18 op-ed, People for Shoreline Sidewalks showcase a need for sidewalks to connect the bus stops on the east side of Meridian Avenue N. The estimated cost for this project is $3,451,000. But a crosswalk costing $7,000 would connect this bus stop to the existing sidewalk on the street’s west side, and a path could connect it with the Interurban Trail just steps away through the trees on the east side. The sidewalk project on 15th Ave NE in Ridgecrest is similarly unjustified. The project on 5th Ave NE, in the heart of the 185th Street Station Subarea, could be torn up during redevelopment before it’s paid off.

The Shoreline ADA Transition Plan is a current separate effort to fix sidewalks using an additional $20 car tab fee. Sidewalk fixing and updating is much cheaper than new construction, and we should fix what we have first.

Learn more about Prop 1, and maybe purchase one of our small batch local artisan yard signs, at shorelinesidewalksplan.org. If you, like me, are reluctant to vote no because you’re not anti-tax but you want a better plan, vote no and send your two cents to City Council at council@shoreline.gov. Because if Prop 1 passes, it’s set in stone.

Megan Kogut PhD



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Op-Ed: Approve Proposition 1 for Shoreline Sidewalks

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Bus pad on Meridian - but no sidewalk
We are People for Shoreline Sidewalks. 

Beginning in June 2017, along with more than a dozen other Shoreline residents, we served on a Sidewalk Advisory Committee organized by the City Council. 

We worked with city staff to establish criteria for deciding how and where to spend limited funds for sidewalk construction.

On the November 2018 general election ballot, Shoreline voters will be asked to consider Shoreline Proposition 1 to fund sidewalk construction. 

If approved, Proposition 1 will raise the local portion of the Sales and Use tax by 0.2% – that’s 2 cents on a purchase of 10 dollars – to build new sidewalks at 12 high-priority locations throughout the city.

We support Proposition 1 and we encourage Shoreline votes to Approve this ballot measure.
  • Proposition 1 will improve safety by separating pedestrian traffic from car traffic. In North City, pedestrians along 5th Avenue NE will no longer need to compete with parked cars for walking space. In the Westminster Triangle, we’ll build sidewalks along Westminster Way from N 145th Street to Shoreline Place. 
  • Proposition 1 will enhance access to transit by providing safe walking paths along bus routes. In the Echo Lake neighborhood, we’ll connect the isolated sidewalk sections at bus stops on the east side of Meridian Avenue N. 
  • Proposition 1 will connect communities to parks. In the Richmond Beach neighborhood, we’ll build a sidewalk along 20th Avenue NW from NW 195th Street to Saltwater Park. 
  • Proposition 1 will fill in gaps in our existing walking paths. In the Ballinger neighborhood, we’ll connect the disjointed sidewalks along Ballinger Way and along 19th Avenue NE. 
  • Proposition 1 will benefit all residents. In Richmond Highlands, we’ll build a sidewalk along Linden Avenue North from Shorewood High School to N 185th Street. Pedestrians and drivers will be safer as students go to and from school. 

There is never a good time to raise taxes. But Shoreline residents have consistently ranked sidewalk improvements as a high priority on the city’s biannual satisfaction surveys. If we believe that sidewalks are important, we must step up to the ballot box and vote to Approve Proposition 1.

Visit our campaign at www.ShorelineSidewalks.org to learn more about all 12 projects, and how you can help.

We’re going to put our 2 cents to work by voting to Approve Proposition 1. Please join us.

People for Shoreline Sidewalks

David Dailey
David Anderson
Robin McClelland


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Shoreline Proposition 1: Sales and Use Tax for Sidewalk Improvements – Informational Meetings

Saturday, September 29, 2018

High priority 175th Stone to Meridian

Shoreline City Council has placed a sales and use tax measure on the November 6 general election ballot. 

Proposition 1 represents an effort to accelerate sidewalk improvements through a dedicated funding source. All of the revenue generated by the additional sales tax will be dedicated to sidewalk improvements in Shoreline, with the majority going toward the construction of new sidewalks.

To learn more about Proposition 1, come to an informational session.

Thursday, October 4
7:30 to 8:30pm
Richmond Highlands Recreation Center16554 Fremont Avenue N

Wednesday, October 10
7:00 to 8:00pm
Shoreline Library345 NE 175th Street

Information about Proposition 1 is also available on the web. If you have questions about sidewalk improvements, contact Senior Transportation Planner Nora Daley-Peng, 206-801-2483. 

For questions about the sales and use tax, contact Administrative Services Director Sara Lane at 206-801-2301.


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Sidewalk to be constructed on N 195th

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Sidewalk to be built on south side of 195th
between Stone and Ashworth
Google Earth


A new sidewalk will be constructed on the south side of N 195th St to fill the gap between Stone Ave N (Interurban Trail) and Ashworth Ave N.

The sidewalk will connect the Interurban Trail to Ashworth Ave N, Echo Lake Elementary, east to the 195th Trail, and continuing on to the I-5 pedestrian bridge. Eventually, a trail will continue to the 185th Shoreline North light rail station.

Construction will begin in October with completion in December.


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Sidewalk initiative, Point Wells update at September Richmond Beach Community Association meeting

Saturday, September 8, 2018

The finer points of two dramatic over-the-summer developments for Richmond Beach will be the topics at the September RBCA meeting.

A team from the City of Shoreline will explain what to expect now that 20th Avenue NW from Richmond Beach Road to the Saltwater Park has been put near the top of the priority list for sidewalk improvements.

In June, the City Council decided that, for all the scientific fairness applied to apportioning sidewalk repairs throughout the whole city, common sense told them that the heavily trammeled gateway to the city’s namesake attraction needed immediate attention.

Also in June, a judge in Snohomish County ruled that the developers of a proposed massive condominium complex at Point Wells were woefully deficient and egregiously tardy in their plans and permit applications, and the project was rejected.

In August, an appeal on several points of the judge’s ruling was largely rejected, but some question remains whether the developer, BSRE, can re-apply and under what rules. Local expert Tom McCormick will be on hand to explain and answer questions.

The meeting is open to all. It will be in the basement of the Richmond Beach Congregational Church, at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 15th Avenue NW, at 7:30pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Come a half hour early to mingle and enjoy refreshments.



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Sidewalks: Shoreline City Council adopts resolution placing sales and use tax for sidewalk improvements on November ballot

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

A top priority - 15th NE between 150th and 160th
Photo from Google Earth


On July 30, the Shoreline City Council voted to place a sales and use tax for sidewalk improvements on the November 6 general election ballot (Proposition 1).

If approved by Shoreline voters, Proposition 1 would increase the sales and use tax in Shoreline by two-tenths of one percent (0.2%). Sales tax in Shoreline is currently set at 10.0%. Proposition 1 would increase it to 10.2% for a period of 20 years.

The City will use the money generated to construct, maintain, rehabilitate, repair, and/or preserve sidewalks and pedestrian improvements in the City.

The adopted resolution placing the sales tax on the ballot identified 12 high priority sidewalk projects for construction. The projects, all part of the 2018 Sidewalk Prioritization Plan, are:

Street
From
To
15th Avenue NE
NE 150th Street
NE 160th Street
Meridian Avenue N**
N 194th Street
N 205th Street
8th Avenue NW
North side of Sunset Park
Richmond Beach Road NW
Dayton Avenue N
N 178th Street
N Richmond Beach Road
19th Avenue NE
NE 196th Street
NE 205th Street
1st Avenue NE
NE 192nd Street
NE 195th Street
Westminster Way N
N 145th Street
N 153rd Street
Ballinger Way NE**
19th Avenue NE
25th Avenue NE
Dayton Avenue N*
N 155th Street
N 160th Street
5th Avenue NE*
NE 175th Street
NE 185th Street
Linden Avenue N
N 175th Street
N 185th Street
20th Avenue NW
Saltwater Park entrance
NW 195th Street
*Two sides of the street (bus route)
**Puts sidewalk on second side (bus route)


Current projections show that the money generated will be more than the cost to construct the above listed high-priority projects. If this occurs, once the above listed projects are completed, the City Council will fund additional sidewalk projects using the 2018 Sidewalk Prioritization Plan and Prioritization Matrix as a guide. Council may also choose to use available funds to expedite repair and maintenance of existing sidewalks. All monies generated from the ballot measure must be expended to support the City’s sidewalk program.

Increasing the sales and use tax by 0.2% would add two cents to every ten-dollar purchase of taxable goods or services within the city.

For more information on Shoreline Proposition 1, visit shorelinewa.gov/prop1. If you have questions about sidewalk improvements, contact Senior Transportation Planner Nora Daley-Peng at ndaleypeng@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2483. For questions about sales and use tax, contact Administrative Services Director Sara Lane at slane@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2301.



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Shoreline residents: join the conversation about sidewalk funding

Friday, July 13, 2018

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Everyone wants sidewalks. Is everyone willing to pay for them?


This coming Monday, July 16, 2018, the Shoreline City Council will continue a discussion of Resolution No. 430 to authorize placement of a ballot measure on the November 6, 2018 general election ballot to authorize a Sales and Use Tax in the amount of two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) to fund sidewalk expansion and accelerate sidewalk repairs.

The staff report discusses this possible revenue source and lists projects being considered for construction.

There will be an opportunity for public comment prior to the discussion that evening.

The next important council meeting will be on July 30, 2018 when discussions may conclude and action could be taken on Resolution No. 430.

If the proposed resolution is adopted, staff would solicit interested persons and Council would appoint Pro and Con committees for the Voters’ Pamphlet on August 6, 2018. After this date, it is a quick turn-around for committees to submit statements and rebuttals, with all submittal deadlines in mid-August.

If you are interested in following this process, refer to the council webpage for current and upcoming staff reports. If you are unable to attend, review information and comment online.

Meetings are held in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.

Background information can be found on the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan webpage.


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Shoreline Planning Commission to review pedestrian plan and surface water plan

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Pedestrian System Plan

Shoreline Planning Commission Meeting Regular Meeting, Thursday, July 5, 2018, 7pm Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Agenda Highlights

Link to Full Meeting Packet

Comment on Agenda Items


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Shoreline Council votes additional funding to maintain sidewalks

Sunday, June 10, 2018

A street tree lifted and cracked the sidewalk
on Meridian. It has been repaired at least once.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
By Diane Hettrick

For almost as long as Shoreline has been a city, residents have been complaining about sidewalks. Every city survey has sidewalks as a high priority.

Anyone who has ever tried to walk in Shoreline knows about the intermittent sidewalks, with varying widths, cracks from tree roots, and telephone poles in the middle. Anyone with any kind of mobility issue, a wheelchair, or a baby stroller knows you "can't get there from here."

Early city councils budgeted for new sidewalks and began a program to add sidewalks, as well as resurface all the city streets.

A couple of things got in the way. China had a building boom and started buying raw materials, so costs went up. Then the recession hit and city spending was curtailed.

Sections of 15th NE still have only
narrow footpaths
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Some factors on sidewalks:

  • Sidewalks are extremely expensive.
    • It can cost up to $2.5 million to construct just one mile of sidewalk. 
    • It can cost approximately $195,000 per mile to make significant sidewalk repairs along a tree-lined street
    • The current city budget is $200,000 per year. At this rate it would take 500 years to complete all the sidewalks.
  • Residents have a strong preference for well built sidewalks that will last 50 years. 
  • After 20 plus years as a city, it is excruciatingly clear that King county made terrible mistakes when it chose the wrong variety of street trees.
    • The street trees are destroying the few miles of sidewalk that we do have. The roots crack and push up the concrete. Some sections have been repaired three or four times.
  • It took the city a few tries to come up with the standard width for residential sidewalks.
  • ADA requirements mean curb cuts need to be installed on every corner.
  • The sidewalks are dangerous and represent legal liability for the city if someone is injured. 
The Sidewalk Advisory Committee made a short video, illustrating some of the issues. (See it here)

Every year the budget has been spent trying to maintain the existing sidewalks. Developers were required to include new sidewalks with major projects. Federal funds were used for new sidewalks on Aurora and via the Safe Routes to School program.

At this point, we have 77 miles of sidewalk, 11 of which are ADA compliant. The 11 miles represents 15% of the sidewalk network.

The sidewalk advisory committee noted this bus stop on
Meridian which has no sidewalk access at all
Every council has wrestled with the cost vs the need.

One of the problems is that the only funds available to the city are vehicle license fees, property taxes, and sales tax. In 2009, the council added a $20 vehicle license fee to pay for roads.

However, every time a council got close to imposing a fee or tax hike to pay for sidewalks, residents became very incensed. Some of those residents were the same ones who complained about sidewalks. The councils would back off.

This street is not typical in that foliage
usually goes up to and over the white line
City of Shoreline


The legislature's response was to grant city councils the ability to add as much as $50 to vehicle license tabs. When the Shoreline council lobbied the legislature last year for more money for infrastructure, they were told that they already had the ability to raise funds through license tabs.

The Sidewalk Advisory Committee just wrapped up its work after a year of regular meetings and tours around the city. They created a "score card" for use in making decisions about where new sidewalks should go and use the score card to identify the areas of greatest need. They expressed a strong opinion that existing sidewalks should be maintained.

At the June 4, 2018 meeting of the Shoreline City Council, the vote was 4-3 to add a $20 fee to vehicle license fees to maintain and repair existing sidewalks.

The three who voted against were McConnell, Roberts, and Salomon. All agreed that something needed to be done about sidewalks but cited concerns about the financial burden on citizens, particularly in light of the state property tax increase of the last year.

The increase will raise an additional $780,000 per year.

The street tree was cut down after the sidewalk was repaired three times.
The roots have cracked and lifted the curb and street as well.
Photo by Diane K. Hettrick
The effective date of the new fee is September 1, 2018. By state law, the additional revenue cannot go into effect until March 1, 2019. 

The Department of Licensing sends renewal notices up to 120 days ahead of the license renewal date. 

Residents would begin to see the higher VLF fee on renewal notices starting in November 2018, as the bills for March could be sent as early as this time.

To pay for new sidewalks, the Council anticipates asking for a sale tax increase at a future date.



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Shoreline council to take vote on maintaining sidewalks - and how to pay for them

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Sidewalk damaged by street tree
was repaired and damaged again
After a year-long process to review prioritization and funding for sidewalks in Shoreline, the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan will be presented to Council on June 4, 2018. 

City Councilmembers will also be voting on adoption of an increase in the Vehicle License Fee to help fund sidewalk repair at the June 4 meeting.

On June 18, Council will discuss the possibility of a Sales and Use Tax to further fund high priority new sidewalks and additional sidewalk repair.

Information on upcoming and past meetings can be viewed on the City’s Council Meetings webpage.




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Sidewalk Open House Materials and Survey

Monday, March 26, 2018

Repair old sidewalks or
build new ones
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Sidewalk Open House Materials and Survey

For those of you interested in Shoreline's sidewalk network but unable to attend the recent March 22 Sidewalk Prioritization Plan Open House, the presentation and materials have been posted on the Sidewalk Webpage.

A corresponding sidewalk survey will be available through April 8, 2018.

We hope you are able to provide input and share this link with your neighbors.




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Shoreline sidewalks

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Bus stop and bus pad - but no sidewalks
at 198th and Meridian


By Diane Hettrick

The City of Shoreline held its second open house on sidewalks on March 22 (see previous article) at City Hall Council Chambers.

Sidewalks have been a hot button topic since incorporation, always coming up high as a priority in resident surveys. However, unlike maintenance of city streets, they have never fully made it into the city budget other than in a limited way.

The issue is that sidewalks are extremely expensive. Many iterations of the city council have looked at the cost and decided that limited funds were best spent elsewhere. City staff have always been very resourceful about finding grants, such as federal Safe Routes to School money.

Developers have often been required to put sidewalks in front of their projects, making for an odd patchwork of dirt and concrete along residential streets.

City money has been spent on repairs, mostly to damage from the street trees which were planted by King county before city incorporation.

Now complying with disability law is an issue for existing sidewalks.

In 2011 the City created a priority list for sidewalk money. It is now updating those priorities with the assistance of a large citizen advisory committee.

City council set goals for the prioritization:
  1. Safety - based on collisions, traffic speed and volume, as well as opportunities for trails and paths
  2. Equity - support for populations with the greatest need, i.e. children, older adults, disabled people, lower income communities, under-served communities
  3. Proximity - improves pedestrian connections to schools, parks, transit, activity centers
  4. Connectivity - builds a network of connected pedestrian routes

It appears that the city is leaning heavily toward non-traditional sidewalks. "Alternative treatments such as pinned down curbs, curbless sidewalks, and painted shoulders can be used successfully -- and offer a variety of additional benefits -- when used in the right context."

For a lot more information on this topic, see the handout from the March 22, 2018 meeting and the city webpage on sidewalks.



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Do you care where sidewalks are built in Shoreline? Go to the open house Mar 22

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Ashworth, looking north
Photo by Marla Tullio
The City of Shoreline will be hosting a second open house for the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan / ADA Transition Plan. 

If you are interested in Shoreline’s sidewalk network, join the project team and your neighbors on Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Shoreline City Hall in the Council Chamber and lobby. 17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133.

This open house will include updated information on the prioritization criteria and plan as well as an initial look at possible funding options.

A presentation will begin at 6:20pm followed by activities for public participation and comment. Additional information can be found on the sidewalks webpage




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City Council to discuss adding $20 to car license fees to fund sidewalk repair

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Damage to sidewalk from street tree roots
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
At its meeting on Monday, November 27, 2017, the Shoreline City Council will discuss Ordinance No. 772, which would authorize an additional Vehicle License Fee of twenty dollars to preserve, maintain and operate the transportation infrastructure of the City of Shoreline, including funding for sidewalk repairs and retrofits.

According to the staff report, there are approximately 75 miles of existing sidewalks throughout the City. These sidewalks were built at different times under different standards and are in need of repairs and retrofits.

Preliminary review and analysis of the inspections indicate over $110 million is needed for repairs, including replacement and retrofitting existing sidewalks and curb ramps to meet ADA standards.

The City’s current funding levels do not meet the need for repair and replacement of existing sidewalks. After evaluation of alternative revenue sources, staff determined that increasing the vehicle license fee by $20 would generate sufficient funds to dedicate $680,000 per year to repair existing sidewalks.

The council is scheduled to vote on the Ordinance December 11, 2017.



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Open House for Shoreline Sidewalk Prioritization Plan on Tuesday at 6pm

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Do Not Walk
Photo by Dennis Terpstra


Everyone in Shoreline wants sidewalks. Here's the problem:
  • It can cost up to $2.5 million to construct just one mile of sidewalk.
  • It can cost approximately $195,000 per mile to make significant sidewalk repairs along a street lined with trees.

Right now, the City of Shoreline is in a year-long process to create a Sidewalk Prioritization Plan as directed by the City Council in March 2017.

Council is committed to making improvements to the current sidewalk network, both in constructing new sidewalks (or alternative pedestrian facilities) and maintaining and bringing existing sidewalks up to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) code.

The process will include input from the citizen Sidewalk Advisory Committee and multiple opportunities for providing input at public open houses.

Major components of the process will be to create a data-driven system for prioritizing projects and researching and recommending ways to fund them. The cost to construct, maintain, and repair the miles of sidewalk the City already has or needs to construct exceeds the City’s currently available resources for this work. The City’s current funding for sidewalk improvements primarily depends on receiving highly competitive, and relatively modest, federal and state grants.

The tree was cut down and the sidewalk rebuilt
Meridian Ave N, about 198th
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


The first Open House is Tuesday, October 17, 2017 where staff will explain the City's process for planning for new sidewalks and repairing and maintaining existing sidewalk.

October 17, Tuesday evening, 
6:00 - 8:00pm at Shoreline City Hall, 

A presentation will begin at 6:20pm in the Council Chamber, and an activity to gain your input will be available after the presentation. Comment forms will be available throughout.

More information here

The schedule indicates how the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan process is integrated with the ADA Transition Plan, Sidewalk Advisory Committee and public outreach, and City Council and Board meetings. This schedule will be periodically updated throughout the process as new information or targets are addressed.



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Sidewalk going in along Hamlin Park on 15th

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Existing footpath - not a very safe place for pedestrians to walk
Photo by Patricia Hale


Drivers commuting on 15th NE may not have even realized that it was possible to walk on the east side of the road, along deeply wooded Hamlin Park.

First step is to locate and clean off the existing curb.
Notice how close the path is to the curb.
Photo by Patricia Hale

Ridgecrest resident Patty Hale has.

"There is a narrow footpath. I have walked the path - it is scary at best, even when there are no cars.  The footing is uneven - you feel like you are going to fall at any time - right into the street.  What is even more frightening, is the suction created by moving traffic.

"I can't even imagine what it would be like with a child in tow. Looking forward to the completion!"

Width of the new sidewalk allows a better walking surface
and gets pedestrians further away from traffic.
Photo by Patricia Hale

The sidewalk is going in on the east side of 15th between NE 160th and NE 165th. The project began at the end of December and is expected to be complete by the end of February.

Here is a peek of a finished section.
Plastic protects the concrete as it cures.
Photo by Patricia Hale


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City completes Safe Routes to School sidewalk project near Briarcrest Elementary

Monday, January 14, 2013

New sidewalk for Briarcrest students
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Thanks to grant funding from WSDOT’s Safe Routes to School program, students walking to Briarcrest Elementary now have safer options. As part of the 2011-2013 transportation budget, the State awarded the City $385,000 to construct sidewalks along 27th Avenue NE between NE 150th Street and NE 155th Street, and on NE 156th Street between 25th Avenue NE and 28th Avenue NE. In addition to the construction of sidewalks, the project also has an education and enforcement component. City staff have been working closely with Briarcrest Elementary and Shoreline Police on the design and implementation of those components.

Working cooperatively with the Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Police, the City has identified pedestrian routes near schools that need sidewalk improvements and worked aggressively to identify grant funding to install them.

"Safety of our students is our top priority and we appreciate the opportunity to partner with the City to create sidewalks near Briarcrest," said Shoreline Schools Superintendent Sue Walker.

Funded under Safe Routes to School money
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

“This is a great example of how local jurisdictions can work together to leverage Shoreline taxpayers dollars and benefit the community in ways we couldn’t when acting alone,” stated Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan.

The purpose of the Safe Routes to School program is to improve safety and mobility for children by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school. Funding from this program is for projects within two-miles of primary and middle schools (K-8). It is a highly competitive funding program; only 29 projects of the 124 submitted from throughout the state were selected for funding in the 2011-2013 biennium.

Money has been awarded in the next budget for sidewalks around Einstein.
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

As part of the of the 2013-2015 Transportation Budget, the City has been selected again by WSDOT to receive another $435,000 in Safe Routes to School funding to build sidewalk improvements around Einstein Middle School. Through its aggressive grants program, the City continually looks for ways to leverage local taxpayers’ dollars.

Visit the City’s website for a map of the completed improvements. 


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Shoreline receives grant funding for sidewalks in Briarcrest and the Aurora Corridor Project

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

From the office of the Shoreline City Manager

The passage of the State’s Transportation Budget brought good news regarding two funding programs that the City applied for in 2010.

As part of the 2011-2013 Transportation Budget, the State awarded the City $385,000 in Safe Routes to Schools program funding

The money is to be used to build sidewalks near Briarcrest Elementary and implement a program to encourage safe walking and biking to school. The City also received $6,357,839 in Regional Mobility Grant Program funding for the Aurora Corridor Project.

The purpose of the Safe Routes to Schools program is to improve safety and mobility for children by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school. Funding from this program is for projects within two-miles of primary and middle schools (K-8). It is a highly competitive funding program; only 29 projects of the 124 submitted from throughout the state were selected for funding.

The City developed the application cooperatively with the Shoreline Police and the Shoreline School District, who also provided additional financial support. It is anticipated that the project will begin in the fall of 2011, with construction in the summer of 2012.

The Regional Mobility Grant Program supports local efforts to improve transit mobility and reduce congestion on Washington State’s most heavily traveled roadways. The $6,357,839 was awarded for the Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes to be constructed on Aurora from N 192nd Street to N 205th Street. It is the largest amount funded among the 16 statewide projects awarded funding.

Design and right-of way acquisition for this segment of Aurora is currently underway. Additional grant funding will continue to be pursued to complete construction between N 192nd and N 205th Streets. Construction on this segment could begin as early as the summer of 2012. The City anticipates completing the three (3) miles of Aurora improvements with approximately 90% of the funding coming from county, state and federal grants.

Through its aggressive grants program, the City continually looks for ways to leverage local taxpayers’ dollars.

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DATE CORRECTION: Ashworth Avenue N sidewalk project open house Tuesday, Mar 8

Sunday, February 20, 2011

CORRECTION:  The date of the Open House is Tuesday, March 8.  

The City of Shoreline will hold an open house on Tuesday, March 8 from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers re the Ashworth Avenue N Priority Sidewalk Project, N 185th Street to N 192nd Street.

Ashworth was prioritized for sidewalks because it is a school walk route to Echo Lake Elementary. The project is planned for construction this summer.

When the City says "Open House" they generally mean they will have exhibits on easels with staff standing by to answer questions and explain the project details.

Then, about a half-hour into the time frame, they gather everyone for a formal presentation. Questions can also be answered during this session. There is usually time after the formal presentation to speak to staff individually.

The City will have information about the present scope, schedule, and design elements for the new sidewalk, parking, and draining improvements along the east side of Ashworth Avenue N.

At the first neighborhood meeting on June 23, 2010, some Ashworth residents were shocked to find out where their property lines were. Because Shoreline has an old intrastructure and was originally built to rural standards, property lines to the street were often never clearly delineated. If you can find the official street edge, generally speaking your property line is twelve feet back. That twelve feet is public right-of-way and belongs to the City.

For more information, contact Jon Jordan of Public Works or visit the City website pages here and here.

--Diane Hettrick

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