Say hooray for our neighbors who rallied Saturday to support our beloved Montlake Boulevard Market in their clash with Washington’s Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Saturday afternoon, Montlake elders, “middlers” and youngsters–nearly 50 strong–gathered to protest and parade at the Market corner near the bridge. They waved, held homemade signs high, chanted “Save Our Market”, and “12-Year Dirt Pile, No! No! No!” Hundreds of cars and pedestrians passed (slowly, of course– it was game day). Everyone took a look. How could they help it? Got some honks! Some shouts! Some thumbs up!
Our BLVD Market-WSDOT confrontation and rally caught media attention too. Friday, KIRO Radio featured an interview with Montlake activist, Kathy Laughman. She told how WSDOT provoked the planned rally by a surprise summer pronouncement that the Market & gas station land was needed for 520 replacement work. Montlake objected immediately. (*Hear Kathy’s interview at one of these sites below.)
Kiro Radio
My Northwest
On game day afternoon, KJR Sports Radio’s Softy Mahler, broadcasting from the Montlake Blvd Market parking-lot-turned-tailgating space, gave MCC President Bryan Haworth time to put in a plug for the cause. A tad later, KIRO TV news reporter Deborah Home & video crew swooped in and stayed around to capture the protest rally issue in time for broadcast Saturday evening.
Our David and Goliath clash is getting some City-wide notice. We may even be seeing some WSDOT reps’ willingness to negotiate. In the interest of the Boulevard Market, of Montlake, and of the principle of “fairness to the little guy,” we need to keep up our support effort.
Be ready for future opportunities to show your backing for our Montlake Blvd Market neighbors.
“Like” the Montlake Community Club on Facebook.
“Like” and see 15 more photos of the rally on Montlake Boulevard Market’s Facebook page.
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