The Montlake Boulevard Market–gone forever–is a real possibility if WSDOT gets its way at a court hearing on June 23rd. WSDOT has filed a Petition for Condemnation to take full possession of the market and gas station properties, and if the court rules in WSDOT’s favor, it could be the end of the road for our beloved market and 76 gas station.
This is an unjust action that we cannot tolerate because WSDOT still has not explained exactly why they absolutely must have the properties. They say that when they take ownership, the market may or may not be allowed to stay open during construction, it all depends on the needs of the project. Really? How can they justify taking two of our most important businesses, and at the same time, admit they are not even sure if they need it or what they will use it for. We at the Montlake Community Club say answer this question BEFORE you take our businesses.
We have time to stop this but we must act now!
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO BY WEDNESDAY JUNE 21st:
Personalize and send your own version of this letter to the politicians and journalist listed below. Or write your own letter. Or call the phone numbers listed.
Dear __________________:
The Washington State Department of Transportation has filed a condemnation lawsuit to condemn the Montlake Grocery Store and Gas Station Properties. The lawsuit contradicts the environmental review and record of decision for the project and breaks WSDOT’s promises to the community. Yet, WSDOT’s lawsuit expressly acknowledges that it does not know what uses it might need to make of the properties other than for staging, even though its representatives promised the properties would not be used for general staging.
We believe WSDOT’s actions are improper. We ask that WSDOT stop its condemnation of the Montlake Grocery and Gas Station properties, ask design-builder proposals in WSDOT’s Design/Bid process to avoid if possible, and at least minimize both the extent and duration of, any use of the Montlake Grocery and Gas Station properties, and not to take either of these treasured community assets without first demonstrating need.
Send your Email, or call, using the links below:
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray – contact the mayor
Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell – bruce.harrell@seattle.gov (206) 684-8804
WA Sec. of Transportation Roger Millar – millarr@wsdot.wa.gov (360) 705-7054
State Senator Jamie Pedersen – jamie.pedersen@leg.wa.gov (360) 786-7628
Seattle Times transportation reporter Mike Lindblom – mlindblom@seattletimes.com (206) 515-5631
Click to send this email template to all (except of the Mayor, which you need to do separately)
Get your calls and letters out by Wednesday, June 21st!
Anthony Przybylo says
Is it leaving?
Mieko Hart says
Thank you. I have sent out emails as well.
George Riddell says
What happened to my comment from earlier today? It was there for a while. Now it’s gone. I have received some solid responses from Rep Macri’s office as well as David Goldberg the new Ombudsman.
Rob Dolin says
Hi George, would you please share the responses you received so others can build on these responses?
Patty DeVore says
Thank you. I sent the letter to the city council mrmbers. I hope they listen to their constituents!
Freya Skarin says
I also mentioned the fact that our bus routes to University Village have been eliminated or restricted, making the Market even more necessary. Freya Skarin on Boyer
George Riddell says
The office of State Representative Nicole Macri has responded to my email to say she is in full support of saving the market. She, Sen Jamie Pedersen and Speaker Frank Chopp have recently been in discussion with WSDOT to stress their continued support.
Please add the new Ombudsman and Community Liaison David Goldberg to your list of contacts. His email is goldbed@wsdot.wa.gov, and copy Julie Meredith, 520 program director and Denise Cieri, deputy program director. Their email addresses are meredjl@wsdot.wa.gov and cierid@wsdot.wa.gov.
Do it today!
Kathy Laughman says
Our community has been fighting to keep the market and the gas station part of our neighborhood since last June when we first received the news that WSDOT would take them to use as staging areas. Let’s not surrender now. Send emails and letters to those named above and tell them how important these businesses are to Montlake..
Bill Mundy, Ph.D. says
I hope the community has retained an attorney knowledgeable with Public Use and Necessity hearings and that the attorney and you have done your home work. If that is the case there is a reasonable chance to can, at least temporarily, stop them. Good Luck.