WSDOT’s plans to demolish the Montlake Market have hit a speed bump. The Montlake Community Club and market owners and operators’ federal lawsuit challenges WSDOT’s and FHWA’s failure to review the environmental consequences of its current plan. The federal court case had been scheduled to be heard this December. However, after the trial was set various federal and state agencies conducted a limited review of the environmental issues. The findings caused the judge to strike the schedule. A new schedule will be developed over the next two months. A new hearing date will likely be in the spring of 2019.
The Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) are the gatekeepers working to preserve the Montlake Historic District. DAHP has asked that the Section 106 Programmatic Agreement be modified to include additional noise mitigation. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection is now aware of DAHP’s concerns. They have asked us to provide the documents from our objections to the noise variance as it relates to the protection of the Montlake Historic District. Not sure this will go anywhere but we will continue to monitor the situation. The trial for the appeal of the variance is scheduled for 10/8 through 10/10. More details to follow.
WSDOT’s power is vast. The loopholes they exploit are many. It will take Legislative action to take the inconsistencies out of the Law. Our goal is not to delay the project. Our goal is to preserve the Neighborhood and to make sure that WSDOT follows the Law that should protect us. Special thanks to all who have been involved.
Leave a Reply