As promised, the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Flatiron Construction Co. began monthly meetings to inform the neighborhood of construction activities. The meeting began with a review of the scope of the construction during this phase (the West Approach Bridge-North project, “wahban”) which will last until 2017. This phase does not include the Montlake lid over 520 nor any of the features slated for the top of the lid. The staff reminded neighbors that the legislature has not uet funded any of these enhancements nor any construction for the road bed or the Portage Bay Bridge west of Montlake Blvd.
The WSDOT staff reported that three homeless encampments have been established in areas where construction is now taking place. The individuals who have been living in these areas were evicted by the Seattle Police Dept. and the areas have now been cleaned up.
The fence is now in place in all areas that are closed to the public. “No Trespassing” signed have been posted. The staff asked for cooperation in not moving the fences or entering the property.
Several concerns were brought to the attention of the presenters. There was a request that the meetings start at a later time when residents who work can attend. This meeting started at 4:30pm. Staff agreed to change the schedule of future meetings to a later starting time.
One resident reported that construction activities near the MOHAI building were very noisy and on going in the middle of the night. This is a violation of the city’s noise ordinance. Construction Co. staff agreed to investigate this to make sure that the noise ordinance was not being violated.
The next meeting will be held at the Montlake Community Center on Wednesday, December 3, 2014.
