Neighborhood meetings were held on December 14, 15, 16, and 17, to discuss the 520 Project’s impact to the Montlake Community based upon the haul routes proposed by WSDOT for the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV program.  The haul routes will mainly affect four areas within the community:  Boyer Avenue residents, residents along 24th Avenue, residents on East Hamlin/Shelby Streets and business owners along 24th Avenue.

The meeting included a brief introduction and discussion of the federal regulations that provide a strong basis for the Montlake Historic District to negotiate with WSDOT regarding all potential impacts.  Impacts would include damage to historic properties; natural / cultural resources including the Waterfront Park, the Bill Dawson and McCurdy Trails, The Greek Annual Festival and Opening Day; and community assets such as the Boyer Children’s Clinic.  Air and water quality and noise level standards, required by the National Environmental Protection Act (EIS), will also be included in the negotiations.

Following the introduction, attendees discussed their assessment of the potential impacts on their homes and businesses.  We distributed haul route traffic questionnaire and discussed the Community’s Action Plan as the 520 project progresses. The main effort at this time is to assemble the questionnaire responses as a basis for a Memorandum of Agreement to minimize the impact of the construction process on the community.

For copies of all the referenced information, contact Jon Decker at jdecker@… or 2311 16th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98112.