Use LUOA alternative
Editor, The Times:
In “A tall order” [page one, Feb. 8], The Times covered the Vulcan preview but missed the main event: the city meeting where they explained their plans to about 150 residents from not only South Lake Union but also surrounding neighborhoods.
The citizen comments were universally against the aggressive growth proposals of the city and [opted] for the alternative suggested by the Lake Union Opportunity Alliance. That LUOA alternative still supports twice [as much development] as the 20-year growth targets, but with a step down in height near our wonderful Lake Union — with no towers next to the Lake.
And let’s talk factually about the city’s plans. Concerning the four blocks that Vulcan owns next to Lake Union — between Valley and Mercer streets — the city is proposing podiums (bulky bases) up to 85 feet in height and on top of that base, towers up to 300 feet high. These towers of expensive condos would not only block the views for the rest of the neighborhood, but would stifle growth behind them.
If this city administration is listening to the people and neighborhoods, it will modify its plans and at least include the LUOA Alternative requested overwhelmingly by the people.
— John Pehrson, LUOA president, Seattle
Fix Mercer Street congestion
If the city wants to allow taller buildings and greater density in the South Lake Union area, I say it’s fine as long as they make solving the Mercer Street congestion a condition of approval.
Amenities like more green spaces are always nice, but those who benefit from taller buildings should be part of solving the transportation problems they will exacerbate. Greater density means more people. More people means more cars. More cars means greater traffic congestion.
I understand we are paying $150 to $200 million to make traffic revisions in the area and to make Mercer Street a more pleasant thoroughfare, but nothing is being done to relieve the real congestion that frequently backs up to Seattle Center. With increased density and the Gates Foundation offices opening soon, the area will be gridlocked if something isn’t done.
— Jon Boyce, Seattle