Dome District Rail Design Meeting - July 27th
As many of you are aware Sound Transit is planning to build a new rail line through the south side of downtown Tacoma. While this will allow for the Sounder to reach Lakewood, the physical creation of this rail line will fundamentally alter the landscape of the Dome District. Representatives from the Dome District have raised a number of issues about the design and have provided alternatives. As a result, and after a rising tide of concern from some citizens, organizations, and elected officials, the Sound Transit Board is looking to meet with the community next week to explain the basis for the recommended design and address the design alternative.
The meeting will begin with a presentation. It will be immediately followed by a walk of the proposed route.
Do you have an opinion?
Details
Monday, July 27th at 9:00 am
Freighthouse Square’s Link Operations Base Conference Room
Freighthouse Square center lobby
802 E. 25th Street
UPDATE : 7/24/09
Note the room change.
Filed under: General
8 comments
N Nick July 22, 2009
“the Sound Transit Board is looking to meet with the community next week to explain the basis for the recommended design and address the design alternative.”
Sounds to me like a one-way conversation in which a board with a voting majority living outside Tacoma tells us why their idea is better, and why any alternative that would benefit Tacoma (or at least have a more neutral impact) is too expensive/not worth it.
Is it me, or does this sound like just a PR move/gesture more than an actual opportunity to change minds and affect decisions? I hate to be pessimistic, so I will try my best to stay open-minded, but it’s gonna be hard…
T tacoma1 July 23, 2009
Claudia Thomas, Pat McCarthy, and Julie Anderson, all on the ST Board, all from Pierce County. We actually have a fair representation here.
I think it is unfortunate that we have a new county exec at this time. John Ladenburg did an excellent job for us, and was the ST Chair for quite awhile. Pat McCarthy currently doesn’t have that kind of power or influence.
M michael buchanan July 23, 2009
Last week I commented on the alternative designs presented at the City of Tacoma workshop. I suggested that it was akin to putting lipstick on a pig. I will be at the meeting next week but fear it is too little too late.
I I'm for Change (for tacoma) July 23, 2009
…all from Pierce County…
Pierce County doesn’t equal Tacoma and the Dome District. Pierce County could equal Lakewood. Playing this out in my mind —> just what Tacoma needs, more suburbanites living in “lovely” Lakewood commuting up to Seattle. Doesn’t seem like a fair representation to me.
When will this city see the potential for the Dome District? This is where lots of non-Tacoma people see Tacoma and think this IS Tacoma. This should be a great showpiece nieghborhood, easy I5 access, water views, etc.
T T-towner July 24, 2009
UPDATE: Due to demand, the location for Monday’s meeting has been moved. It was to be held in the Tacoma Link Maintenance Building, but a bigger room is needed.
The meeting has been moved to the Freighthouse Square center lobby.
We understand that Sound Transit will have staff at the Tacoma Link Building to direct any meeting attendees to the correct location, and will have directional signing out on the sidewalk.
Hunter George
Pierce County Communications
T T-towner July 24, 2009
Folks,
In light of the discussion here, Pat asked me to post this comment as she ran out to an appointment:
I asked Sound Transit to provide this information session because I continue to hear concerns about the D to M project – some of which have merit and some of which is based on outdated or erroneous information. The intent is to have a dialogue among Sound Transit, the City of Tacoma and interested parties. It will not be a one-way conversation.
With this D to M project, I bring a fresh set of eyes and no agenda other than to have all the parties in a room talking about the changes made to date, some misconceptions and perceptions, some of the realities, project status and next steps. Everyone will have an opportunity to walk the route. I think it is fair for folks to ask questions of Sound Transit and the City of Tacoma, and for Sound Transit and the City to discuss their work to date and viewpoints. In my opinion there are no bad guys and good guys in this discussion. Everyone I have talked to wants a good outcome for Tacoma. I hope folks will come with an open mind and allow for this informational session to be constructive.
Pat McCarthy
County Executive
D DavidS July 25, 2009
there are no bad guys and good guys
The only bad guys will be the ones who refuse to listen & discuss. I’m glad McCarthy/George is listening.
A Ann July 27, 2009
Curious what others thought about the meeting and walk-around this morning. Good crowd turnout, but I can’t shake the feeling that Sound Transit isn’t really considering the post and beam alternative. They called today’s gathering a discussion but it felt like they’re just trying to convince everyone that a berm is the best (and already chosen) solution.