Preview of BNSF Prairie Line Trail Deal

This evening’s City Council meeting will include a public hearing on the proposed BNSF Prairie Line Trail and South Tacoma ProLogis Park. What does the large, warehouse distribution center have to do with a right of way trail in downtown? Everything.

The proposed Prairie Line Trail would provide a link between the Water Ditch Trail, Scott Pierson Trail, and the Foss Esplanade (which will hopefully connect nicely with Ruston Way). This section of trail traverses downtown from about 25th to 15th and then down to the waterfront. The City has asked for BNSF to donate the right of way for a trail system several times in the past but has been unsuccessful. By tying it into the ProLogis Park negotiations, the City has made this project possible. But it is not without controversy.

• Property Acquisition Value of the Prairie Line property is estimated by BNSF at $46 million. They are not donating the entire space but are providing a 20 foot wide thorough fare and allowing tenants along the trail (like UWT) to possibly purchase the rest.
• Closing of A St. Possible A St closure has been discussed off and on since 1995 within the City for safety and noise issues. Many studies have named it dangerous and traffic studies show with the new D St overpass the area has plenty of road capacity. Also, Sound Transit will be closing, permanently, the section of A St between 25th and 26th for the Lakewood commuter rail line.
• Design Controls Because the City won’t control the entire right of way questions have been raised about the threat of large buildings creating a scary tunnel effect. The City will have full control over design standards for the buildings around the trail.

While every deal must have compromises, are these the right ones? If you have any opinions, this topic is one of the Public Hearings scheduled for tonight. This should be interesting.