Proposed 19^th Street Closure

Background

January 26, 2005, Steve Smith from the University of Washington Tacoma notified the Hillside Development Council that the University was working on a new project to provide green space and a memorial for the Japanese language school. This project would include requesting the closure of 19^th Street between Jefferson Avenue and Market Street.

Upon hearing of this proposal, merchants based in the "wedge" between Market Street, Jefferson Avenue and 19^th Street expressed concern that this proposed closure would drastically change the traffic pattern making it much more difficult for patrons to find their businesses.

HDC Position

Closing any street without consideration for its effects on traffic patterns or business viability is an unacceptable method of planning for the future of downtown Tacoma. The Hillside Development Council has not seen any evidence to show that this proposed closure is necessary for UWT and in fact it would greatly hurt several of UWT's business tenants.

Part of the UWT's Master Plan is the inclusion of retail businesses within the footprint of the University. Suggesting closure of a street that provides vital access to their existing retail business tenants does not make common sense if there is a real desire to foster successful retail tenants.

Therefore we oppose the proposed closure of 19th Street between Jefferson and Market.

Followup

April 20, 2005 UWT releases 19th Street Site Program Report 4.09 MB

February 23, 2005 letter to the City outlining HDC's position.

March 6, 2005 Peter Callaghan from the News Tribune writes about 19th Street.

Resources

UWT Office of the Chancellor This page includes links to the UWT complete master plan.

Condensed UWT Master Plan only including pages regarding the Market Street closure. 1.93 MB

Proposed 19th Street Closure

Background

HDC Position

Followup

Resources

Proposed 19^th Street Closure