Sound Transit | Pacific Avenue Crossing

Background

Sound Transit (ST) needs to have a rail crossing of Pacific Avenue as part of the extension of the "Sounder" commuter rail service to Lakewood. After crossing Pacific Avenue the tracks would connect with the existing rail line that parallels South Tacoma Way up the "gulch".

Over the past several months ST has presented several options on how this crossing and connection might work. As of August 1, 2006 the community has not seen an option that would not destroy the economic vitality of the area.

HDC Position

The economic and social vitality of our neighborhood must be preserved. Items that need to be considered include:
• The ability of existing businesses to continue or proper mitigation provided.
• Not impeding important vehicular transportation routes.
• Use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CEPTED) principals.

We believe that the needs of the citizens of Tacoma must be the first consideration in this discussion. Without proper planning the City of Tacoma will loose valuable assets that will never be recovered.

December 2006 Final Position on Sound Transit.

Updates

12/13/07 Sound Transit approves Alternate 3, Modified as the route including a grade separation at Pacific Avenue. This is the route that HDC was in favor of.

12/11/06 American Institute of Architects Recommendations presented November 22, 2006.

10/24/06 Goals for the Sound Transit project that were generated from the American Institute of Architects workgroup:

• Improve arterial traffic flow and linkages
• Preserve Historic Highway 99 as a community asset
• Minimize business closures and relocations
• Minimize train and vehicle conflicts
• Create new commercial development opportunities
• Improve the sense of entry to Downtown Tacoma and the Dome District

10/12/06 Letter from HDC to the City of Tacoma asking to be involved in the study session 10/17/06

Other Comments

10/20/05 Dan Voelpel article in the News Tribune READ

8/28/06 Editorial in the News Tribune READ

8/23/06 Mike Lonergan comments READ

8/17/06 John Larson article in the Tacoma Weekly READ

8/9/06 Dan Voelpel article in the News Tribune READ

Resources

AIA 150 Project Documentation

Click HERE for the page to download the AIA 150 projects presented in October 2006

Regional Transportation Commission

Click HERE do download the November 2006 draft report

Local Sound Transit Board Members:

Julie Anderson email
John Ladenburg email

Sound Transit Staff who have attended our meetings:

Roger Iwata, Community Outreach Specialist email
Jim Edwards, Deputy Director, Capital Projects Department email

City of Tacoma Staff who have attended our meetings:

Spencer Beier, Civil Engineer email
Robert Levin, Community & Economic Development Department email