Sound Transit and the Tacoma City Council are planning to dump hundreds of thousands of yards of dirt in the economic development area of the Dome District in downtown Tacoma. They will be doing this in an effort to create a large berm, which is effectively a large hill of dirt with the train tracks placed on top of the hill. We feel this is a mistake.
The space they are purposing for this is viable land that can be commercially developed. The reason for commercial development is to create jobs and to tax business and property. The employment in new businesses in the Dome Area will create buying power for Tacoma and all of Pierce County residents. This saves the residents from having their taxes increased due to a lack of commercial development. Sound Transit has closed a lot of businesses in Tacoma that have moved out of the city taking their money for taxes with them. Who will Tacoma and Pierce County turn to and recover the lost revenue? YOU. When bond issues come up they always feature a family home in the $200,000 price range and never mention the multi-million dollar commercial buildings that pay thousands of dollars in taxes. The businesses are what keeps the city going. Please help us to stop this purposeful destruction of commercial property development and our future tax base.
Please help us to stop this purposeful destruction of commercial property development. Please vote yes for Post and Beam Alternative in the our survey on the right side. The citizens of Tacoma need your help. We need 100,000 votes. Thank you for taking the time to let your voice be heard.
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Friday, December 4, 2009
Alternative Design Concept and Cost Estimates
From: Tom Warren, PE, Warren Engineers, PLLC
Regarding: Design and Cost Analysis for Proposed Elevated Structure Concept for Sound Transit Rail
SUMMARY
At the request of the DDDG, we have developed a preliminary alternative design concept for the Sound Transit Sounder Commuter Rail extension through the Dome District. The elevated structure (bridge) is based on current state-of-the-art technology used by the railroads. Currently, the alternative has been called “post and beam”, but is more accurately termed “bridge” or “flyover” in standard railroad nomenclature. The following photograph of the Kansas City Flyover (1) provides a visual representation of the basic bridge structure.
For our analysis, we assumed a total length of 1450’, consisting of 1350’ of bridge structure with supports at 32’ average intervals, and a separate bridge of 100’ span over Pacific Avenue. Our cost estimate for the 1350’ section is $13,683,000 ($10,140 per foot) and $4,500,000 for the Pacific Avenue Bridge for a total cost of $18,183,000 for the structures. This estimate is for the structures only, and does not consider design, permitting, utility relocation and installation, road crossing at grade work, traffic control, surveying, excavation of Pacific Avenue, nor inspection.
DESIGN CONCEPT
The basic design is the same as that used by Burlington Northern (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP) railroads to build elevated structures or bridges around the continental United States. BNSF and UP have jointly developed these design standards. Canadian National uses the same methodology in Canada.
Here’s a link to the full report, cost estimates, pictures and drawings:
Full Report on Design and Cost Analysis
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Regarding: Design and Cost Analysis for Proposed Elevated Structure Concept for Sound Transit Rail
SUMMARY
At the request of the DDDG, we have developed a preliminary alternative design concept for the Sound Transit Sounder Commuter Rail extension through the Dome District. The elevated structure (bridge) is based on current state-of-the-art technology used by the railroads. Currently, the alternative has been called “post and beam”, but is more accurately termed “bridge” or “flyover” in standard railroad nomenclature. The following photograph of the Kansas City Flyover (1) provides a visual representation of the basic bridge structure.
For our analysis, we assumed a total length of 1450’, consisting of 1350’ of bridge structure with supports at 32’ average intervals, and a separate bridge of 100’ span over Pacific Avenue. Our cost estimate for the 1350’ section is $13,683,000 ($10,140 per foot) and $4,500,000 for the Pacific Avenue Bridge for a total cost of $18,183,000 for the structures. This estimate is for the structures only, and does not consider design, permitting, utility relocation and installation, road crossing at grade work, traffic control, surveying, excavation of Pacific Avenue, nor inspection.
DESIGN CONCEPT
The basic design is the same as that used by Burlington Northern (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP) railroads to build elevated structures or bridges around the continental United States. BNSF and UP have jointly developed these design standards. Canadian National uses the same methodology in Canada.
Here’s a link to the full report, cost estimates, pictures and drawings:
Full Report on Design and Cost Analysis
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Sound Transit Bid Process
Alternative Design Bid Wording Request
December 3, 2009
The Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
City of Tacoma
747 Market Street
Tacoma, WA 98402-3766
Re: Alternative Design-Build Proposals
Sounder Train Extension, East C Street to South C Street (Part of D to M Extension)
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers:
The Sounder Train Extension west from Freighthouse Square has been the focus of many discussions the past few years regarding route, budget, and design issues. The central point of contention has boiled down to a “berm” solution verses a “post and beam” solution from East C Street to South C Street. Granted some compromises have been incorporated in the “berm alternative”, however, the Dome District Association, along with many supporters from throughout the City, believes there may be a solution that will solve the group’s concerns while accomplishing the goals of the City and Sound Transit.
The requested process is an approach that is used extensively by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in many of their construction projects. This process would require:
1. adding the words “alternative design-build proposals will be accepted” to the bid specifications.
2. a clear delineation of the project criteria for decision making.
3. a modification to the bid evaluation process to include a step to assess the responsiveness to the project criteria of design-build proposals before the actual cost bid proposals are opened. (WSDOT has a simple application for this step.)
This proposal would:
1. not require a re-design by the Sound Transit project design team.
2. not extend the bidding and construction schedule.
3. likely save millions of dollars in construction cost.
4. maintain all of the design criteria of the project including rail alignment, grade, and connections.
5. give the opportunity for more competitive bid proposals for the bid package bids as well as any design-build proposals.
This approach may well give our City an acceptable solution for all parties while saving dollars and time for the project.
Please consider this approach and request Sound Transit to incorporate it into the bidding specifications.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Keith Stone
President, Dome District Association
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The Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
City of Tacoma
747 Market Street
Tacoma, WA 98402-3766
Re: Alternative Design-Build Proposals
Sounder Train Extension, East C Street to South C Street (Part of D to M Extension)
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers:
The Sounder Train Extension west from Freighthouse Square has been the focus of many discussions the past few years regarding route, budget, and design issues. The central point of contention has boiled down to a “berm” solution verses a “post and beam” solution from East C Street to South C Street. Granted some compromises have been incorporated in the “berm alternative”, however, the Dome District Association, along with many supporters from throughout the City, believes there may be a solution that will solve the group’s concerns while accomplishing the goals of the City and Sound Transit.
The requested process is an approach that is used extensively by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in many of their construction projects. This process would require:
1. adding the words “alternative design-build proposals will be accepted” to the bid specifications.
2. a clear delineation of the project criteria for decision making.
3. a modification to the bid evaluation process to include a step to assess the responsiveness to the project criteria of design-build proposals before the actual cost bid proposals are opened. (WSDOT has a simple application for this step.)
This proposal would:
1. not require a re-design by the Sound Transit project design team.
2. not extend the bidding and construction schedule.
3. likely save millions of dollars in construction cost.
4. maintain all of the design criteria of the project including rail alignment, grade, and connections.
5. give the opportunity for more competitive bid proposals for the bid package bids as well as any design-build proposals.
This approach may well give our City an acceptable solution for all parties while saving dollars and time for the project.
Please consider this approach and request Sound Transit to incorporate it into the bidding specifications.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Keith Stone
President, Dome District Association
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Alternative Design Process
Successful with Cheney Stadium
Here's an example of a success story that happened because Alternative Design was added to the bidding process. The approach gave our City an acceptable solution for all parties while saving dollars and time on a major project.
In the fall of 1959 the Cheney Stadium project was over budget and the goal of completing the project by the spring of 1960 in doubt. The City and County went out to re-bid of the over-budget wood structure with only the added “alternative proposals will be accepted.” Without any re-design required by the City and County, the bids received for an alternative precast concrete solution made the project possible within the budget available and the baseball stadium was completed for opening day that Spring. If the “alternative design-build proposal” had not been incorporated, the stadium would not have been completed within budget or on time and the possibility that Triple A baseball may never have arrived in Tacoma a distinct possibility.
Please consider this approach and request Sound Transit to incorporate it into the bidding specifications.
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In the fall of 1959 the Cheney Stadium project was over budget and the goal of completing the project by the spring of 1960 in doubt. The City and County went out to re-bid of the over-budget wood structure with only the added “alternative proposals will be accepted.” Without any re-design required by the City and County, the bids received for an alternative precast concrete solution made the project possible within the budget available and the baseball stadium was completed for opening day that Spring. If the “alternative design-build proposal” had not been incorporated, the stadium would not have been completed within budget or on time and the possibility that Triple A baseball may never have arrived in Tacoma a distinct possibility.
Please consider this approach and request Sound Transit to incorporate it into the bidding specifications.
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Friday, November 20, 2009
Sound Transit Berm in Tacoma
Still A Bad Idea
Here's a short recap of the Berm Battle with Sound Transit. Concerned citizens in Tacoma joined forces and worked together really hard to convince Sound Transit and the City Council of Tacoma that a large earth berm between East C and Sound C Streets was not an appropriate rail design for Tacoma and the Dome District.
We did not convince Sound Transit and the City Council fully, but some of our concerns were addressed and the project is better because of our efforts. If you were involved trying to stop the berm, thank you for your work in trying to make Tacoma a better place to live.
Here's what we gained in our efforts:
1) The B Street Ravine was saved from being filled with dirt and gone forever.
2) Sound Transit has agreed to work with Cascade Land Conservancy and the Green Tacoma Partnership to enhance the ravine with Native Plants.
3) The berm will be landscaped and maintained, Sound Transit and the City of Tacoma will come up with a plan for this. Note: we still need to make sure there is a long term agreement for maintenance and that it is not cut from future budgets. Sound Transit should create a trust and set aside money for at least twenty years of maintenance, Tacoma should not have to pay, but they can oversea the maintenance.
4) Cooperation and support from Community Councils, Environmental Groups, businesses and individuals working together for the common cause of making Tacoma better.
The berm is still planned but they have not sent it out to bid yet. There is also a $40 million dollar bridge planned over Pacific Avenue. Why should so much of our tax dollars be when it can be done for less.
Several of the Post and Beam Supporters are continuing their efforts to get this project done right. If you are interested in getting or staying involved please send an email to doitrighttacoma@gmail.com and we'll add you to the communication mailing list.
Tacoma is a wonderful city, thanks for helping to make it better!
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We did not convince Sound Transit and the City Council fully, but some of our concerns were addressed and the project is better because of our efforts. If you were involved trying to stop the berm, thank you for your work in trying to make Tacoma a better place to live.
Here's what we gained in our efforts:
1) The B Street Ravine was saved from being filled with dirt and gone forever.
2) Sound Transit has agreed to work with Cascade Land Conservancy and the Green Tacoma Partnership to enhance the ravine with Native Plants.
3) The berm will be landscaped and maintained, Sound Transit and the City of Tacoma will come up with a plan for this. Note: we still need to make sure there is a long term agreement for maintenance and that it is not cut from future budgets. Sound Transit should create a trust and set aside money for at least twenty years of maintenance, Tacoma should not have to pay, but they can oversea the maintenance.
4) Cooperation and support from Community Councils, Environmental Groups, businesses and individuals working together for the common cause of making Tacoma better.
The berm is still planned but they have not sent it out to bid yet. There is also a $40 million dollar bridge planned over Pacific Avenue. Why should so much of our tax dollars be when it can be done for less.
Several of the Post and Beam Supporters are continuing their efforts to get this project done right. If you are interested in getting or staying involved please send an email to doitrighttacoma@gmail.com and we'll add you to the communication mailing list.
Tacoma is a wonderful city, thanks for helping to make it better!
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Monday, October 19, 2009
Breaking News in Tacoma
Post and Beam Construction will save Millions
Letter sent this afternoon to members of the Tacoma City Council.
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To all Honorable persons,
The Dome District and a lot of volunteer citizens have been working to help Sound Transit come up with a method for the best looking, cost efficient, least view blockage and gain the best future economics.
In doing this we have four of the best design engineering firms in Washington and the USA collaborating. Two of the firms primarily work on Railroad systems around the country.
Two main estimating firms are Tacoma's Concrete Technology and McDowell N. W. Piling.
We have used Sound Transits alignment, grade and Geo technical data.
Contrary to some opinions, we have an excellent team.
I am at this time relaying to you a cost figure for the Post and Beam design we have come up with. This estimated figure is a little high but I wanted to get you this before the 20th Council meeting. We will have a lower written estimate later this week.
The estimated figure including construction costs, material costs, dirt removal, profit and contingency is $21,120,000.00 million dollars.
This is about half the cost of the Pacific Avenue bridge only. We feel Post and beam could save Sound Transit $30,000,000.00 million dollars of our tax money to use elsewhere.
We want to thank you for your time reading this and we hope you will all pospone your vote on these agreements for two weeks until we get this sorted out.
Thank you,
Keith Stone
President Dome District Development Group
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The City Council should not be voting on any Sound Transit Agreements until they have looked closely the new cost estimate. This project should not be costing so much money and Sound Transit's current design is not appropriate for Tacoma.
Sound Transit says the project will loose funding already in place, however the money saved by lowering the project costs will offset any lost grants or funding. Also, our elected officials will work hard to save any funding that might be lost due to project corrections.
The Post and Beam option being presented to the City Council is already designed and simple to build. Any project delays will be offset because it will be easier and quicker to build using the Post and Beam plan.
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To all Honorable persons,
The Dome District and a lot of volunteer citizens have been working to help Sound Transit come up with a method for the best looking, cost efficient, least view blockage and gain the best future economics.
In doing this we have four of the best design engineering firms in Washington and the USA collaborating. Two of the firms primarily work on Railroad systems around the country.
Two main estimating firms are Tacoma's Concrete Technology and McDowell N. W. Piling.
We have used Sound Transits alignment, grade and Geo technical data.
Contrary to some opinions, we have an excellent team.
I am at this time relaying to you a cost figure for the Post and Beam design we have come up with. This estimated figure is a little high but I wanted to get you this before the 20th Council meeting. We will have a lower written estimate later this week.
The estimated figure including construction costs, material costs, dirt removal, profit and contingency is $21,120,000.00 million dollars.
This is about half the cost of the Pacific Avenue bridge only. We feel Post and beam could save Sound Transit $30,000,000.00 million dollars of our tax money to use elsewhere.
We want to thank you for your time reading this and we hope you will all pospone your vote on these agreements for two weeks until we get this sorted out.
Thank you,
Keith Stone
President Dome District Development Group
------------------------
The City Council should not be voting on any Sound Transit Agreements until they have looked closely the new cost estimate. This project should not be costing so much money and Sound Transit's current design is not appropriate for Tacoma.
Sound Transit says the project will loose funding already in place, however the money saved by lowering the project costs will offset any lost grants or funding. Also, our elected officials will work hard to save any funding that might be lost due to project corrections.
The Post and Beam option being presented to the City Council is already designed and simple to build. Any project delays will be offset because it will be easier and quicker to build using the Post and Beam plan.
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Reasons Why Post and Beam Construction is Better
Here are a few reasons why concerned citizens want Post and Beam Elevated Construction for the new Sounder rail line in Tacoma.
1. A large berm in the middle of the Dome District will create a potential danger zone by reducing visibility through the area. The berm will create a large blind spot and make it difficult to see up the 705 corridor and green belt. As of the current Sound Transit drawing, there is a 300 foot long wall that's 10' to 20' high, starting just West of the "B" Street Ravine and continuing to East "A" Street This creates a huge blind spot right in the middle of a promising mixed-use district.
2. Berms separate and divide communities from one another.
3. Loss of parking spaces, 107 will be lost if the track is bermed. Will have to build additional parking to replace the spaces lost, and the lots could easily end up on land better used for housing or business sites.
4. Berm width makes any available lots too small to build on and since the tracks are not self-supporting no developer will build near the tracks with the chance of subsidence.
5. The berms take too much land off the tax rolls, and it's land that someday could produce tax revenue for the city if it were developed.
6. The Dome District should be the Transit Oriented District for Tacoma. It is poised for density, helping to relieve the pressure on Tacoma's older single-family Neighborhoods. Post and Beam would allow development to occur along the tracks, in a sense encapsulating them with buildings of offices, entertainment, parking and housing.
7. Downtown will continue south on Pacific Ave. and now that the Dome District is part of the Downtown, that development should turn and continue to the transit hub in the District. Berming would stop this development at the intersection of East 25th Street. Earthen embankments are not part of a business and retail renaissance.
8. Berms are for rural areas, not urban areas. For successful pedestrian use of street level businesses, retail and entertainment, it must be continuous. Even a half block break can stop the success of street level retail, as they have found on Pacific Ave. at the huge parking garages.
9. Sound Transit has stated, the berm will be planted with grass. Look at any of Tacoma's existing berms and you'll see they are not maintained, they are overgrown and full of invasive plants.
10. The cost of the Post and Beam is very similar to the berm and there are more unforeseen costs (unknown utilities, unknown soil conditions...) in berming. Current estimate is that it costs less for Post and Beam construction.
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1. A large berm in the middle of the Dome District will create a potential danger zone by reducing visibility through the area. The berm will create a large blind spot and make it difficult to see up the 705 corridor and green belt. As of the current Sound Transit drawing, there is a 300 foot long wall that's 10' to 20' high, starting just West of the "B" Street Ravine and continuing to East "A" Street This creates a huge blind spot right in the middle of a promising mixed-use district.
2. Berms separate and divide communities from one another.
3. Loss of parking spaces, 107 will be lost if the track is bermed. Will have to build additional parking to replace the spaces lost, and the lots could easily end up on land better used for housing or business sites.
4. Berm width makes any available lots too small to build on and since the tracks are not self-supporting no developer will build near the tracks with the chance of subsidence.
5. The berms take too much land off the tax rolls, and it's land that someday could produce tax revenue for the city if it were developed.
6. The Dome District should be the Transit Oriented District for Tacoma. It is poised for density, helping to relieve the pressure on Tacoma's older single-family Neighborhoods. Post and Beam would allow development to occur along the tracks, in a sense encapsulating them with buildings of offices, entertainment, parking and housing.
7. Downtown will continue south on Pacific Ave. and now that the Dome District is part of the Downtown, that development should turn and continue to the transit hub in the District. Berming would stop this development at the intersection of East 25th Street. Earthen embankments are not part of a business and retail renaissance.
8. Berms are for rural areas, not urban areas. For successful pedestrian use of street level businesses, retail and entertainment, it must be continuous. Even a half block break can stop the success of street level retail, as they have found on Pacific Ave. at the huge parking garages.
9. Sound Transit has stated, the berm will be planted with grass. Look at any of Tacoma's existing berms and you'll see they are not maintained, they are overgrown and full of invasive plants.
10. The cost of the Post and Beam is very similar to the berm and there are more unforeseen costs (unknown utilities, unknown soil conditions...) in berming. Current estimate is that it costs less for Post and Beam construction.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
Another TNT Front Page Story about Citizens
Requesting Post and Beam Design
TNT article about the Tacoma City Council meeting held Tuesday evening October 6th. The meeting was very well attended with approximately 27 people speaking to the council during the public comments section of the meeting. All but three were in favor of Post and Beam for the design of the new Sound Transit rail line in the Dome District.
Here's the link to the article, leave comments at the end.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/1210/story/907346.html
The pole featured on The News Tribune shows votes of more than 80% in favor of Post and Beam construction.
Supporters of Post and Beam met this morning to discuss our next steps. We're working on a plan to save millions of dollars and get the train to Lakewood faster than Sound Transits current plans. If you're a known supporter and want to help send an email to doitrighttacoma@gmail.com for more information, please include your telephone number. Also, you can attend next weeks City Council meeting hear about our plans.
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Here's the link to the article, leave comments at the end.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/1210/story/907346.html
The pole featured on The News Tribune shows votes of more than 80% in favor of Post and Beam construction.
Supporters of Post and Beam met this morning to discuss our next steps. We're working on a plan to save millions of dollars and get the train to Lakewood faster than Sound Transits current plans. If you're a known supporter and want to help send an email to doitrighttacoma@gmail.com for more information, please include your telephone number. Also, you can attend next weeks City Council meeting hear about our plans.
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Important City Council Meeting
Attend the Meeting Tonight
Tonight, Tuesday evening, October 6th, there's a very important Tacoma City Council meeting. It's the final reading of Ordinance No. 27833. Authorizing the execution of a Right of Use Agreement with Sound Transit regarding the area located from East D Street to South M Street.
Next week, the council will be voting to accept or reject the ordinance, and there's still time for the city council amendments to the agreement protecting our future.
There are several very questionable points in the agreement, that give Sound Transit rights to do what they want, not what Tacoma wants. You can hear the agreement read at tonight's city council meeting. Sorry that we don't have a copy to post.
Here’s a link to the Full Agenda Packet for tonight’s meeting:
http://cms.cityoftacoma.org/cityclerk/Files/CityCouncil/Agendas/2009-FullAgenda/Full20091006.pdf
Search for the PDF for Ordinance 27833.
Also, at tonight's meeting citizens can speak regarding the ordinance.
The ordinance relates to a major city wide issue that's supported by a large number of people, but not by the City Council. Citizens need to ask and encourage the City Council to do what is best for Tacoma, citizens and business owners, not what’s best for Sound Transit. Whether you're against the berm and the Sound Transit project or for it, it's critical that you attend tonight's meeting. Come to the meeting tonight and sign up to speak. Let the City Council know where you stand and your opinions, they need to hear from citizens.
The meeting starts at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, location is 747 Market Street in downtown Tacoma.
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Next week, the council will be voting to accept or reject the ordinance, and there's still time for the city council amendments to the agreement protecting our future.
There are several very questionable points in the agreement, that give Sound Transit rights to do what they want, not what Tacoma wants. You can hear the agreement read at tonight's city council meeting. Sorry that we don't have a copy to post.
Here’s a link to the Full Agenda Packet for tonight’s meeting:
http://cms.cityoftacoma.org/cityclerk/Files/CityCouncil/Agendas/2009-FullAgenda/Full20091006.pdf
Search for the PDF for Ordinance 27833.
Also, at tonight's meeting citizens can speak regarding the ordinance.
The ordinance relates to a major city wide issue that's supported by a large number of people, but not by the City Council. Citizens need to ask and encourage the City Council to do what is best for Tacoma, citizens and business owners, not what’s best for Sound Transit. Whether you're against the berm and the Sound Transit project or for it, it's critical that you attend tonight's meeting. Come to the meeting tonight and sign up to speak. Let the City Council know where you stand and your opinions, they need to hear from citizens.
The meeting starts at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, location is 747 Market Street in downtown Tacoma.
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Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sound Transit and Tacoma Tracks
In the news again!
The News Tribune, Sunday Edition features a good article concerning the Sound Transit project with information about the berm and Post and Beam.
It's available online and you can leave comments: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/904023.html
There's an important informational forum this Monday, featuring the berm verses post and beam. The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Dome District, will be presenting a computer generated graphics presentation showing both design plans and how they will likely look.
You'll be able to ask questions and look at any spot along the train track alignment in both versions. This is an important show and tell, and a chance to encourage the city to listen to citizens and business owners.
The Forum will be Monday, October 5th, 5:00 p.m. at the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel. The address is: 2611 East E Street, Tacoma. Street parking is abundant. Please arrive early for the presentation and bring along friends.
Also, on Tuesday evening, October 6th, there's an important Tacoma City Council meeting. It's the final reading of Ordinance No. 27833. Authorizing the execution of a Right of Use Agreement with Sound Transit regarding the area located from East D Street to South M Street. The meeting starts at 5:00 p.m. location is 747 Market Street.
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It's available online and you can leave comments: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/904023.html
There's an important informational forum this Monday, featuring the berm verses post and beam. The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Dome District, will be presenting a computer generated graphics presentation showing both design plans and how they will likely look.
You'll be able to ask questions and look at any spot along the train track alignment in both versions. This is an important show and tell, and a chance to encourage the city to listen to citizens and business owners.
The Forum will be Monday, October 5th, 5:00 p.m. at the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel. The address is: 2611 East E Street, Tacoma. Street parking is abundant. Please arrive early for the presentation and bring along friends.
Also, on Tuesday evening, October 6th, there's an important Tacoma City Council meeting. It's the final reading of Ordinance No. 27833. Authorizing the execution of a Right of Use Agreement with Sound Transit regarding the area located from East D Street to South M Street. The meeting starts at 5:00 p.m. location is 747 Market Street.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Informational Forum
Post and Beam vs Berm
There will be an informational forum showing on projector screens the live difference of the berm verses post and beam. You may ask to look at any spot along the train alignment.
Both construction methods will be featured and you'll be able to see what all the concern is about.
The Forum will be held October 5th, 5:00 p.m. at the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel. The address is: 2611 East E Street, Tacoma, Washington, 98421. Ample street parking is available in the area at that time of the day.
Please arrive early for a good seat and bring your friends.
There will be different refreshments and cookies served.
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Both construction methods will be featured and you'll be able to see what all the concern is about.
The Forum will be held October 5th, 5:00 p.m. at the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel. The address is: 2611 East E Street, Tacoma, Washington, 98421. Ample street parking is available in the area at that time of the day.
Please arrive early for a good seat and bring your friends.
There will be different refreshments and cookies served.
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Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Peter O'Callahan TNT News Article
Environment and Public Works Meeting Notice
Sound Transit and Post and Beam Supporters are in the news again. Blog article written by Patrick O'Callahan, published in yesterday's Tacoma News Tribune.
http://blog.thenewstribune.com/opinion/2009/09/05/the-battle-of-the-berm/#more-103
City Manager Eric Anderson, gives some insight into the project, but unfortunately his statement about the height is incorrect. The track needs to be at a specific grade so both options will be the same height.
You can leave comments when reading the article online.
Concerned Citizens are working on a plan to lower the costs of the project, as well as create jobs for a local Tacoma company. We'll post information as it becomes available. We're also looking for a lawyer to provide us with some concerned citizen support.
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Environment and Public Works Committee, is meeting tonight at City Hall. Meeting Time/Frequency: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The link below has additional info and the agenda. Rumor has it that some information about Sound Transit plans will be presented. It's a good meeting to attend if you have time.
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?cid=11099
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Sound Transit is apparently looking at three options for the B Street Ravine. However, they are not releasing their ideas or plans at this time. This makes it difficult to provide them with feedback and input on the plans.
Concerned citizens are willing to work with Sound Transit and the Tacoma City Council to help this project along.
We are not interested in slowing the project or having it cost millions more. We just want it done correctly and in a way that is best for the future of Tacoma and the Dome District.
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http://blog.thenewstribune.com/opinion/2009/09/05/the-battle-of-the-berm/#more-103
City Manager Eric Anderson, gives some insight into the project, but unfortunately his statement about the height is incorrect. The track needs to be at a specific grade so both options will be the same height.
You can leave comments when reading the article online.
Concerned Citizens are working on a plan to lower the costs of the project, as well as create jobs for a local Tacoma company. We'll post information as it becomes available. We're also looking for a lawyer to provide us with some concerned citizen support.
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Environment and Public Works Committee, is meeting tonight at City Hall. Meeting Time/Frequency: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The link below has additional info and the agenda. Rumor has it that some information about Sound Transit plans will be presented. It's a good meeting to attend if you have time.
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?cid=11099
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Sound Transit is apparently looking at three options for the B Street Ravine. However, they are not releasing their ideas or plans at this time. This makes it difficult to provide them with feedback and input on the plans.
Concerned citizens are willing to work with Sound Transit and the Tacoma City Council to help this project along.
We are not interested in slowing the project or having it cost millions more. We just want it done correctly and in a way that is best for the future of Tacoma and the Dome District.
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
HOW TO HELP MAKE A CHANGE
AND SUPPORT DO IT RIGHT TACOMA
1) Talk to your neighbors and friends about the Sound Transit
plans and the issues related to the berm vs. Post & Beam.
2) If you’re a member of a group talk to them about this issue at
your next meeting, and try to get the group to support our cause.
We’ve actively collecting letters of support from groups.
3) Sign the Online Petition supporting the Anti-Berm and have
friends sign: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/844347001
Besides the online version we’ve collected over 400 signatures.
4) Send letters or email to the TNT Editors, Tacoma City Council, and Chamber of Commerce, let them know how you feel about the project and other issures affecting you.
5) Take a self guided tour to East 25th and Portland Avenue, and see first hand what current rail line berms look like in Tacoma. Another area is under the I-705 where main berm is planned.
6) Attend the City Council meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. You can sign up and talk about issues relating to and affecting you. The next meeting is September 1st
8) Join us on Facebook and invite your Facebook Friends:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Do-It-Right-Tacoma/115983747610?ref=mf
7) Keep current by reading our Do It Right Tacoma.
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.
plans and the issues related to the berm vs. Post & Beam.
2) If you’re a member of a group talk to them about this issue at
your next meeting, and try to get the group to support our cause.
We’ve actively collecting letters of support from groups.
3) Sign the Online Petition supporting the Anti-Berm and have
friends sign: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/844347001
Besides the online version we’ve collected over 400 signatures.
4) Send letters or email to the TNT Editors, Tacoma City Council, and Chamber of Commerce, let them know how you feel about the project and other issures affecting you.
5) Take a self guided tour to East 25th and Portland Avenue, and see first hand what current rail line berms look like in Tacoma. Another area is under the I-705 where main berm is planned.
6) Attend the City Council meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. You can sign up and talk about issues relating to and affecting you. The next meeting is September 1st
8) Join us on Facebook and invite your Facebook Friends:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Do-It-Right-Tacoma/115983747610?ref=mf
7) Keep current by reading our Do It Right Tacoma.
.
.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sound Transit Plans - The Wall Under 705
Here's what Sound Transit is currently planning to do under the 705 bridge in the Dome District of Tacoma. Click each picture to see in a larger size, click back button to return to article. The last drawing is what it might look like if Post and Beam elevated construction and design is used.
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Learn more about this important project on Wednesday, August 26th. We're having an informational meeting located 402 East 26th Street, at 5:00 p.m. This an important meeting to attend because we want a large gathering to show public support and that concerned citizens care about what's being build in Tacoma. I hope that you will attend this meeting. The meeting will be short and you'll still have time to either other events on the same evening.
Did you see this weeks Tacoma Weekly? Look at the back page of the first section, for our adv. Also The News Tribune had several articles that last week, and they are worth reading.
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Picture showing the area under 705.
Drawing of the 375' retaining wall Sound Transit is planning to build.
Wall is to keep the berm dirt off of the 705 Freeway bridge structure. Notice how the berm/wall blocks the view from 25th, to the right, to the track-to-the-mountain and up the ravine. The wall exacerbates the berm problems, by creating a hiding place and wall for grafitti.
Sound Transit drawing on their plans.
Drawing showing Post and Beam construction design. Notice how the view from 25th, to the right under the tracks, is maintained. as well as the access to the two stairways leading to 26th and the Community Health Bldg. This area will never be built on, so we as a community need to be able keep an eye on it.
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Learn more about this important project on Wednesday, August 26th. We're having an informational meeting located 402 East 26th Street, at 5:00 p.m. This an important meeting to attend because we want a large gathering to show public support and that concerned citizens care about what's being build in Tacoma. I hope that you will attend this meeting. The meeting will be short and you'll still have time to either other events on the same evening.
Did you see this weeks Tacoma Weekly? Look at the back page of the first section, for our adv. Also The News Tribune had several articles that last week, and they are worth reading.
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.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Pictures of Tacoma Rail Line Berms
Here's a look at some rail line berms, currently in Tacoma. These pictures were taken last week and feature tracks that Sound Transit uses for the Sounder. The berms are located near Portland Avenue at East 25th Street.
What do you think? Do you want more berms like these in Tacoma? Is this what our city should look like? Berms are not good in an Urban environment, and they almost always look bad no matter what city they're in.
These berms featured in the pictures are property that is maintained by Tacoma Rail. Neither Sound Transit nor City of Tacoma General Gov't have maintenance responsibility for them.
Click on the picture to see a larger image, then click your browser back button to return to article.
What do you think? Do you want more berms like these in Tacoma? Is this what our city should look like? Berms are not good in an Urban environment, and they almost always look bad no matter what city they're in.
These berms featured in the pictures are property that is maintained by Tacoma Rail. Neither Sound Transit nor City of Tacoma General Gov't have maintenance responsibility for them.
Click on the picture to see a larger image, then click your browser back button to return to article.
In addition to looking bad, berms divide communities. You cannot see through them and this can create safety issues for the Police and Fire Departments. There are lots of reasons why they are bad for Tacoma, especially in a business district like the Dome District.
Join us at 5:00 on Wednesday, August 26th, at 402 East 26th Street, Tacoma, 98421 for an important information meeting and tour of the area. Let's show the news media, our City Council and Sound Transit that we want our new rail line done correctly and in a way that is best for Tacoma.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Twenty Reasons Post and Beam
Is a Better Solution for Tacoma Tracks
Reasons Why Post and Beam is a Better Solution for the Sounder rail tracks in Tacoma and through the Dome District.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS
1. Berm width makes any available lots too small to build on and since the tracks are not self-supporting no developer will build near the tracks with the chance of subsidence.
2. The berms take too much land off the tax rolls, and it's land that someday could produce tax revenue for the city if it were developed.
3. 87 parking spaces will be lost if the track is bermed. Will have to build additional parking to replace the spaces lost, and the lots could easily end up on land better used for housing or business sites.
4. The cost of the Post and Beam is very similar to the berm and there are more unforeseen costs (unknown utilities, unknown soil conditions...) in berming. Current estimate is ½ to 1 million more for Post and Beam construction.
URBAN TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
5. The Dome District should be the Transit Oriented District for Tacoma. It is poised for density, helping to relieve the pressure on Tacoma's older single-family Neighborhoods. Post and Beam would allow development to occur along the tracks, in a sense encapsulating them with buildings of offices, entertainment, parking and housing.
6. Berms separate and divide communities from one another.
7. Berms are for rural areas, not urban areas. For successful pedestrian use of street level businesses, retail and entertainment, it must be continuous. Even a half block break can stop the success of street level retail, as they have found on Pacific Ave. at the huge parking garages.
8. A large berm in the middle of the Dome District will create a potential danger zone by reducing visibility through the area. The berm will create a large blind spot and make it difficult to see up the 705 corridor and green belt. As of the Sound Transit’s currently available drawings, there is now a 300 foot long wall, starting in the ravine, at 20' high to 10' high west at East "A" Street creating the worst CPTED conditions right in the middle of a promising mixed-use district.
9. The downtown renaissance is happening and it will continue south on Pacific Ave. and now that the Dome District is part of the Downtown, that development should turn and continue to the transit hub in the District. Berming would stall this out at the intersection of East 25th St and Pacific. Earthen embankments are not conducive to business and retail renaissance.
10. The "B" Street ravine could someday be a trail way connecting the area to city parks, open spaces, and the Foss Waterway.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
11. The "B" Street Ravine, is identified in Tacoma's Open Space Habitat and Recreation Plan as a Habitat Corridor. This Habitat Corridor will be lost in the Dome District, if filled (bermed).
12. Dirt Berms weigh a lot and could greatly affect the flow of ground water in the aquafilter causing unexpected flooding.
13. The "B" Street Ravine is part of a large urban watershed and water flows underground and downhill through it and eventually into Puget Sound.
14. The "B" Street Ravine has been identified as a Seismic (Earthquake) Hazard Area. It’s considered a Liquefaction area when seismic waves generated by a large earthquake pass through unconsolidated sediments near the ground surface. When a structure is built, the weight of the structure and its contents are transferred through the foundation into underlying soils.
15. Sound Transit has stated, the berm will be planted with grass. Look at any of Tacoma's existing berms and you'll see they are not maintained, they are overgrown and full of invasive plants. No one is identified to maintain these berms.
16. The "B" Street Ravine is important because it connects to the much larger open space to the South of the Dome District the Foss Waterway.
17. The Dome District Development Plan identifies the "B" Street Ravine as a green space. If the ravine is not bermed there will be a better chance of bridging East 25th Street in the future to complete the pathway to the Foss.
18. As cities grow and expand Green Belts and Open Space are disappearing. We need to protect the ones we still in order to keep our cities livable and have available for future needs.
TWO OTHER REASONS
19) Recent estimates show that the cost is less than 1 million, which is nothing considering the size of the project.
20) Time should not be a factor, because designing a Post and Beam elevated structure is will not take much time and it's a fairly simple structure.
Do It Right Tacoma, does not want to slow the project down and we don't want it to cost millions more, we just want it done correctly.
_____________________________
In January, our City Council passed Resolution No. 37726, that among other things stated "The post and beam construction may not be uniformly appropriate, but should be used where it makes sense with City of Tacoma and Sound Transit staff working together.
Building a berm through a Habitat Corridor and the Dome District does not make sense for Tacoma. Post and Beam is a much better option.
Citizens of Tacoma are don't want to see a berm through the area, so let's get it done correctly and for the good of Tacoma and our future.
.
.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS
1. Berm width makes any available lots too small to build on and since the tracks are not self-supporting no developer will build near the tracks with the chance of subsidence.
2. The berms take too much land off the tax rolls, and it's land that someday could produce tax revenue for the city if it were developed.
3. 87 parking spaces will be lost if the track is bermed. Will have to build additional parking to replace the spaces lost, and the lots could easily end up on land better used for housing or business sites.
4. The cost of the Post and Beam is very similar to the berm and there are more unforeseen costs (unknown utilities, unknown soil conditions...) in berming. Current estimate is ½ to 1 million more for Post and Beam construction.
URBAN TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
5. The Dome District should be the Transit Oriented District for Tacoma. It is poised for density, helping to relieve the pressure on Tacoma's older single-family Neighborhoods. Post and Beam would allow development to occur along the tracks, in a sense encapsulating them with buildings of offices, entertainment, parking and housing.
6. Berms separate and divide communities from one another.
7. Berms are for rural areas, not urban areas. For successful pedestrian use of street level businesses, retail and entertainment, it must be continuous. Even a half block break can stop the success of street level retail, as they have found on Pacific Ave. at the huge parking garages.
8. A large berm in the middle of the Dome District will create a potential danger zone by reducing visibility through the area. The berm will create a large blind spot and make it difficult to see up the 705 corridor and green belt. As of the Sound Transit’s currently available drawings, there is now a 300 foot long wall, starting in the ravine, at 20' high to 10' high west at East "A" Street creating the worst CPTED conditions right in the middle of a promising mixed-use district.
9. The downtown renaissance is happening and it will continue south on Pacific Ave. and now that the Dome District is part of the Downtown, that development should turn and continue to the transit hub in the District. Berming would stall this out at the intersection of East 25th St and Pacific. Earthen embankments are not conducive to business and retail renaissance.
10. The "B" Street ravine could someday be a trail way connecting the area to city parks, open spaces, and the Foss Waterway.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
11. The "B" Street Ravine, is identified in Tacoma's Open Space Habitat and Recreation Plan as a Habitat Corridor. This Habitat Corridor will be lost in the Dome District, if filled (bermed).
12. Dirt Berms weigh a lot and could greatly affect the flow of ground water in the aquafilter causing unexpected flooding.
13. The "B" Street Ravine is part of a large urban watershed and water flows underground and downhill through it and eventually into Puget Sound.
14. The "B" Street Ravine has been identified as a Seismic (Earthquake) Hazard Area. It’s considered a Liquefaction area when seismic waves generated by a large earthquake pass through unconsolidated sediments near the ground surface. When a structure is built, the weight of the structure and its contents are transferred through the foundation into underlying soils.
15. Sound Transit has stated, the berm will be planted with grass. Look at any of Tacoma's existing berms and you'll see they are not maintained, they are overgrown and full of invasive plants. No one is identified to maintain these berms.
16. The "B" Street Ravine is important because it connects to the much larger open space to the South of the Dome District the Foss Waterway.
17. The Dome District Development Plan identifies the "B" Street Ravine as a green space. If the ravine is not bermed there will be a better chance of bridging East 25th Street in the future to complete the pathway to the Foss.
18. As cities grow and expand Green Belts and Open Space are disappearing. We need to protect the ones we still in order to keep our cities livable and have available for future needs.
TWO OTHER REASONS
19) Recent estimates show that the cost is less than 1 million, which is nothing considering the size of the project.
20) Time should not be a factor, because designing a Post and Beam elevated structure is will not take much time and it's a fairly simple structure.
Do It Right Tacoma, does not want to slow the project down and we don't want it to cost millions more, we just want it done correctly.
_____________________________
In January, our City Council passed Resolution No. 37726, that among other things stated "The post and beam construction may not be uniformly appropriate, but should be used where it makes sense with City of Tacoma and Sound Transit staff working together.
Building a berm through a Habitat Corridor and the Dome District does not make sense for Tacoma. Post and Beam is a much better option.
Citizens of Tacoma are don't want to see a berm through the area, so let's get it done correctly and for the good of Tacoma and our future.
.
.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Sound Transit and Tacoma Tracks
Interesting story about Tacoma, Sound Transit and earth berms.
It's from 2004, but relates somewhat to today's issues.
Sound Transit still stuck in a Tacoma sinkhole (2004)
By Jane Hadley
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reporter
A few paragraphs from the story:
The introduction of Sounder train service between Everett and Lakewood in Pierce County is many years behind schedule. At one point, Sound Transit had promised to have 15 round trips by the end of 2001. Currently, there are three round-trip trains running between Tacoma and Seattle and one round-trip train running between Everett and Seattle.
The delays result from loss of revenue associated with Initiative 695, endangered-species protections, property-acquisition difficulties and negotiations with Burlington Northern Santa Fe over use of its rails.
The troubled Tacoma track segment has been an ongoing headache and embarrassment for Sound Transit.
Link to the full story:
http://www.seattlepi.com/transportation/177204_transpo10.html
We want Sound Transit to do what is best for Tacoma. Good planning and design do not delay projects. Sound Transit needs to rethink and correct their plans through the Dome District and not build another earth berm like they are currently planning.
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.
It's from 2004, but relates somewhat to today's issues.
Sound Transit still stuck in a Tacoma sinkhole (2004)
By Jane Hadley
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reporter
A few paragraphs from the story:
The introduction of Sounder train service between Everett and Lakewood in Pierce County is many years behind schedule. At one point, Sound Transit had promised to have 15 round trips by the end of 2001. Currently, there are three round-trip trains running between Tacoma and Seattle and one round-trip train running between Everett and Seattle.
The delays result from loss of revenue associated with Initiative 695, endangered-species protections, property-acquisition difficulties and negotiations with Burlington Northern Santa Fe over use of its rails.
The troubled Tacoma track segment has been an ongoing headache and embarrassment for Sound Transit.
Link to the full story:
http://www.seattlepi.com/transportation/177204_transpo10.html
We want Sound Transit to do what is best for Tacoma. Good planning and design do not delay projects. Sound Transit needs to rethink and correct their plans through the Dome District and not build another earth berm like they are currently planning.
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.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Claudia Riedener's letter to the Editor: Trib
TACOMA: Sound Transit’s plan is the wrong one
CLAUDIA RIEDENER; Tacoma
Published: 08/05/09 12:05 am
Sound Transit wants to run an earthen berm through the middle of the Dome District. It is 10 years behind schedule and now needs to move along with what it designed.
It seems to me that hurry is a bad reason to build something that is supposed to be in place for 50 to 100 years or more. The Dome District is our most viable neighborhood for future density. All major transportation hubs are right here, and it is within walking distance of many downtown attractions.
Cutting the district in half with a berm that will be a weedy mess surrounded by chain- link fence is unconscionable. No other neighborhood would allow that. We are losing commercially viable space and parking necessary for Dome events.
We are losing future development in the area because if will not be financially viable to build next to the berm and have to shore up massive amounts of soil. Earthquakes are another issue; we know what happens when we build on fill.
The movement of thousand of people during Dome and LeMay Museum events will cause safety issues with folks trying to cross the tracks. Tacoma’s own comprehensive plan calls for wildlife corridors in this area; Sound Transit’s current plan is in direct opposition to that.
Tacoma deserves a smart transportation solution that is fit for an urban area. Let’s demand smart, forward-looking planning with livability of our communities at heart. Let’s build post and beam.
Link to Claudia's letter in the TNT http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/letters/story/834265.html?storylink=pd
Other Letters to the Editors:
Bliss Moore TNT 8/1/09 http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/letters/story/830566.html
Lynn Di Nino TNT 7/29/09 http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/letters/story/826830.html?storylink=pd
.
.
CLAUDIA RIEDENER; Tacoma
Published: 08/05/09 12:05 am
Sound Transit wants to run an earthen berm through the middle of the Dome District. It is 10 years behind schedule and now needs to move along with what it designed.
It seems to me that hurry is a bad reason to build something that is supposed to be in place for 50 to 100 years or more. The Dome District is our most viable neighborhood for future density. All major transportation hubs are right here, and it is within walking distance of many downtown attractions.
Cutting the district in half with a berm that will be a weedy mess surrounded by chain- link fence is unconscionable. No other neighborhood would allow that. We are losing commercially viable space and parking necessary for Dome events.
We are losing future development in the area because if will not be financially viable to build next to the berm and have to shore up massive amounts of soil. Earthquakes are another issue; we know what happens when we build on fill.
The movement of thousand of people during Dome and LeMay Museum events will cause safety issues with folks trying to cross the tracks. Tacoma’s own comprehensive plan calls for wildlife corridors in this area; Sound Transit’s current plan is in direct opposition to that.
Tacoma deserves a smart transportation solution that is fit for an urban area. Let’s demand smart, forward-looking planning with livability of our communities at heart. Let’s build post and beam.
Link to Claudia's letter in the TNT http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/letters/story/834265.html?storylink=pd
Other Letters to the Editors:
Bliss Moore TNT 8/1/09 http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/letters/story/830566.html
Lynn Di Nino TNT 7/29/09 http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/letters/story/826830.html?storylink=pd
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Peter Callaghan's story in Trib
When it comes to Dome District, Sound Transit planners aren’t listening
PETER CALLAGHAN; THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Published: 08/04/09 12:05 am
Comments (46)
Recommend (15)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/topstories/story/833070.html
At one time, Sound Transit operated under a strict policy: Any neighborhood that hosted the transit agency’s rails and stations would be better off after construction than it was before.
That policy now seems to have been amended to read “except in Tacoma.” Down here, we are being directed by the bureaucrats and the politicians who allegedly supervise them to take what they offer us and like it.
Or else.
Or else what?
Or else they’ll take their rails and trains and go home to Seattle.
The latest issue is the method to get Sounder trains from the current end of the line at Freighthouse Square to South Tacoma and Lakewood. In order to climb a small grade between D and M streets, the engineers must gradually elevate the tracks. The grade is needed so the tracks can cross Pacific on a bridge rather than at street level – a change made for safety reasons.
Sound Transit staff wants to build a tall earthen berm and put the tracks on top. When that decision was made, such a method was considerably cheaper. But the businesses and neighbors in the Dome District – plus lots of others who see that area as a great mixed-use area some day – see the berm as the Not-So-Great Wall of Tacoma.
The berm will create a visual and psychological barrier between the upper part of the district by the Dome and the lower part that approaches the Foss Waterway.
Dome District advocates have suggested using post-and-beam construction instead. That would allow pedestrians to pass beneath and allow some space for parking. While earlier estimates said post-and-beam would be much more expensive, more-recent analysis suggests the costs are comparable.
Neither one is a fabulous solution. But the post-and-beam method would be less bad, and advocates for the neighborhood are telling anyone and everyone who will listen. They are also trying to tell a lot of folks who aren’t listening – the Sound Transit staff and the local elected officials who serve on the Sound Transit board.
Last week, at the urging of Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, who recently joined the Sound Transit board, a meeting was held with agency staff, politicians and neighborhood advocates. Plans were presented, opinions were shared, the path of the tracks was toured.
When it was over, Sound Transit said thanks for coming, but it isn’t changing its plans. The design was changed once, staff said, when the decision was made to go over the top of Pacific. The project is already over time and over budget.
None of that is the fault of the neighborhoods or the city of Tacoma.
Neighbors probably don’t expect the bureaucrats in Seattle to pay them much attention. They do, however, expect the local elected officials who represent them on the Sound Transit board to take on their case. That hasn’t happened either.
After last week’s meeting, Tacoma Councilwoman Julie Anderson told News Tribune editorial page editor Pat O’Callahan that residents shouldn’t get their hopes up.
“It’s unfortunate that people think we’re at a decision point, because a decision was made quite some time ago,” Anderson said.
Once again, Sound Transit has demonstrated the difference between being willing to listen and being willing to be persuaded. The agency is required to spend millions of dollars to distribute information and seek public opinion. But there is little evidence that opinions contrary to those held by staff and board members are considered.
Anyone who has ridden the Seattle LINK segments can see how much was spent to make those neighborhoods better. Seattle politicians also assured that millions more were spent on nontransit economic and social programs to buy off opposition in the Rainier Valley.
But when Tacoma residents ask for a design that won’t damage the Dome District, they’re told to take a hike.
Peter Callaghan: 253-597-8657
peter.callaghan@thenewstribune.com
blogs.thenewstribune.com/politics
.
.
PETER CALLAGHAN; THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Published: 08/04/09 12:05 am
Comments (46)
Recommend (15)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/topstories/story/833070.html
At one time, Sound Transit operated under a strict policy: Any neighborhood that hosted the transit agency’s rails and stations would be better off after construction than it was before.
That policy now seems to have been amended to read “except in Tacoma.” Down here, we are being directed by the bureaucrats and the politicians who allegedly supervise them to take what they offer us and like it.
Or else.
Or else what?
Or else they’ll take their rails and trains and go home to Seattle.
The latest issue is the method to get Sounder trains from the current end of the line at Freighthouse Square to South Tacoma and Lakewood. In order to climb a small grade between D and M streets, the engineers must gradually elevate the tracks. The grade is needed so the tracks can cross Pacific on a bridge rather than at street level – a change made for safety reasons.
Sound Transit staff wants to build a tall earthen berm and put the tracks on top. When that decision was made, such a method was considerably cheaper. But the businesses and neighbors in the Dome District – plus lots of others who see that area as a great mixed-use area some day – see the berm as the Not-So-Great Wall of Tacoma.
The berm will create a visual and psychological barrier between the upper part of the district by the Dome and the lower part that approaches the Foss Waterway.
Dome District advocates have suggested using post-and-beam construction instead. That would allow pedestrians to pass beneath and allow some space for parking. While earlier estimates said post-and-beam would be much more expensive, more-recent analysis suggests the costs are comparable.
Neither one is a fabulous solution. But the post-and-beam method would be less bad, and advocates for the neighborhood are telling anyone and everyone who will listen. They are also trying to tell a lot of folks who aren’t listening – the Sound Transit staff and the local elected officials who serve on the Sound Transit board.
Last week, at the urging of Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, who recently joined the Sound Transit board, a meeting was held with agency staff, politicians and neighborhood advocates. Plans were presented, opinions were shared, the path of the tracks was toured.
When it was over, Sound Transit said thanks for coming, but it isn’t changing its plans. The design was changed once, staff said, when the decision was made to go over the top of Pacific. The project is already over time and over budget.
None of that is the fault of the neighborhoods or the city of Tacoma.
Neighbors probably don’t expect the bureaucrats in Seattle to pay them much attention. They do, however, expect the local elected officials who represent them on the Sound Transit board to take on their case. That hasn’t happened either.
After last week’s meeting, Tacoma Councilwoman Julie Anderson told News Tribune editorial page editor Pat O’Callahan that residents shouldn’t get their hopes up.
“It’s unfortunate that people think we’re at a decision point, because a decision was made quite some time ago,” Anderson said.
Once again, Sound Transit has demonstrated the difference between being willing to listen and being willing to be persuaded. The agency is required to spend millions of dollars to distribute information and seek public opinion. But there is little evidence that opinions contrary to those held by staff and board members are considered.
Anyone who has ridden the Seattle LINK segments can see how much was spent to make those neighborhoods better. Seattle politicians also assured that millions more were spent on nontransit economic and social programs to buy off opposition in the Rainier Valley.
But when Tacoma residents ask for a design that won’t damage the Dome District, they’re told to take a hike.
Peter Callaghan: 253-597-8657
peter.callaghan@thenewstribune.com
blogs.thenewstribune.com/politics
.
.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Tacoma Anti-Berm / What's New
SOUND TRANSIT MEETING - LAST MONDAY
Representatives from Sound Transit met with a large group of concerned citizens and presented their berm plans. In attendance were several Sound Transit Board Members, including Pat McCarthy, David Enslow, Julie Anderson, and Claudia Thomas, the City of Tacoma was represented by Mayor Bill Baarsma, City Manager Eric Anderson, Council Members Connie Ladenburg, and Mike Lonergan, there were also approximately 100 concerned citizens, several Neighborhood Council Chairs including Jesse Hart and Mike Lord, conservation groups, including Sierra Club and Cascade Land Conservancy, also Matt Perry of Representative Adam Smith office plus 10-20 Sound Transit staff. It was a very warm morning and they were not prepared for such a turnout of concerned citizens. To sum up the meeting, Sound Transit said they are not changing their plans, and after the walk-thru, a show of hands indicated citizens and groups were more convinced the ever that it should be open with a Post and Beam method of construction.
STRATEGY AND TRAINING
Our core group met twice last week to talk about strategy and next steps. We had one successful training session so decided to have another on August 6th. We are planning to meet at the Tacoma Green Drinks monthly meeting, because Cascade Land Conservancy is this month's sponsor, meeting at Meconi’s Pub and Eatery, 709 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Tacoma. If needed we'll move to an adjacent office for the meeting. About CLC http://www.cascadeland.org/
POST AND BEAM COST
Sound Transit officials have long argued that post and beam is prohibitively expensive, and have cited a cost increase of anywhere from four to ten million dollars. But their engineering firm’s “Technical Memorandum,” released Monday, estimates that a concrete and steel hybrid post and beam is only $5 million, compared to the berm at $4.6M (or $6.5M vs. $5.5M after cost contingencies). We are having an independent highway/rail Engineer look at the "Tech Memo" to confirm the numbers and to evaluate their hybrid design, which we think is over built.
FACEBOOK PAGE
New page with 187 fans joined in the past week.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Do-It-Right-Tacoma/115983747610?ref=mf
ONLINE PETITION
80 people have now signed and commented, if you have not signed it, please do so today.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/844347001
You can post comments when you sign the petition.
NEWS COVERAGE
The News Tribune and the Tacoma Weekly each featured a front page story about the Sound Transit berm in last weeks newspapers. Bliss Moore and Lynn DiNino sent letters to the Editors and got published (they both support the no berm side).
Augsust 4th TNT article:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/topstories/story/833070.html
We encourage you to email letters to Newspaper Editors and the City Council.
SUPPORT LETTERS
We're collecting support letters from all of the Community Councils of Tacoma, neighborhood groups, environmental organizations, and business groups. Please check with the groups you're affiliated with, and if they support us request that a letter be sent to us as well as the Tacoma City Council showing support.
There's more but this is getting too long so I'll stop here.
Please tell your friends about Do It Right Tacoma, stopping the berm is a cause worth fighting for.
.
.
Representatives from Sound Transit met with a large group of concerned citizens and presented their berm plans. In attendance were several Sound Transit Board Members, including Pat McCarthy, David Enslow, Julie Anderson, and Claudia Thomas, the City of Tacoma was represented by Mayor Bill Baarsma, City Manager Eric Anderson, Council Members Connie Ladenburg, and Mike Lonergan, there were also approximately 100 concerned citizens, several Neighborhood Council Chairs including Jesse Hart and Mike Lord, conservation groups, including Sierra Club and Cascade Land Conservancy, also Matt Perry of Representative Adam Smith office plus 10-20 Sound Transit staff. It was a very warm morning and they were not prepared for such a turnout of concerned citizens. To sum up the meeting, Sound Transit said they are not changing their plans, and after the walk-thru, a show of hands indicated citizens and groups were more convinced the ever that it should be open with a Post and Beam method of construction.
Sound Transit meeting July 27th
Walking the Dome District area with Sound Transit on July 27th
STRATEGY AND TRAINING
Our core group met twice last week to talk about strategy and next steps. We had one successful training session so decided to have another on August 6th. We are planning to meet at the Tacoma Green Drinks monthly meeting, because Cascade Land Conservancy is this month's sponsor, meeting at Meconi’s Pub and Eatery, 709 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Tacoma. If needed we'll move to an adjacent office for the meeting. About CLC http://www.cascadeland.org/
POST AND BEAM COST
Sound Transit officials have long argued that post and beam is prohibitively expensive, and have cited a cost increase of anywhere from four to ten million dollars. But their engineering firm’s “Technical Memorandum,” released Monday, estimates that a concrete and steel hybrid post and beam is only $5 million, compared to the berm at $4.6M (or $6.5M vs. $5.5M after cost contingencies). We are having an independent highway/rail Engineer look at the "Tech Memo" to confirm the numbers and to evaluate their hybrid design, which we think is over built.
FACEBOOK PAGE
New page with 187 fans joined in the past week.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Do-It-Right-Tacoma/115983747610?ref=mf
ONLINE PETITION
80 people have now signed and commented, if you have not signed it, please do so today.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/844347001
You can post comments when you sign the petition.
NEWS COVERAGE
The News Tribune and the Tacoma Weekly each featured a front page story about the Sound Transit berm in last weeks newspapers. Bliss Moore and Lynn DiNino sent letters to the Editors and got published (they both support the no berm side).
Augsust 4th TNT article:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/topstories/story/833070.html
We encourage you to email letters to Newspaper Editors and the City Council.
SUPPORT LETTERS
We're collecting support letters from all of the Community Councils of Tacoma, neighborhood groups, environmental organizations, and business groups. Please check with the groups you're affiliated with, and if they support us request that a letter be sent to us as well as the Tacoma City Council showing support.
There's more but this is getting too long so I'll stop here.
Please tell your friends about Do It Right Tacoma, stopping the berm is a cause worth fighting for.
.
.
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