Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 7, Issue 11, November 2003

Copyright 2003 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article below in your research. Be sure to cite the Seattle Sun as your source.

Seattle Sun Letters to the Editor

Lake City Way debate update

I wanted to update you on what has been happening since your article was written ("Seattle neighborhoods threatened," Seattle Sun, October 2003). The Lake City Coalition contacted me in September for assistance to try to resolve the impasse they felt with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT) over Lake City Way improvements. I believe the concerns of the Coalition are significant and I am trying to facilitate finding alternatives that better meet the needs of the Lake City community.

Members of the Coalition, SDOT and I have met twice over the last few weeks to discuss these concerns and review alternatives. SDOT has been analyzing a number of new proposals. I have asked SDOT to bring any new proposals as well as respond to the alternative proposal prepared by Ray Robinson to a meeting of the Coalition to be held in October.

My goal is to resolve differences and find designs that not only meet the need for safety, but minimize negative impacts on business and neighborhood vitality. It is important that changes made to Lake City Way continue to support economic viability, not put anyone out of business.

I also want to ensure that the needs of the neighborhood are met, as identified in the North Neighborhoods Neighborhood Plan, and I have asked that members of the stewardship group and other community groups be included in this discussion.

RICHARD CONLIN

Seattle City Council member
richard.conlin@seattle.gov

Motorcyclists are people, too

In an era of smarter transportation, why isn't Seattle encouraging motorized 2-wheeled use?

Motorcycles are a useful form of transportation, not merely recreational vehicles.

Motorcycles get great gas mileage and save natural resources.

Motorcycles wear the roads down less than heavier vehicles.

Motorcyclists ease traffic congestion.

Motorcyclists save parking spaces by putting multiple bikes in one parking spot.

Motorcyclists are people too. They come from all walks of life, work in all occupations, and range in age from teenagers to grandparents.

It is surprising that despite these benefits, Seattle laws specifically discourage the use of these frugal vehicles. Seattle and other local governments should enjoy the benefits from increased use of 2-wheeled transportation by doing the following:

· Changing the law to allow more than one motorcycle per full SUV-sized metered parking space.

· Repealing the law prohibiting motorcycle parking between meters.

· Increasing the amount of motorcycle street parking

· Eliminating or reducing the cost parking meters currently charge for motorcycle parking.

· Requiring new developments to have motorcycle parking.

MORGAN ALEXANDER,

Seattle Motorcycle Action Committee
98103 in North Seattle

Now THAT'S a hometown paper

Your paper made me feel at home after months of reading mainly the Wall Street Journal. I enjoyed the entire September issue including all the ads! Thank you for the good work.

VAIL ST. VRAIN, Fremont