In response to the numerous inquiries and complaints of West Mercer Place residents, most recently at the February 2 Queen Anne Community Council meeting, the board has written and sent two letters to city officials, according to an e-mail sent by QACC Chair Ellen Monrad.
The first letter, addressed to Mayor McGinn, was sent to the Mayor, the Seattle City Council and Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation Peter Hahn. It requests a comprehensive traffic plan for Queen Anne that takes into consideration the concerns over West Mercer and West Mercer Place. The second letter asks SDOT to present their plans on the West Mercer Place Project in a public forum.
From the QACC letter to Mayor McGinn:
Dear Mayor McGinn;
In several appearances before the Queen Anne Community Council and its committees, numerous residents of the West Mercer Place neighborhood have expressed their many concerns regarding potential changes to that street.
Mobility and safety are priorities for the area and must take into account traffic flow, sidewalk conditions, parking and ingress and egress to buildings. Mercer carries more traffic than most east-west streets in the area and serves as an important link between major highways, the urban village, west Queen Anne and Magnolia. It also is the center of a large, thriving residential area. We ask that the needs of the residents be heard in the city’s planning.
The Queen Anne Community Council has asked that a comprehensive traffic plan be developed and stands y that request. The need is stronger than ever with the Viaduct replacement Project underway. Already West Mercer Place neighbors report an increase in truck traffic as vehicles re pushed off a dieted Nickerson. The choking of Dexter will push even more traffic through Mercer. Out streets need to work and to work in conjunction with one another so that one neighborhood will not bear the brunt of the SR99 project.
As SDOT proceeds with the Mercer projects, especially those affecting West Mercer and West Mercer Place, we ask that the neighbors’ concerns be fully considered. We urge SDOT to schedule public events to inform those affected of proposed designs, to respond to their questions and to hear their concerns.
Sincerely,
Ellen Monrad
Chair, QACC
From the QACC letter to SDOT:
Dear Mr. Hahn;
Many West Mercer Place resident have attended the Queen Anne Community Council’s Transportation Committee meeting, as well as, our more recent QACC Board meeting.
There is no shortage of rumors and speculation as to what the project through their neighborhood will include. The neighbors have many concerns and questions that we are unable to answer. Their questions and concerns need to be heard.
Therefore, we ask that SDOT host a presentation of the West Mercer Place Project preliminary design as soon as it is available at a convenient location such as the Seattle Center. Public notice should be provided to businesses and residents in the area.
We look forward to hearing back from you as to the date and location.
Sincerely,
Ellen Monrad,
Chair, QACC