The Cross Kirkland Trail is Here!

The Cross Kirkland Trail is here! Kudos to the City Council and Kurt Triplett for having the vision and foresight to save the corridor for a trail for Kirkland and all of the eastside.  As many of you know, last Friday, April 13th, the 5.75 miles inside Kirkland city limits became the property of Kirkland.  It’s an exciting time as barriers have gone up where the trail crosses roads, safety features are incorporated in the overpasses and the rail crossing markers are gone.

Posts about the acquisition of the line this past week.

Walking On The Cross Kirkland Trail

But this is a project near and dear to me, something I’ve been advocating over the last 5 years.  I began writing about the corridor and the trail vs. rail issue in 2007.  I’ve written close to 40 posts on the subject, from the last hurrah for the dinner train, the Port of Seattle’s involvement, the first opportunity to walk on the trail, and the City Council voting to purchase the corridor.

A special thanks to the Eastside Trail Advocates, a local group who worked hard to see this vision happen in Kirkland by sponsoring the first walk on the the proposed trail, speaking at City Council and neighborhood meetings, and holding open houses to demonstrate the value of a trail for the city.

See you on the trail!

What’s Really Going On With The Eastside’s BNSF Rail Line?

The following is a copy of my post on Kirkland Views regarding the most recent information to come to light about the rail corridor that runs through many eastside cities. The big question we are all facing right now:  “Will a private rail group try to buy or take over the line for commuter rail without going through the proper public process?’  Check out the link below to The Seattle Times article which reports on the active effort to put a train on the line in 6 months to a year.

It seemed like a done deal, the news media reported the sale of the BNSF line to The Port of Seattle at the close of 2009 with plans to sell the line to King County in 2010.

Seattle-Eastside BNSF Rail Line

Keith Ervin of the Seattle Times said,

After acquiring the rail line (which the Port has now done), the Port would sell the southern portion to King County and other buyers.

According to the news media, King County had planned to use funds from The Conservation Futures Fund to pay for the purchase. All was well and good on Seattle’s eastside.  The rail line might be developed as a trail with the possibility of future rail, if needed.

The Bellevue Reporter stated in a November, 2009 article:

County Executive-elect Dow Constantine said the agreement will fulfill a promise to the region that the Eastside Rail Corridor will receive long-term protection from development and that it will be made available for recreational uses.

“By keeping this key transportation and recreational corridor in public ownership, we are making a major commitment to our shared future in King County,” Constantine said.

However, a King County official recently said the County Conservation Futures funds slated to purchase the line can only be used for dedicated green space, not if there’s the possibility of a future rail line.

Herein, lies the dilemma.  The line must be rail banked to meet federal requirements.  So the Conservation Futures Fund might not be the source of funds to buy the rail line.

Conservation Futures Tax (CFT) levy funds are collected from property taxes levied throughout King County and its cities for the purchase and permanent protection of open space lands.

Is there a private group working very hard to put a commuter line on the rail line? Most people do not realize there’s an active group out there hard at work, hoping to acquire the rights to put a commuter rail line on the existing tracks.  The talk is to put a commuter line on the tracks that currently exist, even though they are in poor repair.

So here are my questions:

• Will King County close on the deal and buy the rail line?
• How will this acquisition be funded?
• Will the line become a trail, with the line rail banked for possible future motorized travel?
• Will a private concern put Commuter rail, DMU’s, Diesel Motor Units, not light rail on the line?
• Will the line become a dual use trail/train?
• Will the proper public process be followed to determine the best use of the line?

How can you find out about the future of the BNSF rail line?

Join the Eastside Trail Advocates at:

The Houghton Fire Station

6602 108th Ave NE, Kirkland

February 10^th at 7 PM

Join Eastside Trail Advocates on Facebook to be learn about the latest updates.

Volunteer Opportunities in Kirkland

Looking for volunteer opportunities in Kirkland? There are some great things you can do for the city, for your neighbors, and for yourself.  Kirkland is looking for a few good people to join some of its boards.

What’s your passion? This is a chance to take a personal interest and use it for the greater good.  There are a variety of positions open from the Cultural Council to Parks Board to the Design Review Board.

It’s also a great opportunity to have your voice heard. I volunteered for the Kirkland Senior Council for the past few years and found it to be a great experience.  It was wonderful to work to improve the quality of life for Kirkland seniors.  Involvement in the Kirkland Senior Council led to involvement in other things happening in the community.  Issues such as the Parkplace redevelopment and the BNSF corridor came next on my radar. I learned about these issues and voiced my opinion on this blog and at meetings.  I became more aware of things happening in the Highlands, attending  the Kirkland Highlands meetings.   The silver lining for me was meeting some great people.

As a volunteer, you have a choice as to how involved in our Kirkland issues you choose to be.  But the opportunities are there.  With so many changes happening in the city of Kirkland, volunteering is a chance to be more upfront and personal with some of the city’s changes.  If you check the city website, you’ll find information about the commission and board vacancies and how to apply.

Kirkland City Council May Take a Position On BNSF Rail vs. Trail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Tuesday, September 16th, The Kirkland City Council meeting will address the BNSF rail/trail issue, item 9c on the agenda.  Come to the meeting at Kirkland City Hall, The Council chamber, 123 Fifth Avenue at 7 PM, Tuesday.  This is another opportunity for the public to voice their opinions to The Kirkland City Council. The Eastside Trail Advocates will be there to support a trail along the line. Check out their site to learn more about the trail issues.

Dave Ramsay spoke eloquently about Kirkland’s need for walking trails at The Kirkland Highlands dedication of the Cotton Hill Park trail.  He uses this very trail for his walking commute to Kirkland’s City Hall. City Manager Ramsay said he envisions a city connected by urban paths so people would be able to walk through the entire community.  He believes walking is:

• the magic bullet to health.
• Promotes a sense of community.
• Contributes to public safety.
• Reduces car trips.
• Enhances our environment.

I’m hoping the City Council listens to Dave Ramsay’s words. 

Here’s the Latest from The Port of Seattle Eastside Rail Open House

Were you able to attend Wednesday night’s Port of Seattle Open House at City Hall? 

If so, what were your thoughts? 

If you weren’t able to make it, you can check on my KIrkland Views post in which I summarized the meeting from my point of view.

Changes Are Happening in Kirkland, WA. Two Important Meetings Are Coming Up

What does the future hold for Kirkland, Washington?  As I’ve reported in numerous blog posts, we’ve got the McLeod project, Parkplace, Merrill Gardens, and a trail/commuter train all on the horizon.

Here’s another chance for you to learn more and make your opinions known:

The Trail meeting at the Houghton Fire House June 4th at 7 PM, 6602 108th Ave NE is sponsored by Eastside Trail Advocates.  This is a group of Kirkland residents who are dedicated to a trail along the BNSF tracks while the proper studies are done to determine the best method of improving public transportation.

What will Parkplace look and be like?  Will there be 8 story buildings?  Will there be a movie theater? 

 The final planning commission meeting about Parkplace is scheduled for Kirkland City Hall on June 12th at 7 PM. Make sure your voice is heard.  Can’t attend this meeting?  Then let Angela Ruggeri know what you think. Email Angela at aruggeri@ci.kirkland.wa.us. 

 You can also check out the latest with Parkplace online.  There are two plans on the table.  The first is called the Mixed-Use Plan, which calls for a zoning change and 8 story buildings.  There will be more retail, a large QFC, restaurants, etc. 

 The second is the Office Use Plan, which keeps the currrent 5 story height on  office buildings.  This plan would limit restaurants, retail, and eliminate a hotel.  Hmm, makes me wonder if the developers can’t get their variance for a height restriction, who is really losing here?  What do you think?

Washington’s King County to Buy The Rail Line-What’s Next? Will There Be a Trail, Rail or Both?

The Seattle Times reported today that King County has agreed to the keep the BNSF rail line in the public domain.  A trail could (the operative word being could) be on the rail line sometime in the near future.  However, all that is to be decided in the future. 

Keith Ervin reports in The Times article:

“Port and county officials said the deal upholds the concept of “dual use” of the 42-mile corridor by rail commuters and trail users on foot or on bike. But many details wouldn’t be decided for months or years, and there is no assurance that either a trail or passenger trains would be a reality in the near future.”

The first step has been passed with county agreeing to the three way deal with the Port of Seattle and BNSF rail line.  The deal between the three must be signed by May 15th or there will be a huge financial penalty.

National Public Radio also had a story reporting on the latest update.  Check out this link to hear Liam Moriarty’s piece on the latest rail/trail news.

Much still needs to be decided and hashed out over whether there will be a trail or a commuter line or both.  There will be public hearings in which you can voice your opinion.  You can also contact King County Council Members and make your opinions known.

The Eastside Trail Advocates are holding a meeting on Thursday, May 8th at 7 PM at the Houghton Fire Station meeting room.  The address is 6602 108th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033.  This meeting will be a great opportunity to hear about the issues.

Today’s Seattle/Eastside BNSF Rails and Trails News, Plus Upcoming Eastside Meetings

 

There are a number of active groups on the eastside who are for smart transit and trails, but not wasting taxpayer money.  Find out about this issue.  If you live within one mile of the BNSF tracks, you will be affected.

 

   On May 1^st at 7 PM, there is a meeting at the Houghton Fire Station in Kirkland, 6602 108^th Ave NE with the Cascade Bicycle Club to review the issues.

 

  On May 5th, there is a meeting with the King County Council, 10th floor of the King County Courthouse Building, 516 3rd Avenue in which people are invited to voice their opinions. ( FYI, I do not know if the time or the place have been confirmed for this meeting.)

 

And lastly, on May 8th, The Eastside Trail Advocates will be holding a meeting at the Houghton Fire Station at 7:30 PM  to review the issues.  Become informed about what may happen so you can decide what is the right thing to do.

 

 

Here is a copy of some of the key testimony given by Shawn at today’s King County Council meeting:

 

KING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS                                                                                 Seattle, April 28, 2008

” Leaving the option of using the corridor for commuter trains indefinitely open seems sensible to me.  BUT, what is most important is that WHEN that option is exercised, it be BASED on a reliable and impartial Economic Evaluation of ALL the major transit-related options available. That should include, at least, Buses, Trains on 405, Highway Tolls, Bicycles, and even Rollerblades.

 Such an evaluation does not need to be too long or expensive, given the information already obtained from previous studies and experiences on projects like the Sounder Train, the Monorail, and Bus ridership.  However, it must include a fair comparison of the TOTAL Short- and Long-Term COST-PER-COMMUTER associated with each transportation option.  It should ALSO include a BALANCED comparison of the local and regional recreational, health, and life-style BENEFITS that ALL, or Parts of the corridor, may offer to Eastside and King County communities.  Finally, the conclusions and recommendations of this study should, in my opinion,  be ‘certified’,  by neutral Business-Teams from 1 or 2 local universities,  that THEY ARE fair and complete’, in order to minimize further controversy.

Only THEN, should the top option, or maybe even the top 2 options, be submitted to the voters for final selection.  Any rush, at this time, to submit commuter-train ballot propositions, based on incomplete studies and narrow interests, will be justifiably viewed by the voters with suspicion.”

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Important Meeting About the Eastside Rail Line In Kirkland, Washington’s Backyard

 

 Can we save the trail we were promised last year?  The county council wants to hear from you. Come, listen, learn, and speak to The King County Council on Monday morning, April 28th at 9:30 AM, 10th floor of the King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Ave., Seattle.

 The Seattle Times reported on the upcoming meeting in today’s newspaper.    As  one proponent of the trail has said, the plans for a trail and/or rail take twists and turns every week.  The plans keep changing, nothing is for certain and nothing should be taken for granted. Ron Sims is for dual use of a trail and rail, the port commissioners want to put  rail first.  

The Cascade Bicycle Club has campaigned hard to have a meeting with the council to make their desire for a trail known. Check out the link to the club for a brief history of the trails issues. From Cascade Bicycle Club’s website:

“King County conservatively estimates that 2,400,000 trips are taken on regional trails each year. The Burke-Gilman alone sees about a million trips per year, which breaks down to 3100 every weekday. 47 percent are commuters riding to work. Imagine the possibilities if we developed a trail for $60 Million on the Eastside within one mile of 500,000 people, who want to commute to Bellevue, Kirkland or Renton.”

You as a citizen have this opportunity to be heard.  For more information about the rail/trail line, check out The Eastside Trail Advocates  website. This group is very active in support of a trail and is very knowledgeable about the issues.  In another article early next week,  I will post the dates of other meetings coming up on the eastside over the next couple of weeks.  You can learn more and become involved.