WHEREAS, since 1995 the City of Seattle has convened South Downtown stakeholders to share information on development planned for the area to ensure that considerations of neighborhoods, transportation mobility and needs of other projects were communicated; and

WHEREAS, the Public Stadium Authority and First and Goal Inc. have worked with Pioneer Square, International District and Greater Duwamish neighborhoods on the Neighborhood Action Agenda for the area mitigation funds authorized by State legislation for the football stadium/exhibition hall project; and

WHEREAS, following neighborhood identification of investment priorities the Executive prepared a Draft of an Investment Strategy in April 1998 for review and comment by South Downtown stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, partnerships among the government agencies and private developments in South Downtown are crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of the transportation system and neighborhood integrity; and

WHEREAS, significant partnerships have been formed around South Downtown improvements, including the North Lot letter of intent, Weller Street pedestrian bridge and SR-519 Memorandum of Agreement; and

WHEREAS, neighborhood plans, the Neighborhood Action Agenda and South Downtown Investment Strategy all reflect discussions among the neighborhoods on priorities that will help them function and flourish in the midst of event venues that bring millions of visitors to the area each year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:

A. The Council endorses the South Downtown Investment Strategy, comprised of two documents attached hereto (Attachment A, Executive Summary Proposed South Downtown Investment Strategy, and Attachment B, Implementation Plan Proposed South Downtown Investment Strategy), as a framework for actions that should be pursued to help South Downtown maintain functional distinct neighborhoods while serving as the hub for regional transportation systems and major event venues. These actions and investments should be supported through partnerships and when appropriate, by the City.

B. The Executive is directed to continue to work with neighborhoods, other agencies and project sponsors to craft proposals and partnerships that can implement the actions outlined in the Investment Strategy, as described in the accompanying Implementation Plan.

C. As directed in Resolution #29664, the Executive is requested to report to the Council on an annual basis on the status and progress of implementing the Investment Strategy.

Adopted by the City Council the _____ day of _______________, 1998, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this _____ day of _______________, 1998. ________________________________________ President of the City Council

THE MAYOR CONCURRING: ________________________________________ Paul Schell, Mayor

Filed by me this _____ day of _______________, 1998. ________________________________________ City Clerk

List of Attachments:

Attachment A Executive Summary Proposed South Downtown Investment Strategy

Attachment B Implementation Plan Proposed South Downtown Investment Strategy

2Introduction to the Implementation Plan

As part of the South Downtown Investment Strategy, this Implementation Plan provides a description of the key projects and intiatives included in the strategy and identifies likely project sponsors, partners, and implementation milestones. The Implementation Plan complements the Executive Summary, which identifies todays challenges and tomorrow's vision for South Downtown.

Project sponsors are stakeholders who help to give shape to a project or initiative. Some project sponsors may continue as partners in the funding and implementation of the project, while others may simply work to recruit project partners. We have identified likely project sponsors as those who have an interest or expertise in a project, and project partners as those who will benefit from a project and those who will likely contribute to a project as mitigation for other activities.

We have included some milestones which we have already reached in South Downtown and have also identified some important upcoming implementation steps.

Public Spaces/Public Art: Pedestrian Connections

Background and Project Description

Improvements to the pedestrian environment in South Downtown are critical to retaining a human scale in the Pioneer Square and International District neighborhoods as the area develops. Streetscape improvements for critical segments, new and improved public spaces, and public art opportunities are identified in considerable detail in the Pedestrian Connections Plan for the new ballpark, the King Street Station Area Access Improvements Project, and in neighborhood plans. Many priority segments have been funded, but at least as many important segments remain to be funded.

Project Sponsorship

The City of Seattle's Transportation Department (SEATRAN) will initiate a project which includes the remaining unfunded segments. With support from the Strategic Planning Office, SEATRAN will work with South Downtown stakeholders to prioritize unfunded needs and define the project scope.

Potential Project Partners

The City of Seattle will be the lead agency to manage this project and will pursue grant sources for funding. Agencies and developers who will benefit from improved pedestrian connections should consider contributing to these improvements.

Implementation Milestones

o The Mayor's Proposed City of Seattle Budget for 1999-2000 includes $500,000 for critical areaways repairs.

o SEATRAN plans to begin construction of King Street Area Access Improvements by 2nd Quarter 1999.

Public Spaces/Public Art: Signage/Wayfinding

Background and Project Description

Public spaces can be improved by a signage program which provides a wayfinding system and "placemaking" neighborhood identity features in South Downtown and throughout the Downtown Urban Center. The signage program would include information about the location of a variety of landmarks (stadiums, public transportation facilities, museums, tourist attractions, government buildings, neighborhood districts), the location of public parking, event information and historical information. Sign types could include freestanding signs, components or signs which attach to existing infrastructure, kiosks and sidewalk inlays.

Development and design of the signage program should cost $40,000 to $75,000 through schematic design and an additional $35,000 to $50,000 through design development. A budget for implementation of the signage program (i.e., fabrication and installation) will be developed in these phases.

Project Sponsorship

The City of Seattle's Strategic Planning Office and Department of Transportation (SEATRAN) will jointly sponsor the initiation of this project, working with the many stakeholders in South Downtown and throughout the Downtown Urban Center who have expressed and interest in a coordinated signage program.

Potential Project Partners

SEATRAN must approve roadway signage and therefore will serve as the lead agency for management and implementation of this project. First and Goal has expressed early interest in supporting the design of signage program and is a likely partner. Transportation providers such as METRO, Sound Transit and Washington State Ferries may want to contribute to this program to ensure that transit signage and wayfinding is clear and coordinated, and private property owners may want to contribute to coordinate parking signage.

Implementation Milestones

o SEATRAN will begin development of a downtown wayfinding concept. Fall 1998

o The Public Stadium Authority Board endorsed the Neighborhood Action Agenda priorities in August, 1998.

Transportation & Parking: Community Parking Facilities

Background/Project Description

The parking crunch in South Downtown is perhaps the sharpest of growing pains in South Downtown. Parking facilities which address retail customer and residential needs could help to retain a diverse mix of business activities and to increase residential development in these neighborhoods.

Event parking for baseball games, football games and exhibitions currently held at the Kingdome is a lucrative business and therefore dominates the use of the private parking supply within walking distance of the International District and Pioneer Square. Consequently, the private sector does not provide adequate parking for retail customers who might otherwise visit businesses in these neighborhoods on event days.

Special district controls on buildings in these neighborhoods limit the cost-effective options for including parking facilities in residential buildings. The barriers to developing parking facilities for residential use appears to be an important factor inhibiting redevelopment of buildings in these neighborhoods for residential use.

Project Sponsorship

The City of Seattle and First and Goal will form a sponsorship committee to initiate projects which address community parking needs. The projects could take the form of development of new facilities or a joint marketing/management program using facilities recently completed or under development. Likely participants in the project sponsorship effort could include: First and Goal, Nitze-Stagen, Wright Runstad, SAMIS, King County, SEATRAN, DCLU and the business and community organizations representing South Downtown neighborhoods.

Potential Project Partners

The City and community development organizations would be the likely project partners for any new facilities; property owners and business/community organizations would be the most likely partners for joint management/marketing of existing facilities.

Implementation Milestones

o The Public Stadium Authority Board endorsed the Neighborhood Action Agenda Projects in August, 1998.

o Interim will complete a preliminary feasibility study for a Chinatown/International District parking garage by Fall 1998.

o The Pioneer Square Business Improvement Area will begin a parking feasibility study. Fall 1998

o The City of Seattle and First & Goal will co-sponsor a project development committee to be formed. Fall 1998

Transportation & Parking: King Street Station Redevelopment

Background/ Project Description

Seattle's rail transportation hub of the past will be re-born as the regional transportation hub of the future through restoration and seismic stabilization of the historic King Street Station; new public plazas at the north and southwest station entries; new commuter rail service and expanded Amtrak service; improved Metro and taxi connections; pedestrian connections to light rail transit service at the International District transit station; and commercial development of the Union Station property.

Project Partners

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Amtrak, the City of Seattle, and the non-profit Friends of King Street Station (the Friends) are the major project partners. WSDOT is managing the project with financial support from Amtrak, the Friends, and federal grant sources. The City is responsible for managing the design and construction of access improvements in the station area, funded with State grant sources. Additional partners have included: the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad, which has agreed to transfer the station property to the project partners; Wright Runstad, which is making important improvements to the area through its development of King Street Center for King County; Nitze Stagen, which is developing office space and parking at Union Station; Sound Transit, which will provide commuter rail service at King Street Station and will locate its administrative headquarters at Union Station; and through their participation in the North Lot development agreement, the Washington State Public Stadium Authority, First and Goal, and King County. As development continues in this area, future developers can participate in this broad partnership by making pedestrian and public space improvements which improve access and circulation in the station area.

Implementation Milestones

o In May, 1998, the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway company agreed to begin discussions with Amtrak and other King Street Station Redevelopment partners toward sale of the station to Amtrak, which will allow expenditure of federal grant funds.

o The Seattle-Everett Federal Transit Administration Caucus will complete recommendations Fall 1998 for the allocation of $24.1 million. WSDOT has requested $6 million for King Street Station Redevelopment, which would bring total project funding to sixty percent.

o Construction of a temporary facility for Amtrak is scheduled to begin by 1999. The temporary facility is necessary to allow station renovations to proceed without interrupting service to Seattle.

o Project completion is currently projected for 1st Quarter 2001.

Transportation & Parking: SR 519 Intermodal Access Project

Background/ Project Description

The need for a grade-separated crossing of mainline railroad tracks in South Downtown was the first major project identified as a widely shared priority of South Downtown stakeholders. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has lead design efforts for the SR 519 Intermodal Access Project. The project includes grade separated roadways, elevated pedestrian crossings at Weller Street and Royal Brougham, and surface street improvements. While there is broad consensus on the need for these improvements, the search for the alternative which provides the best combination of transportation benefits and urban design effects continues.

Project Partners

WSDOT, the City of Seattle, the Port of Seattle, King County, the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroad Company and the Public Facilities District have entered into an agreement to jointly design and fund the development of the SR 519 Intermodal Access Project. These partners have also been working closely with the Public Stadium Authority and First and Goal to refine project alternatives.

Implementation Milestones

o An interlocal agreement for maintenance of the Weller Street Pedestrian Bridge will be completed. Fall 1998

o WSDOT will complete additional roadway project alternatives analysis. Fall 1998

o Partners will seek to come to agreement on design and project timeline for SR 519 Phase II. November, 1998

Transportation & Parking: Event Transportation Management

Background/ Project Description

Transportation management plans (TMPs) will be required as a condition of the approval of the new baseball park (Safeco Field), stadium and exhibition hall, and other major projects in South Downtown. These plans include a wide variety of traffic system improvements, transit improvements, and parking management efforts aimed at reducing the traffic and parking impacts of these developments. As a condition of the master use permit for Safeco Field, a Parking and Access Review Committee (PARC) was formed to analyze transportation management options and make recommendations for final City approval of a TMP for Safeco Field. We anticipate that PARC will also review stadium/exhibition hall TMP options and serve as a forum for discussion of major transportation and parking issues in South Downtown, such as on-street parking policies.

Project Partners

Transportation Management Plans in South Downtown are coordinated by the Department of Construction and Land Use. The City of Seattle, the Seattle Mariners, and First and Goal are the major partners in development and implementation of transportation management plans in South Downtown. Through PARC, representatives of the three South Downtown neighborhoods, the Port of Seattle, King County, Sound Transit, and WSDOT will also participate in the development of TMPs. The TMP is mandated by master use permit conditions approved by the City under Washington State Environmental Policy Act authority.

Milestones

o Community Workshop: On Street Parking Policies. Fall 1998

o Safeco Field TMP Approval. March 1999

o Stadium/Exhibition Hall Approval prior to ocupancy of each new venue.

Business and Community Climate: Building Safe Environments

Background and Project Description

South Downtown neighborhoods can build safe environments by redeveloping trouble spots and using principles of design that accentuate positive, safe and open public spaces. The Pioneer Sqare community is focusing on "Fortson Square", one of its major gateways into the area. Similar approaches may be considered in other neighborhoods.

Project Sponsorship

In Pioneer Square, the "Fortson Square/500 Third Avenue" Task Force is a product of grassroots organizing that has been assisted by the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Office of Intergovernmental Relations and other departments of City and County government. Similar organizations can be formed elsewhere in South Downtown with sufficient community commitment.

A major focus of the Pioneer Square group is the renovation of Fortson Square itself, creating a more welcoming and open space with tie-ins to historic architectural features in the area. The City and County have each committed substantial sums toward renovation, and the community is exploring other sources. Other changes to the environment, including the placement of pedestrain crossings, are also in the planning phase.

In addition, the community has formed the Pioneer Square Safety Team, which patrols regularly to discourage illegal behavior, and the Downtown Emergency Service Center, in partnership with the community, has received federal dollars to support a "courtesy patrol" to improve the environment on the 500 block of Third Avenue and adjacent areas.

Potential Project Partners

Pioneer Square Community (residents, businesses and social service agencies), area developers, City, and County. In other neighborhoods, similar partnerships will be needed.

Implementation Milestones

o Redevelopment of Fortson Square. 1999

o Local area improvements (crosswalks, bus shelter removals, interim improvements to Fortson Sq.) late 1998-1999

Business & Community Climate: Neighborhood Marketing Program

Background and Project Description

Pioneer Square, the International District and the Duwamish Manufacturing and Industrial Center are diverse and distinctive in their economic character, but each has a fragile economy with above-average business turnover. Neighborhood representatives are concerned that construction impacts and new, competing uses can threaten their fundamental character, and other South Downtown stakeholders who benefit from the economic, cultural, social and historical assets of these neighborhoods share this concern. Toward this end, the Neighborhood Action Agenda, developed through a neighborhood partnership with First and Goal and the Public Stadium Authority, proposes a Neighborhood Marketing Program which will promote the neighborhood businesses and assets and minize the perception of negative impacts from surrounding developments and events. The Neighborhood Marketing Program likely will include basic market research, marketing plans and campaigns, a rention and recruitment program, information useful to local businesses, and joint marketing with the Stadium and other program partners.

Project Partners

First and Goal will lead neighborhood marketing program efforts in partnership with the neighborhoods and with assistance from the City of Seattle. Other partners may include local economic development organizations, the tourism industry, and corporate sponsors.

Implementation Milestones

o The Public Stadium Authority Board endorsed the Neighborhood Action Agenda priorities in August, 1998.

o First and Goal and the City of Seattle will form a project sponsorship committee. Fall 1998

Business & Community Climate: Social Investment

Background and Project Description

Current development is driving significant changes in the physical and social environment of South Downtown. As the historic home of "skid road", many of Seattle's missions, and refuge for immigrants, South Downtown has been a central place where our less-fortunate citizens have gotten a foothold on the socio-economic ladder. Accordingly, it will be crucial to foster investment in maintaining and improving the operation of the long-standing network of social service agencies, and to provide training and education to area residents that allows access to the mainstream. The City will be working with the County to better coordinate mental health, drug/alcohol, and shelter systems, as well as with the local communities to create partnerships between residents, businesses, and social services to ensure that investment in physical capital is matched by investment in human capital.

Project Sponsorship and Partnerships

There are three principal social investment partners in South Downtown: the City of Seattle, King County, and the community. The County is primarily responsible for mental health and drug/alcohol treatment, as mandated by state law. The City, over the years, has become a major funder of housing, services and shelter for low-income, disabled, and homeless individuals. Each South Downtown community, particularly Pioneer Square and the International District, has a long and unique history of providing a home to many of our less affluent citizenslegacies which remain today.

Implementation Milestones:

o The Mayor's Proposed City of Seattle Budget for 1999-2000 includes approximately $600,000 toward initiatives which address the problems of chronic public inebriates.

o The City of Seattle will sponsor forums for dialogue in the South Downtown human service community to develop trust and communication, toward improved coordination of efforts. Fall 1998

o The City of Seattle and King County will form partnerships to coordinate mental health, drug/alcohol, and shelter systems. Late 1998/1999

o The City of Seattle and King County will participate in Statelevel advocacy to gain better tools to address the needs of chronic street populations. Mid-1999

Housing and Development Opportunities: North Lot Mixed Use Development

Background/ Project Description

The Pioneer Square community has long dreamed of mixed-use development of the Kingdome's north parking lot as a buffer between the neighborhood and the stadium, a link between Pioneer Square and the International District, and an opportunity to increase the residential population in the area. With approval of the new stadium and exhibition hall project for the Kingdome site came an opportunity to realize this dream.

Project Partners

King County, the City of Seattle, the Public Stadium Authority, First and Goal/Football Northwest and the Washington State Department of Transportation are partners in the agreement and letter of intent for future development of the North Lot. The partners have developed solutions for future use of the North Lot which allow for mixed use development, replacement of existing parking, and access and circulation for stadium and exhibition hall uses as well as transportation functions at the King Street Station intermodal terminal.

Implementation Milestones

o The North Lot agreement and letter of intent was signed in June, 1998.

o King County will complete transfer of the Kingdome property. Fall 1998

Housing & Development Opportunities: Community Development Projects

Background/ Project Description

Planning committees in the International District and Pioneer Square have each identified goals for the development of additional housing in their communities. Community development organizations such as allow the Seattle Chinatown-International District PDA (SCIPDA) and the Pioneer Square Community Development Organization (PSCDO) will pursue projects to implement these goals, with support for other South Downtown stakeholders. Tools to support these efforts are expected to include a fund for acquisition of key properties in the International District.

Project Sponsorship

The City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development is supporting the efforts of SCIPDA, Interim, and the Pioneer Square CDO through development of a ten year plan for priority projects, by developing connections between these organizations and others such as the Seattle Community Development Collaborative, and by seeking grant funds such as Empowerment Zone grants to support these activities. Seattle's Department of Housing and Human Services and Strategic Planning Office will also support these efforts through implementation of the Mayor's Housing Action Agenda.

Potential Project Partners

As development projects are initiated, they will present partnership opportunities for the local development/investment community. Those who already have a stake in the South Downtown area will realize both direct and indirect benefits from investing in projects which support the revitalization of the area.

Milestones

o The City of Seattle and King County will apply in October 1998 for an Empowerment Zone designation to promote the revitalization of distressed communities. South Downtown will be included in the proposed boundaries of the Empowerment Zone.

o Ten-Year Investment Plan: The Office of Economic Development will work with community development organizations to identify a ten year plan for critical capital projects Fall 1998.

o Mayor's Tax Abatement Program: A proposal for property tax abatement for new housing projects in neighborhoods including Pioneer Square and the International District was forwarded to the City Council in August 1998.

Industrial Development: Duwamish Brownfields Strategy

Background/ Project Description

Building on the work of the Duwamish Coalition, the City of Seattle and King County have developed a "brownfields" strategy as part of a nationwide effort to promote the cleanup and reuse of contaminated industrial land. The strategy includes:

o a systemic approach to removing regulatory and institutional barriers to private cleanups;

o an Environmental Extension Service to provide direct one-toone technical assistance for small manufacturers and property owners in pollution prevention, site assessment, and selection of cleanup technologies and contractors;

o assistance to private cleanups through federal technical assistance and grants; and

o outreach to the community, developers, property owners and lenders to communicate the program and opportunities for additional cleanups.

Project Partners

The City of Seattle, King County and the Port of Seattle are partners in the Duwamish Brownfields Strategy.

Implementation Milestones

o King County and Seattle were formally designated a Brownfields Showcase Community by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in May, 1998.

o Part of the Duwamish Brownfields Strategy, the Environmental Extension Service, was expanded to areas north of Spokane Street in July, 1998.

o The Greater Duwamish Planning Committee will complete land use and zoning recommendations to the Mayor and City Council. Fall 1998

o The City of Seattle/King County/City of Renton Empowerment Zone proposal highlights investments in the Duwamish. The application will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development in October, 1998.

Contact Us

City of Seattle Strategic Planning Office

300 Municipal Building

Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 684-8080

email:

nancy.ousley@ci.seattle.wa.us (Project Director)

ethan.melone@ci.seattle.wa.us (Project Planning Development)

steve.pearce@ci.seattle.wa.us (Project Planning Development)

jim.hammond@ci.seattle.wa.us (Community Liaison)

phil.harrison@ci.seattle.wa.us (Construction Coordinator)

laura.paskin@ci.seattle.wa.us (Public Information)

world wide web:

www.ci.seattle.wa.us/seattle/planning/home.htm

South Downtown: Origins of the Strategy

Some past plans and project reports which informed the development of the South Downtown Investment Strategy:

o Pioneer Square Plan (1991)

o City of Seattle Comprehnsive Plan (1994)

o South Downtown: Directions for Design and Implementation (1995)

o Waterfront South Master Plan (1997)

o South Downtown Project Profiles (1997)

o Draft 1998 Pioneer Square Plan (March 1998)

o Neighborhood Action Agenda (April 1998)

o Chinatown/International District Strategic Plan (June 1998)

Council Resolution # 29664 adopted in November 1997 outlined the following principles to guide investments in South Downtown:

l Maintain community integrity, character, identity and safety;

l Strengthen the economic base of the area and preserve opportunities for industrial use;

l Expand the range of housing opportunities in the International District and Pioneer Square;

l Improve intermodal connections, local and regional access and mobility;

l Provide pedestrian connections and improve neighborhood public spaces consistent with neighborhood plans and priorities;

l Improve transit service and connections;

l Provide and preserve parking for non-event uses; and

l Provide utility infrastructure to accommodate growth.

The Resolution also called for the Executive to:

l Prepare an Investment Strategy and an implementation plan.

l Actively coordinate construction in South Downtown.

l Work with neighborhood planning groups to prepare land use and urban design recommendations in the ballpark/stadium area.

l Make annual reports to the Council and stakeholders on the progress of implementation efforts.

Contact Us

City of Seattle Strategic Planning Office

300 Municipal Building

Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 684-8080

email:

nancy.ousley@ci.seattle.wa.us (Project Director)

ethan.melone@ci.seattle.wa.us (Project Planning & Development)

steve.pearce@ci.seattle.wa.us (Project Planning & Development)

jim.hammond@ci.seattle.wa.us (Community Liaison)

phil.harrison@ci.seattle.wa.us (Construction Coordinator)

laura.paskin@ci.seattle.wa.us (Public Information)

world wide web:

www.ci.seattle.wa.us/seattle/planning/home.htm

Public Spaces/Public Art

Today's Challenges Distinctive streetscapes and public spaces already exist in parts of South Downtown, but there are significant gaps in pedestrian connections between the Pioneer Square and International District neighborhoods, the stadium area, the King Street Station area, the waterfront/ferry terminal, and the downtown core. In addition, some basic improvements to walkways for pedestrian safety are needed in the Duwamish area near the ballpark. To make transit an attractive transportation alternative, walking through South Downtown must be safe and convenient.

Tomorrow's Vision Improvements to public spaces will help make these connections, and public art can be incorporated into the design of public spaces to create identity for the new places emerging in South Downtown. Our strategy includes completion of the Pedestrian Connections Plan and King Street Area Access Improvements, improved street appearance through supplemental event day clean-up, a signage and Wayfinding system for the entire South Downtown area, and repair of critical areaways beneath sidewalk connections.

Transportation and Parking

Today's Challenges South Downtown is truly a twenty-four hour neighborhood. The greatest challenges occur when throngs of sports fans descend on the area during concentrated periods before baseball and football games, but the area is always alive with activity and sometimes choked with traffic. Shops and restaurants in the area have trouble wooing customers on event days, when the most convenient parking is full. Employees in the industrial area have trouble finding parking during events, and traffic snarls at railroad crossings or event times create headaches for industrial businesses. The challenge is to provide transportation and parking to allow for healthy growth of all of these activities.

Tomorrow's Vision Our strategy includes new transportation facilities which will allow trains, trucks and cars to move more smoothly through the area, improve the parking picture for those who travel to South Downtown by car, and provide attractive alternatives to getting there by car. These investments will help keep South Downtown moving: Separation of railroads and roadwaysthe SR 519 Intermodal Access Project; parking available during events and for residents-Community Parking Facilities; new policies, signage and enforcement for the industrial area to provide On-Street Parking; effective sports and events Transportation Management Plans; expanding transportation choices-King Street Station Redevelopment, featuring Amtrak and including Sound Transit commuter rail service, connections to Sound Transit's LINK light rail service, and the Waterfront South Master Plan for ferry terminal expansion.

Business & Community Climate

Today's Challenges South Downtown is the historic home of "skid row" and still serves our homeless population through a concentration of missions and shelters. The area continues to struggle with the challenge of providing a good climate for business and general community life while meeting the needs of those populations. South Downtown also continues to serve as a starting point for immigrants to Seattle and a refuge for older immigrant populations.

Tommorow's Vision A diverse combination of investments in human and physical resources will allow South Downtown to flourish as a place for people at all levels on the socio-economic ladder. The Neighborhood Action Agenda and neighborhood plans identify economic development and marketing programs to improve the business climate. Redevelopment of targeted trouble sites such as Fortson Square and area-wide application of the principles of crime prevention through environmental design will improve the community climate by building safe environments. Mental health programs, drug and alcohol treatment programs and shelter systems are among the most needed social investments. Education and training initiatives, including apprenticeship programs incorporated into major construction efforts, provide a leg up on the socio-economic ladder. As part of the Libraries for All Plan, a new library in the Chinatown/International District can provide an educational resource center for South Downtown.

Housing and Development Opportunities

Today's Challenges There is safety in numbers, and residents of Pioneer Square and the International District believe they can secure a better future for their communities by increasing the supply and diversity of housing in their neighborhoods. There are plenty of underutilized properties, but what will it take to redevelop them for housing?

Tommorow's Vision Mixed-use development of the Kingdome North Parking Lot could provide 500 units of mixed-income housing at the heart of South Downtown and serve as the cornerstone of new residential development.

Mayor Schell's Housing Action Agenda calls for a range of actions to encourage housing production and preservation throughout the city. Tax Abatement for Multi-family Housing and use of surplus public property are two actions in particular that should be pursued for the Pioneer Square and International District neighborhoods from the Action Agenda.

The efforts of the Seattle-Chinatown International District Public Development Authority (SCIPDA), Interim Community Development Organization and the Pioneer Square Community Development Organization to create more housing opportunities should be supported and tools such as land trusts or other strategies to control critical sites should be explored.

Industrial Development

Today's Challenges Public and private development at the southern edge of downtown is creating economic pressures on the land supply available for manufacturing and industrial uses. How can we create a vital stadium and entertainment district without threatening this important resource for the attraction and retention of family-wage industrial jobs?

Tomorrow's Vision Environmental clean-up, zoning and development standards, and access improvements are the key tools to allow expanded use of industrially-zoned land for manufacturing and industrial activities. The City of Seattle, King County and the Port of Seattle are partners in the Duwamish Brownfields Strategy for clean-up and reclamation of industrial land. Freight mobility can be improved through Access Duwamish and Fast Corridor projects (a package of proposed transportation improvements in the Duwamish industrial area) and basic street maintenance. Property and business owners in the Greater Duwamish area are developing recommendations for land use and zoning modifications which will better focus development activity on manufacturing and industrial uses.

Implementing the Investment Strategy: Major Milestones

See the Proposed South Downtown Investment Strategy Implementation Plan for additional Milestones and Next Steps.

Community Parking Facilities

o The Public Stadium Authority Board endorsed the Neighborhood Action Agenda priorities in August, 1998.

King Street Station Redevelopment

o The FTA Caucus will complete recommendations Fall 1998 for the allocation of $24.1 million. WSDOT has requested $6 million for King Street Station Redevelopment, which would bring total project funding to sixty percent.

SR 519 Intermodal Access Project

o WSDOT will complete additional roadway project alternatives analysis. Fall 1998

Event Transportation Management

o Community Workshop: On Street Parking Policies. Fall 1998

North Lot Mixed Use Development

o Agreement and Letter of Intent for mixed use development completed. June 1998

Community Development Projects

o The City of Seattle and King County will apply in October 1998 for an Empowerment Zone designation to promote the revitalization of distressed communities. South Downtown will be included within the proposed boundaries of the Empowerment Zone.

Neighborhood Marketing Program

o The Public Stadium Authority Board endorsed the Neighborhood Action Agenda priorities in August, 1998.

Building Safe Environments

o Redevelopment of Fortson Square following the principles of crime prevention through environmental design. 1999

Social Investment

o The Mayor's Proposed City of Seattle Budget for 1999-2000 includes over $600,000 for programs which address the problems of chronic public inebriates.

Pedestrian Connections

o SEATRAN will begin construction of King Street Area Access Improvements. 2nd Quarter 1999

Signage/Wayfinding

o SEATRAN will begin development of a downtown wayfinding concept. Fall 1998

Industrial Preservation and Development

o Part of the Duwamish Brownfields Strategy, the Environmental Extension Service, was expanded to areas north of Spokane Street in July, 1998.

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