September 30, 2014

City looking for $200M to cut from waterfront

Plans for a pool barge and a new Pier 62/63 on the Seattle waterfront may have to wait.

Documents presented to a City Council waterfront committee Monday indicate the waterfront redevelopment costs could rise by another $200 million unless some changes are made. The total project cost is already estimated at more than $1 billion.

A proposal from Mayor Ed Murray's office suggests keeping the budget at about $1 billion but delaying several elements to a future phase.

The mayor's plan calls for saving $110 million by delaying plans for Pier 62/63, the pool barge, Blanchard Street overlook and a connection between First and Western avenues at Union Street.

“Simplifying” reconstruction of both the Marion Street pedestrian bridge and work on Seneca Street could save $28 million, according to the proposal. The mayor also proposes reducing the city's contribution to an expansion of Seattle Aquarium by $11 million.

These major changes, along with several others, are estimated to save $168 million.

The council committee voted to overhaul the Waterfront Steering Committee. The new committee will have 17 members, rather than the current 45, and focus more on implementing plans rather than design.

The waterfront redesign is being lead by James Corner Field Operations of New York City. It involves changes to Alaskan Way, building a waterfront park and promenade, and making new connections to downtown with wide sidewalks, plantings and public spaces.