Northwest Urbanist
@thenorthwesturbanist
Seattle • Scott Bonjukian, father, urban designer, and zoning expert. Housing, transportation, public space, climate, energy, progressive politics, and more in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Leader at @lidi5.org. Blog: thenorthwesturbanist.com
Well if this just doesn't say it all about the American approach to traffic safety.
Toured a townhouse complex and I was struck by this empty 6-space parking lot in the evening when most people would be home. The lot is tightly designed with an aisle much less than the standard 20-24' width, so I imagine it's very difficult to get a car in and out of here when full...
It seems like Alaskan Way is a much better Seattle parade route than 4th Avenue. Lots of open space to mingle and places to get food while you wait for the parade to start, plus the scenic views can't be beat.
Am I seeing the Little Giant fire, which is near Lake Chelan, from Seattle? It's 75 miles away.
Well as it happens today was a great day to be a West Seattle bike commuter, both the morning and now this afternoon. Southbound 99 is so bad that I saw the C line using East Marginal Way South.
The amount of unused pavement and parking areas on 35th Avenue SW is atrocious. We need protected bike lanes and probably a road diet here.
Lid I-5 is a community effort to bridge the gap caused by the concrete scar of Interstate 5 in Seattle. Currently, the campaign is working with the City's planning office on the next phase of planning and public outreach using $2.2 million in state and federal grants. Follow @lidi5.org for more.
For months a construction crew at 3252 Harbor Avenue SW regularly closes the Alki Trail with no detour route for people walking and biking. It forces jaywalking at midblock and there is no flagger or parking restrictions that could mitigate. Looking to @seattledot.bsky.social for safe solutions.
Might be Level Of Service F for Fun here on the waterfront bike lane tonight.
The U.S. might have lost the World Cup but Seattle definitely won! For a few hours the streets of Downtown Seattle enjoyed the chaotic energy and vitality of Manhattan with crowds, joy, food, diversity, music, sunshine, and camaraderie. It's glorious and feels like we are destined for great things.
VIP bike parking at the Mariners game is the only way to go. #GoMariners! 🚲 ⚾
Design fire trucks for your city, not the other way around.
Downtown is packed. This might be a historic number of people on the streets.
I'm still surprised we're building new highways in Washington. This is a view of the scar of the under-construction SR-509 extension to I-5.
Hours later I saw that Parks indeed has a right-size vehicle for maintenance.
@seattleparksandrec.bsky.social @mayorofseattle.bsky.social this Seattle garbage truck driving on the Alki Trail is unsafe practice and outright dangerous behavior. Absolutely unnecessary when there is a literally a roadway right next to it. Stop this immediately and keep the trail safe for people.
The Seattle Ferry Terminal finally has its first concessions, after it reopened years ago. I haven't passed through in a few months so this may be outdated, but it's nice to see a return even if we'll probably never match the shopping and food/drink options of the old terminal.
Say hello to Downtown Seattle's newest parking lot at 800 Alaskan Way. Probably a temporary use while waiting for better economic conditions. Permits were issued in 2022 for a 14-story mixed-use building here, including office space and 83 apartments. www.seattleinprogress.com/project/3033...
First day in Manhattan for a vacation. It's as busy and beautiful as ever. In walking and biking around the traffic does feel a tad less chaotic than my last trip in 2022, maybe thanks to congestion pricing!
The only rail transit system in Port Orchard, WA is worth a visit. Great little ride through the woods and it's kid friendly with a playground nearby. Check out Kitsap Live Steamers on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays through October.
80 degrees in Seattle all week? Is it May or August? Hope everyone has their air conditioners ready earlier than usual. The climate is changing.
There is a joke somewhere in here about San Francisco's Great Highway kicking out the cars is part of what is actually making America great.
Bellevue's Wilburton Station: Come for the transit-oriented burgers, go home with a luxury car.
Multiple lines on one platform is making this start to feel like a serious city.