City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation
Kenneth R. Bounds, Superintendent
DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE
AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON SCOPE OF EIS
Description of proposal Central Waterfront Master Parks Plan Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS): Seattle Parks & Recreation is undertaking the
study of three alternatives for the removal and/or reconstruction
of Piers 62 & 63 and improvements to Waterfront Park; a
maintenance alternative for the piers; and, a no action
alternative. The outcome of the study will be the adoption of a
master plan, based on the chosen preferred alternative, for the
central waterfront park spaces west of Alaskan Way, from
Waterfront Park to Piers 62/63 and including the Seattle
Aquarium.
Proponent Seattle Parks & Recreation
Location of proposal 1951 Alaskan Way
Lead agency Seattle Parks & Recreation
EIS Required. The lead agency has determined this proposal is likely to have a significant
adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is required under
RCW 43.21C.030 (2)(c) and will be prepared. An environmental checklist or other materials
indicating likely environmental impacts can be reviewed at our offices.
The lead agency has identified the following areas for discussion in the EIS: earth (geology,
soils, topography, unique physical features); air (quality); water (surface water, ground
water, run off); plant and animals (habitat, unique species fish or wildlife migration routes);
energy and natural resources (source/availability, nonrenewable resources, conservation,
scenic resources); environmental health (noise, risk of explosion, potential releases to the
environment affecting public health); land and shoreline use (housing, light and glare,
historic/cultural preservation, aesthetics, recreation); transportation (transportation systems,
traffic, parking); public services (fire, police, schools, parks, water/storm water, sewer/solid
waste, other government services or utilities).
A more extensive focus will be placed on the Parks & Recreation, Marine Habitat and Land Use
elements of the EIS. Alternatives being considered will include three removal and/or
reconstruction alternatives; a maintenance alternative; and, a no action alternative. Adoption
of the Central Waterfront Master Parks Plan is a programmatic action. Subsequent design and
implementation of the Master Plan may require project level environmental review under
SEPA.
Scoping. Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to comment on the
scope of the EIS. You may comment on alternatives, mitigation measures, probable significant
adverse impacts, and licenses or other approvals that may be required. The methods and
deadline for giving us your comments are:
A Public Scoping Meeting will be held on February 2, 2006, at 6:00 pm, at the Park Board
Room at Denny Park, 100 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Written comments may also be submitted to David Graves, Seattle Parks & Recreation, 800
Maynard Avenue South, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98134-1336, or to david.graves@seattle.gov,
and must be received by February 3, 2006.
Responsible official: Kenneth R. Bounds
Position/title: Superintendent, Department of Parks and Recreation
Phone: 206-684-8022
Address: 100 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
Date: ___________ Signature: __________________________
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Alternatives & Comments
The five (5) alternatives under consideration as the Central Waterfront Master Parks Plan are as
follows below. Note that the limits of the Master Plan will be from the southerly boundary of
Waterfront Park to the northerly boundary of Piers 62/63, and westerly of the Alaskan Way
right-of-way, as shown in the Existing Conditions:
Existing Conditions
Alternative Description
Alternative No. 1 – Aqualink.
The Aqua Link alternative is so named because its
principal feature is a north-south pedestrian connection
along the water’s edge around the Aquarium,
alleviating congestion on the sidewalk and providing
the maximum circulation to the water. This
configuration envisions the Aquarium as the “jewel”
within a setting of public spaces. It is also a link to the
water because it includes a long publicly accessible
beach. The gravel beach will be primarily for habitat
and restoration purposes, but it would also provide the
opportunity for visitors to touch the water. The major
link back to Downtown will be via an opened Union
Street corridor, where the grade across Alaskan Way
is level.
Alternative No. 2 – The Connector.
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Alternative Description
The Connector emphasizes linking the Market and
Downtown to the waterfront through a set of
elevated ramps and crossings activated by perimeter
uses. It provides the strongest connection from
Downtown and the Market to the Aquarium at the
north side of the historic pier structure. The
connecting elements create a ring of public spaces,
each with a different function and character. Under
this alternative, Aquarium expansion would be
primarily to the south, allowing for open space and an
entry on the north. The Connector is characterized by
iconic signature structures: a landmark pedestrian
bridge to provide a graceful link between the lid and
the water, a transparent pavilion for everyday
activities and special events, and a delicate
footbridge connecting the Aquarium to a small Pier 63
deck. The scheme allows a combination of beach and
protected cove habitats.
Alternative No. 3 – Multipurpose
Pier.
The Multipurpose Pier alternative relocates and
reconfigures Piers 62/63 to allow more efficient use
of the space and accommodate year-round public
activities along the deck perimeter. Moving the pier
to the south would allow better integration with the
Aquarium so that open space on the Aquarium’s north
side would be activated. In addition, the new pier
would include provision for a temporary cover, so
events could be staged in the spring and fall. Because
the pier would create a more vibrant focal point,
Downtown/waterfront connections would emphasize
an at-grade crossing at Pine Street.
Alternative No. 4 – Improvement of Adopt a plan for the improvement of the existing
existing Park spaces Waterfront Park and Piers 62/63. The plan would
(See Existing Conditions) identify improvements which could be made to
Waterfront Park to enhance the marine habitat
beneath and overall improvements which would make
the park more attractive. Piers 62/63 would be
maintained in situ and improvements identified which
could be made to the structure to enhance the marine
habitat beneath and to make the park more user
friendly.
Alternative No. 5. – No action The existing conditions would be maintained. Parks
(See Existing Conditions) would take no action to maintain, improve or rebuild
Waterfront Park and Piers 62/63. Continued
deterioration in this no action alternative will
necessitate removal of Piers 62/63 in the long run.
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Comments
Use this page to submit comments to: David Graves, Senior Planner
Seattle Parks & Recreation
800 Maynard Avenue South, 3rd Floor
Seattle, WA, 98134-1336
or
E-mail comments to: david.graves@seattle.gov
Comment(s):
(over if needed)
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