In the wake of a walk through of the North Delridge business area by King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, City Councilmember Rob Saka and business owners, Skylark Cafe/Club owner Matt Larson has some questions about the information gathering process.  

In a letter to Sound Transit, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Councilmember Mosqueda, Councilmember Saka and others Larson writes:

"Thank you for your time and investment in learning about the challenges that we are facing with the impending relocation of our respective businesses.  While there is a lot to discuss, one specific item that we would like to bring to your attention is the required information gathering that we feel has not been followed through on to our knowledge.

As prospective stakeholders, we need to express our apprehension regarding the apparent deficiency in executing the requisite procedures for assessing the true impact on affected businesses. Despite our repeated inquiries regarding the timeline for completion, regrettably, we have yet to receive any substantive response.  In the SOUND TRANSIT’S REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND RELOCATION POLICY,

PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES, it is stated in Section 8.3 on pages 24 and 25:

8.3 Relocation Planning, Advisory Services, and Coordination

a. Relocation planning. During the early stages of project development, Sound Transit will plan in such a manner that recognizes the problems associated with the displacement of individuals, families, businesses, farms, and nonprofit organizations and develop solutions to minimize the adverse impacts of displacement. Such planning, where appropriate, will precede any action by Sound Transit which will cause displacement, and will be scoped to the complexity and nature of the anticipated displacing activity including an evaluation of program resources available to carry out timely and orderly relocations. Planning may involve a relocation survey or study, which may include the following:

(1) An estimate of the number of households to be displaced including information such as owner/tenant status, estimated value and rental rates of properties to be acquired, family characteristics, and special consideration of the impacts on minorities, the elderly, large families, and persons with disabilities when applicable.

(2) An estimate of the number of comparable replacement dwellings in the area (including price ranges and rental rates) that are expected to be available to fulfill the needs of those households displaced.

When an adequate supply of comparable housing is not expected to be available, Sound Transit should consider housing of last resort actions.

(3) An estimate of the number, type and size of the businesses, farms, and nonprofit organizations to be displaced and the approximate number of employees that may be affected.

Sound Transit Page 25 Last updated November 2017

(4) An estimate of the availability of replacement business sites. When an adequate supply of replacement business sites is not expected to be available, the impacts of displacing the businesses should be considered and addressed. Planning for displaced businesses which are reasonably expected to involve complex or lengthy moving processes or small businesses with limited financial resources and/or few alternative relocation sites should include an analysis of business moving problems.

In light of the fact that certain businesses have yet to be contacted regarding their impending removal, coupled with the apparent insufficiency in gathering information from those already contacted, we harbor significant apprehensions regarding the thoroughness and timeliness of the mandated assessments within the current phase of proceedings. Throughout our collaboration with Sound Transit, we have operated in good faith, presuming that all requisite assessments, as mandated by their own protocols, have been diligently executed.

However, our concerns regarding the viability of relocation under the proposed terms remain paramount. It is disconcerting that our legitimate apprehensions regarding relocation feasibility have not been accorded due consideration. Moreover, the apparent shortfall in information gathering on Sound Transits part casts doubt on their ability to confidently assure the availability of adequate resources and suitable relocation options when the need arises.

We kindly request that, if a report has indeed been compiled, it be promptly disseminated to all impacted parties and the board for their review and consideration. Conversely, if such a report has not yet been generated, we seek clarification on the timeline for its completion or an explanation for any delays, as this information holds significant relevance for advancing the ongoing proceedings in alignment with Sound Transit's established policies and procedures.

Matt Larson

Owner Skylark Cafe and Club

3803 Delridge Way SW