November 2024

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has delayed the Record of Decision (ROD) for the West Seattle Link Extension from November 29, 2024 to February 28, 2025. The ROD is a key document in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and signifies the conclusion of the environmental review phase. This delay pushes back the timeline for the project, which aims to extend light rail service from SODO to West Seattle's Alaska Junction neighborhood.

The project has faced escalating costs since its inception. Initially estimated at $1.6 billion in 2016 when voters approved the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan, the cost has ballooned to an estimated $6.7 billion to $7.1 billion. This represents a staggering increase of over 300% from the initial projection.

The Port of Seattle, in collaboration with its partners and community members, invites the public to participate in a tree planting event aimed at restoring urban forests. This family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at a designated Port site previously overrun by invasive blackberry and ivy near SEA airport.

Participants will help plant 250 native trees and shrubs, contributing to the increase of native forest cover and the establishment of a diverse shrub understory. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to reclaim and enhance urban green spaces, fostering a healthier environment for future generations.

Information from West Seattle Food Bank

As the cost of living rises, countless families and seniors in our community are facing increasing struggles. Each day, more neighbors turn to the West Seattle Food Bank for food and housing support, seeking stability during these challenging times. Thanks to generous supporters, the organization has been able to respond to this growing need, providing vital assistance to those most in need. However, with demand reaching record highs, the food bank now faces a difficult choice.

Over the past three fiscal years, the number of individuals and families needing help has soared by nearly 50%, with food bank visits up 65%. Reserves built up during the generous giving period of 2020 are now nearly depleted. Despite their best efforts, the food bank must choose between raising funds to meet the need or cutting back on critical services.

The University of Washington's Master of Landscape Architecture advanced studio has partnered with Schmitz Park Creek Restore, a grassroots initiative focused on reconnecting Schmitz Park’s ancient forest with Puget Sound. This collaboration challenges students to explore the unique identity of landscapes and create designs that celebrate and revive Seattle’s urban wilds.

For more details, you can read Westside Seattle's previous coverage here.

Join Us at the Alki Bathhouse in West Seattle for a Community Open House!

• December 6th, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Meet the project team and join the discussion.

• December 7th, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Self-guided explorations.

West Seattle residents will soon gain enhanced access to primary and specialty care with the opening of the new Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) clinic on December 9th. Located at 3400 California Avenue SW, the clinic will offer a range of services including primary care, women’s health (OB/GYN), cardiology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology.

Spanning 20,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility will replace the current primary and specialty care location, with plans for future expansions to accommodate additional providers and services. Despite the move, VMFH will continue to offer urgent care services at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW.

Update Nov. 26

A suspect, a teenage girl had fled the scene of the stabbing but was identified by the victim and has now been taken into custody.

Original post Nov. 25

A stabbing at 30th and Cambridge SW near Roxhill Park sent one teenage girl to the hospital and injured another on Monday afternoon around 3:15pm. 

Police say a family relationship is involved and they are seeking an SUV involved in the incident but they provided no description.

A 17-year-old girl was transported to a nearby hospital where she is stable but suffering from stab wounds and serious cuts. A 15-year-old with minor injuries declined to go to the hospital and left with police to provide a statement.

In the bustling intersections of Seattle, a unique public art project that has brightened the cityscape for the past six years now stands at a critical juncture. West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen, known for transforming mundane traffic signal boxes into vibrant portraits, is grappling with the weathering effects of time on his urban canvas.

"Most of them are damaged and deteriorating now and have little flaws I need to fix," Hansen reflects on his collection of 75 painted signal boxes scattered throughout the city. "Some of them are outright unrecognizable or gone."