The questions lingering over the future of parking in the West Seattle Junction are still hanging, unanswered but the West Seattle Trusteed Properties has issued a statement that outlines their position on the future of the lots that provide spaces for so many shoppers. The WSTP cites "City of Seattle no longer supports the preservation of surface parking rather, the County now taxes WSTP Inc. parcels at their "highest and best use" for mixed use construction development and other similar uses. Therefore, the WSTP and area businesses face threats to its current parking model, not only from increasing property taxes but also from condemnation by the Regional Transportation Authority and the probable conversion of free street parking to metered parking.. and notes their  "fiduciary duties to Shareholders," which indicates their interest in developing the parking lot land. Not addressed in their statement are any suggestions as to where replacement parking spaces would be found, or what the possible impacts on Junction businesses might be. In the most recent meeting the board noted that they have been in touch with the King County Assessor regarding the appeal on the 2018 assessments but that the adjustments have not yet been made. They said they would continue to assess at the higher rate (around $19,000 per month) and once an adjustment is made the extra money would be applied as a credit. Some concerns were raised as to whether the West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) was negotiating in earnest due to the slowness of the process. The WSJA for its part has begun a series of fund raising efforts including the launch of Save Our Parking Lots pale ale brewed by Elliott Bay Brewing first made available at West Seattle Summerfest. 

West Seattle Trusteed Properties, Inc.

Board Statement for release to Shareholders and interested stakeholders

"We, the Directors for West Seattle Trusteed Properties Inc CWSTP) make this statement to provide a better understanding of WSTP purposes and objectives.

The WSTP Inc. was formed in 1954 out of a shared desire among certain Seattle property investors. who created WSTP Inc seeking to improve the West Seattle Junction area in which they were invested We embrace that vision but recognize that West Seattle, the City of Seattle, transportation. parking and many other issues have changed greatly since WSTP's inception. While parking, as WSTP's initial primary mission, has been and continues to be a crucial amenity for the community, the City of Seattle no longer supports the preservation of surface parking rather, the County now taxes WSTP Inc. parcels at their "highest and best use" for mixed use construction development and other similar uses. Therefore, the WSTP and area businesses face threats to its current parking model, not only from increasing property taxes but also from condemnation by the Regional Transportation Authority and the probable conversion of free street parking to metered parking.

The WSTP Inc. Board, like all corporate boards, have fiduciary duties to our Shareholders to ensure that all assets of the Corporation are managed in their collective best interest. Our pledge is to run the corporation in a transparent. ethical manner, keeping shareholders informed, seeking their opinions while preserving and increasing their value.

The WSTP Inc commits to remaining engaged with the community businesses and representatives as we evaluate funding alternatives for parking for the diverse interests of owners, businesses and patrons. We will consider various alternatives to address the increasing costs of owning and maintaining the parcels in an environment of ever changing municipal codes.

Municipal codes and public process requirements involve multiyear planning and concept development which would precede any construction development of any WSTP parcel. The WSTP looks forward to pursuing common objectives with interested partnerships and businesses seeking to enhance the overall community by a thorough evaluation of redevelopment opportunities with an involved public dialogue and an interest in a healthy vibrant Junction."

Sincerely,

Joe Erickson. President

West Seattle Trusteed Properties, Inc.

Tyler Johnson

Jeff Vann

Mark Swanson

WSTP Directors:

Leon Capelouto

Charlie Conner

Joe Erickson

David Gowey