The current 32,000 square foot Safeway in the Admiral district will be replaced, but planning is in a very early stage, said a representative of the company last week.

In addition, city council member Tom Rasmussen, who lives in Alki, attended the meeting and told of progress made with the Coast Guard to cut down the number of rush hour openings of the lower West Seattle swing bridge.

Two representatives from Safeway's regional corporate offices in Bellevue, plus three from their Seattle architect Fuller/ Sears were at the Admiral Junction Association's meeting last week.

"We're here tonight to listen to your ideas," said Sara Corn with Safeway, who has been updating association president Mark Wainwright on its plans by e-mail and says she will attend more of his meetings.

"There are three very interested parties, the community, the DPD (Department of Planning and Development) and Safeway," she said. "We think we can come up with a plan to satisfy everybody."

Architect William Fuller displayed aerial photographs of the current site, just under three acres. He said the store would be within the area height limitations, 40-47 feet depending on first-floor height.

Wainwright's wish list included some green space between the back, southern wall of Safeway and Hiawatha Park to ease the transition from commercial to park grounds.

"People could sit outside and eat and drink coffee with some greenery around. We have found this to be good for business," he said. Currently a parking lot and a private residence owned by Safeway separates it from Southwest Lander Street and Hiawatha Park.

Corn said she has been in contact with Jeff McCord, a West Seattle resident, regarding the house on the southeast corner of the Safeway lot they own. McCord is with Nickel Brothers House Moving and his services may be utilized in moving the rental house if it is not demolished. The lease runs out later this year.

Wainwright voiced concerns about the need for more residences near the Junction as years go by, and hoped that homes would be integrated in an aesthetically pleasing way on Safeway's large footprint. He was not specific but said he found the Jefferson Square Safeway and housing scheme unappealing.

Developer and architect Brandon Nicholson, of Nicholson/Kovalchick, talked about the shortage of retail space at the Admiral Junction and urged Safeway to consider business rentals on their site.

One resident pointed out that Holy Rosary sells Christmas trees from the lot behind Safeway and would hope that continues, and that a van that transports seniors from a retirement home parks back there while passengers shop.

"There is a lot of connectivity between the Safeway, the park and school that should be conserved," he said, "We appreciate you here tonight and you have been a good neighbor."

Fuller pointed out that some options discussed at the meeting were in the hands of the city.

"There are lots of new dynamics regarding parking spaces with new city codes. For instance a certain amount of parking stalls are required before you have landscaping. Some of these decisions are in their hands. We are listening to your wishes, but it's going to be one of those balancing acts."

Steve Shay may be contacted at steves@robinsonnews.com