Local attorney Michael Kahrs announced today that he is dropping his appeal of the Olympic Athletic Club's plans for a hotel in downtown Ballard.

Filed in late April, Kahrs' appeal expressed concerns about parking and traffic issues the new development might create.

Kahrs, and Olympic Athletic Club owner Jim Riggle, have agreed to work together to address some of these issues to ensure that local residents' quality of life will not be impacted.

From the press release:

"I'm pro-business and want to see the economy of Ballard grow and prosper," said Kahrs. "At the same time the tremendous growth and development of the area has led to some real quality of life issues for those of us who live and work here."

"Mike and I met and we talked though the issues and his concerns," said Riggle. "We found that we had more in common than we had realized. We both care deeply about the Ballard community and want to ensure a good quality of life for those who live and work here."

Both Kahrs and Riggle agreed that it will be important to talk with Ballard residents and local business owners to better understand the issues and concerns of the community. Based on what they already know, they believe that that traffic, parking and congestion in Downtown Ballard is likely to be high on the list of concerns.

"I look forward to working with Jim and others to address some of these issues," continued Kahrs. "I love living in Ballard and look forward to being part of the solution to some of Ballard's issues and the concerns of those who live and work here."