Tonight, the Seattle Department of Transportation will be holding an open house on the Missing Link, the gaping hole of the Burke Gilman Trail between the Ballard Fred Meyer and the Ballard Locks.

It will take place in the Ballard High School Commons tonight, Aug. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.

SDOT had to go back to the drawing board with the Missing Link after businesses, led by Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel Co. and Ballard Oil, sued to prevent the Burke Gilman from going along Shilshole Ave, through the driveways of several Ballard industrial businesses.

"The City must study these issues and prove it can safely build a recreational trail through the heart of the maritime and industrial industry in Ballard without putting people’s lives at risk,” said Ballard Oil's now retired owner, Warren Aakervik, at the time.

Now, the city is doing that study and is taking comments from the public.

Stations at the meeting will include the EIS Scoping process and timeline, existing area zoning, and aerial maps for the public to note how they suggest connecting the Burke-Gilman Trail through Ballard.

Completing the project is the city’s top-rated trail priority as identified by the Bicycle Master Plan, says SDOT.

The public comment period continues on until August 16, 2013. If you are unable to attend tonight's meeting, you may also send comments to:

Peter Hahn, Director
Seattle Department of Transportation
c/o Mark Mazzola, Environmental Manager
700 5th Avenue, Suite 3900
Seattle, WA 98104
Mark.mazzola@seattle.gov

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