A recent announcement by the West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) that the formerly free lots they have sponsored for the past 60 years will now require payment due to the rezoning of the land parcels from parking lots to development of highest and best use. Westside Seattle reached out to the Executive Director Lora Radford of the WSJA, to talk about parking the Junction and to give you a more comprehensive look at the issue.

The lots in question that are still partially funded by local Junction merchants, are located to the east and west of California Ave SW. They are actually ten plots of land, that comprise four lots and 229 parking spaces. The largest is the one being 42nd Ave, between Alaska and Oregon Street. The other parking lots are located in the Junction on 44th between Oregon Street and Edmunds Street SW. 

The recent change to pay status has been an adjustment for parking, with many questions but primarily support from the public. So far Junction businesses have not seen a drop in customers. It's worth noting that the prices now imposed are the lowest of the pay lots (other than the free on street parking which remains). The open air lot at Jefferson Square on 42nd SW is also free, while you are shopping at the stores there. The parking lot underneath (and a few spaces below that on 41st SW also covered) are paid lots as well. There is also free parking while shopping at QFC or Petco in the Altamira Building on 42nd and Alaska (NE corner) and a few spots underneath Junction 47 on 42nd SW and Alaska (SW corner) while visiting merchants.

Here's the rundown on costs using a 2 hour time frame as the baseline. 

• 42nd SW near Oregon Street (formerly free)

• Two hours = $2

• Edmunds Street SW between 42nd SW and California Ave SW 

• Two hours = $6

• Edmunds Street SW and 44th Ave. SW

• Two hours = $6

• 44th SW behind NW Art & Frame (formerly free)

• Two hours = $2

• 44th SW near Key Bank

• Two hours = $3

• 44th SW and Alaska Street SW

• Two hours = $2

• 44th SW behind Beer Junction (formerly free)

• Two hours = $2

• Jefferson Square Garage (entrances on 42nd SW and 41st SW)

• Two hours = $5

Other rates can be found on the Diamond Parking site here, or by seeing the photos of the signs from the lots below.

Some history and perspective

The lots that had been free are owned by West Seattle Trusteed Partners (WSTP), a group of land and business owners that was formed in the mid 1950's to provide parking to the business district. They have one client. The West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) which represents all the Junction businesses. The WSJA signed a 20 year lease three years ago. In the interim the King County Assessor re-appraised the land, amended the use and the value went up dramatically. It's now worth approximately $22 million. The businesses pay the WSJA a monthly fee to support all the work it does to promote the area, represent them with the city, put on Summerfest, Harvest Fest, Hometown Holidays, the West Seattle Artwalk and more. But they primarily pay for the taxes that must be paid by the landowner. The WSTP/WSJA were granted a slight reprieve in the form of a ramped payment schedule three years ago. But now, they must pay the full amount. This is on top of also paying for lot maintenance and administration which is handled by Diamond Parking. 

The land the lots occupy has been the subject of a lot of speculation, primarily around potential development. But the WSTP signed a covenant with the City of Seattle promising to continue to provide parking. It does not specify free parking. In addition, Sound Transit as it looks at acquiring real estate for it's extension to West Seattle, has the power of eminent domain. That means it could, in theory, force the sale of the land at market rates for its use. Not to mention discussions have been had regarding potential affordable housing construction, a potential hospital and even a "technology tower" of sorts for one of the large tech firms seeking more space in Seattle.

Here's a map that details the lots in question, other lots have been charging for the last few years.

 

FAQ

Why are the previously free lots now charging to park?

1.Several reasons but the primary reason is higher taxes. The Junction rents the four parking lots for West Seattle folks to park and shop. In recent years the taxes skyrocketed due King County amending the use. 

2. Preservation. To retain the right to use the lots as parking, the Junction exhausted all other options before making the decision to charge. 

3. Affordability. To maintain low hourly rates (50% of market rate) the Junction will be able to retain the lease and set the rates. 

Parking Fact: If the Junction didn’t retain the lease, the lots would still be paid parking but at a much higher rate. 

4. Convenience. Now you’ll be able to find parking in the lots. Gone are the days of parkers taking advantage of the free lots by parking overnight or all day. 

Parking Fact: That’s the reason the lots look empty as they are now preserved for the intent - customers and shoppers. 

5. There are over 700 parking (free and paid) parking spaces just in the West Seattle downtown, now parkers have 228 spaces that are freed up. 

Thanks West Seattle for working through this change, your small businesses never passed on the cost of parking to you. Please continue to support your local merchants for $2.00/2 hrs.

Do you take credit cards?

Yes. All kiosks take credit cards

Is there 15-minute parking?

Not at the parking lots, but there are 12 15 minute parking spots on California Ave for both retail and restaurants. 

What happened to the donations?

Those parking donations were used to pay for the taxes. It was not enough however so the Junction had no choice but to move forward with paid parking.