No one at last nights Board of Park Commissioners meeting spoke in opposition of a proposal to upgrade Seacrest Dock to allow the Elliott Bay Water Taxi to operate there year-round until a more permanent location can be found.

The board is scheduled to make a recommendation to the Parks Department at its March 26 meeting.

At its regular meeting on Feb. 26 the board was presented with a proposal that the Water Taxi begin operating year-round at Seacrest Park and that King County funds be used to improve conditions of the Seacrest dock. Plans for Seacrest include dock replacement to accommodate this additional service and much needed repairs to the site.

In 2008, after the King County Ferry District took over the Water Taxi, a record high of 182,000 riders used the service. Now, the district has recommended the service become year-round in 2010. Currently, the Water Taxi runs from April Through October.

The Elliot Bay Water Taxi has been operating out of Seacrest Park for 11 years. Until a permanent location is found for the service in West Seattle, the district says Seacrest is the only viable location where the water taxi can operate.

Mike Beck, acting director of the King County Marine Division, explained that it could take longer than originally anticipated for a permanent site to be found and expects, if it's approved, for the water taxi to operate at Seacrest for at least three to five years.

He said other points along Alki are being considered for a permanent location, including spots on Alki Point and at Pier 2. Beck added that the city is more likely to consider using Seacrest as a permanent site today than it has been in the past.

To accommodate year-round service would require a new floating dock at Seacrest Park with a wider, longer gangway. New concrete floats would also provide greater stability and easier access for kayakers and other small boats.

Beck explained that changes to the dock’s shape will also allow the water taxi to dock perpendicular to the shore so that it does not have to sweep as close to scuba divers as necessary when parking parallel to the shoreline.

There have been some concerns by some Alki residents who said they were worried about increased parking with year-round service, and whether a transit service should be operating from a park site. However, at last night's hearing, those concerns were not voiced.

King county has commissioned a parking study to address these, and other concerns, and may work with Metro Transit to modify shuttle service.

If the board approves this plan year-round service could begin in 2010, and funding will come from the King County Ferry District property tax levy, passed two years ago.

The hearing last night was at the West Seattle Golf Clubhouse, 4600 35th Ave. S.W.

"I've always been an advocate for water transportation and I think we're coming back to it," said resident Jack Block, adding that there are no potholes or bridges to maintain with the water taxi.

He supports the temporary Seacrest location but not as a permanent solution.

Written testimony is being accepted on this project until the March 26 consideration. Comments can also be submitted until 5 p.m. March 24 to Sandy Brooks at sandy.brooks@seattle.gov. Fax "Attention: Sandy Brooks" at 206-233-7023. Mail or hand deliver to Sandy Brooks, 100 Dexter Ave. N. Seattle, 98109 (March 19 deadline).