SmarterTransit.org, a group advocating for Sound Transit to reconsider plans to build the $4 billiion West Seattle Light Rail extension held a press conference at Jefferson Square shopping center on July 11. The location itself is on the list of more than 60 businesses to be displaced by the construction of the line. 

Conrad Cipoletti a SmarterTransit spokesperson argued that the West Seattle light rail extension is too costly with little benefit, "For instance, the West Seattle Link extension, when connected to a future 2nd Downtown transit tunnel will force transfers for existing transit riders ... We currently have a 1 seat bus ride instead of the promised fast, reliable connections between these areas. At nearly $1 billion per mile I can't fathom how it's in the public interest to break ground for a system that won't carry more riders."

He also raised environmental concerns: "The environmental costs are many, to name just a couple. The DEIS states that many of the habitat losses are unmitigable, and there's a massive carbon footprint of at least 614,000 tons."

Cipoletti explained that his group is seeking accountability from Sound Transit, whose board members are not directly elected. "It's a creation of the State Legislature." he said. He believes those board members should be part of an electoral process.

Kim Schwarzkopf, local 30 year resident and board member of DNDA (Delridge Neighborhod Development Association) expressed concerns about environmental impacts and questioned the necessity of the project: "We already have bus rapid transit that takes us downtown on a one seat ride. So we really don't need a $4 billion light rail stub. Especially one that doesn't improve transit for all, or decrease congestion or emissions... For decades we've been told that light rail is the solution, that light rail would solve all of our climate woes. It could be the solution in some places but I've since discovered there is little to no benefit to building the West Seattle Light Rail extension...The preferred routes have negative impacts on the environment, with some aspects deemed unmitigable. The route crossing the Duwamish River, Seattle's only river, is especially concerning."

Laurel Trujillo, owner of Ounces Taproom is concerned about the impact on local businesses: "I'm representing my business and the 60 other businesses that face an uncertain future as a result of light rail expansion to our community. I'm here today to tell you that the relocation assistance provided by Sound Transit is not enough."

Keith Edwards, owner of The Joint Chiropractic at Jefferson Square shared his personal experience as a new business owner facing potential relocation: "So now I'm I'm locked into a 10 year lease, we've only been open 18 months, with the possibility of now of having to relocate and go through all that with the other 60 plus businesses that now we're going to be a part of."

Tony Hernandez grocery store owner from Casino Road in Everett is concerned about the financial impact on his business: "If that happens, I need roughly $4 to $5 million. I don't have that kind of money. I mean Sound Transit keeps saying they will cover the cost, and they told me about the grocery store that they moved, that they paid $1.2 million. I found the grocery store and I went and talked to the owner. The owner said yes, it is true. 'They gave me $1.2, but I spent $5 million.' And then it took him three years to get to $1.2. He's like, 'I lost my house. I am renting now. I have no savings. I'm so far in the hole because I  can't stop. I gotta keep going or else I lose everything.' I have a young son. My parents are old. They wanna retire. It's not something we wanna risk. We can't afford to. We are for support for progress. We know we need better transit. I drive a lot. So I can see the traffic and we need a.better system... Sound Transit won't help us move. They say they will but we've already figured out they are lying. They will not cover the costs. They are essentially saying, 'You pay up front and we'll give you the money back later, but we found out it's all a lie."

Resident Marilyn Kennell, who is a member ot the group called Rethinkthelink.org said, "People who study light rail coming here do not see advantages. They see a lot of disadvantages. My main concern is in regard the enviornmental impact and the impact of this economically." She spoke about her concerns regarding social equity and she emphasized that she and the group are very pro bus rapid transit.

John Niles (Long-time Sound transit critic and head of SmarterTransit): John questioned the environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness of the project: "You're talking about a construction project that generates more greenhouse gas than will ever be saved by people riding it. That requires some justification. You have enough money in $4 billion to build the best electric bus system in the world, and a metro didn't have that." He went on to say that Sound Transit is not responsive to input referring to them at one point as the "Sound Transit Industrial Complex."

Overall, the speakers expressed concerns about the cost, environmental impact, and effects on local businesses of the proposed West Seattle light rail extension. They argued for more accountability from Sound Transit and suggest that alternatives like improved bus service might be more beneficial and cost-effective.