Posted Tue, Feb 14, 9:12 a.m.

"The ferry routes, were they roads, would represent about 1.4 percent of the state’s highway network." is not a very good way to measure the impact of the Ferry System. It should measure the distance of the land route it replaces. IF this traffic had to drive around, or to ...

Posted Thu, Aug 19, 1:05 p.m.

A few more from memory... In Tacoma... on Pacific... Arts Hamburgers. ALways hand ground and formed on the grill. Now gone... but a mainstay for many years... And Daly's on Eastlake. Dags Beefyboys were good, but the Dagalac II... I can still hear Hardwicks voice on KVI raving about them. ...

Posted Mon, Aug 16, 10:43 a.m.

To put it in easier terms, the entire output of all the cruise ships departing Seattle AND Vancouver BC for Alaska generates lest than FOUR DAYS of what Victoria BC will continue to add DAILY to the Salish Sea mix, with tacit approval from BC through 2019.

Posted Mon, Aug 16, 9:56 a.m.

In 2003, BC’s Environ¬ment Minister approved a Liquid Waste Management Plan allowing Victoria to keep dumping its raw sewage for at least the next 25 years. Currently RAW Sewage from the Victoria area is screened for solid objects larger than about a quarter inch, but it isn’t treated beyond that. ...

Posted Tue, Aug 10, 1:59 p.m.

I have had the opportunity to be involved in building and moving more than a dozen studios for radio in the region. For a station to have a ready made theatre is a good concept as broadcast radio struggles to stay alive in an internet world where anyplace can be ...

Posted Tue, Aug 3, 2:51 p.m.

I personally never quite understood the reason the deep bore had to be along the waterfront. It will not be tied TO the waterfront. Take out a map of downtown Seattle... Where 99 curves west to follow battery, why not begin to deep bore straight south, under 7th or 6th? ...

Posted Fri, Jul 30, 9:37 a.m.

The only winner in a vote such at that suggested is the companies that provide ballots, and printers. We voted against the Bogue plan in March of 1912 have been lamenting it since. We also lament NOT passing Light Rail bonds in 1968 and 1970, and the Commons twice. We ...

Posted Fri, Jul 30, 8:48 a.m.

I would encourage you to contact Seattle Theatre Group. As managers of the Paramount and the Moore, there may be space there that would work well for both they and you. Arts reporting with back door access to the many artists who play, in return for space? There may still ...

Posted Wed, Jul 28, 11:04 a.m.

Nice to see you advocating Fenced Gardens so they pay their way... and for the record, Denver charges about what Chihuly will. A few more gardens of note along with the Washington Park Arboretum depts.washington.edu - (206) 543-8800 How about the 4 acres of Chittenden Locks & Carl English Botanical ...

Posted Wed, Jul 28, 9:31 a.m.

Even in a good economy it is a huge risk to open a retail shop. A few months back I overheard two panhandlers lamenting the closure of a downtown restaurant. "was a great place to ask for money", Yeah, folks often gave us the leftovers, too". Full disconnect that before ...

Posted Mon, Jul 26, 11:11 p.m.

Trolley advocates have long claimed streetcar lines are ways to build the economy of a neighborhood. OK... Bring back and extend the Benson Trolley. Extend it NORTH through Myrtle Edwards Park to Pier 91 and take advantage of the 10 year lease for Holland America, Princess, and Carnival to bring ...

Posted Fri, Jul 16, 3:58 p.m.

Good debate requires more than just saying I don't like it. A few basic facts: Among the RFP’s, The Chihuly Exhibit meets the largest number of Criteria as created by several years of public input and is the most fiscally sound. I am so tired of those who say Chihuly ...

Posted Tue, Jul 6, 11:38 a.m.

Neither a NOAA person nor a Gov'mnt employee, but a few thoughts. You can argue all you want, but Fresh Water has proven cheaper for ships than salt water since ships have been built. PERIOD. The Army Corp and US Tax Dollars created the Seattle Waterway in 1916 (officially opened ...

Posted Wed, Jun 16, 2:06 p.m.

I would urge some caution. One size does not fit all. The sky bridge for the BON - er - "Macy's" is on the 8th floor of a 10 floor or more parking lot. It is a faster way to get to Macy's from the upper floors. When parking on ...

Posted Mon, Apr 19, 3:05 p.m.

If you really want to think a bit outside the box, you would circle the center grounds with a monorail track, put a station near the Theater side, and one near the Key Areana side. At the other end, continue South THROUGH Westlake Center to Pike and down to second ...

Posted Wed, Apr 14, 10:27 a.m.

One last note... Nickbob, and David, et all, thank you for your comments pro and con. This forum has been far more civil than several others on the topic. Thank you all. And Benjamin, as a 4th gen local, I had forgotten the great gem about the PSC being off ...

Posted Fri, Apr 9, 4:40 p.m.

NickBob, I have to point out you specificly said, "In short, local company in civic landmark exploits both landmark and city to rob their patrons. And when I write "rob", that's short for "provide little value value for services contracted for at some significant expense". Interesting that you consider them ...

Posted Fri, Apr 9, 11:57 a.m.

NickBob... just one quick note. I seem to recall that the Space Needle is privately owned and located on private grounds. Back in '62, no bank would fund such a unique structure. Several local families underwrote the construction of the icon of the fair. The property, once a city fire ...

Posted Fri, Apr 9, 8:55 a.m.

It was amazing to see a food review that poked fun at a dying child, and included a list of what political candidates the owner supports... It set a new standard for what is considered a restaruant review. I cannot wait to see what other new ground they break. I ...

Posted Mon, Apr 5, 11:55 a.m.

My list? - Tex Loops the 707 - parents were there, I was not born yet, but a great moment in Seattle history - 62 Worlds Fair. Saw Roy Rogers Live. My first "concert". - 62 Columbus Day Storm. Lighting hit the pole across from us. Driving to visit family ...

Posted Wed, Mar 31, 9:08 a.m.

I was there too, and I also appreciate David's comments and those who chastised the process, and the lack of open space. But I also am attempting to be pragmatic. I agree, the building is not the best. The location of such an attraction could be placed better. But it ...

Posted Mon, Mar 29, 2:19 p.m.

A few key points: Seattle Citizens voted against a true Central Park. The Commons went down in flames twice. The space debated at the Seattle center accounts for less than 2 acres total of a 74 acre site. One that has 17 acres of open space currently, but is also ...

Posted Mon, Mar 29, 1:52 p.m.

A decent review of history 1962 forward, but leaves off the history as what prompted Century 21 folks to choose that area, and the precedents set by the existing attractions intentionally made part of the party. Throughout the history of Seattle Parks, this city has encouraged private enterprise on public ...

Posted Tue, Mar 23, 5:28 p.m.

Amazing. When my great grandparents arrived here, we were considered a cultural dustbin. I guess we have now progressed to the point where if you are too successful, you are must be a sell out. A few points to keep in perspective. --Central Park is 843 acres, but every single ...

Posted Tue, Mar 16, 12:45 a.m.

Seriously? "...With two 1,000-pound day tanks, and seven glory holes, a public-access glass studio could easily produce 480 metric tons of carbon per year, or the equivalent annual output of approximately 70 cars.." Ninety glass studios? Oh dear. Wait till you count the number of Pottery Kilns, and Welders Torches ...

Posted Thu, Mar 11, 10:10 p.m.

I think the discussion here is healthy. MJH's comment about a vanity Museum left me musing if there is any major collection, singular or multifaceted that was NOT conceived without the help of a wealthy artist or patron, and with the issues of flaunting wealth, ego or public relations goal? ...

Posted Thu, Mar 11, 2:56 p.m.

Oh, and we are BIG fans of Free Third Thursday at SAM, SAAM, the BUrke, MOF, and Wing Luke. Free.

Posted Thu, Mar 11, 2:55 p.m.

To Seattle Observer... As a parent, the fun forest was not that much fun and 5 rides cost more than admission to the Seattle Children’s Museum, which my son enjoyed quite a bit. We also spent a lot of time at the center with events, the Science Center, the IMAX ...

Posted Thu, Mar 11, 11:38 a.m.

Yarrow, as a point, I DO enjoy some of his installations - The Bridge Of Glass in Tacoma is something I always enjoy and spend time at. The point of fiscal success is just to point out that he must be moving SOMEONE enough to gain all the various commissions ...

Posted Thu, Mar 11, 8:43 a.m.

AND for the Record: The Museum of Glass in Tacoma is NOT a Chihuly Glass Museum. There is more Chihuly on display at our Aquarium than at the Museum of Glass. The Tacoma Art Museum has a good sized collection of Chihuly's work. The Museum of Glass has a variety ...

Posted Thu, Mar 11, 8:40 a.m.

What is it that when an artist or crafts person becomes successful commercially, his or or work becomes Schlock? I don't own his art, but there is a lot that goes into creating each piece, and someone finds it beautiful enough that he has several hundred employees, and his art ...

Posted Tue, Mar 9, 10:23 a.m.

Both of you are correct, and then some. The problem is Geologic time creates disasters that happen every 3-10 generations of humans. And we as humans can barely deal with not smoking to reduce cancer a decade or so later. When not stolen, there are 2,000 some Tsnami Evacuation Route ...

Posted Fri, Mar 5, 10 a.m.

One last note: The Tacoma Museum of Glass is about Glass Art in it's many forms. There is actually more Chihuly on display a few blocks down at the Tacoma Art Museum than at the Museum of Glass.

Posted Fri, Mar 5, 9:31 a.m.

So if the Chihuly Exhibit seems aimed at the over 35 elitist crowd and once you have been there, no need to go again, what about SAM, the Sculpture Park, and for that matter the 1% for Art Program. Once you have seen the totem in Pioneer Square, ho hum? ...

Posted Thu, Mar 4, 10:07 a.m.

As noted before... In 1910, Seattle City Planners were looking at a subway UNDER Lake Washington from Madison Park to Kirkland... Its on a few maps of the day. Is it really THAT outlandish to think of a few tubes UNDER the lake, or buried in the Muck of the ...

Posted Wed, Mar 3, 1:03 p.m.

I have to say I am rather amazed at the fear and loathing of doing a cut and cover Tunnel down Bellevue Way, or one of the next super blocks over... Seattle managed through cut and cover to build the metro tunnel. Seriously, is there more traffic and less detour ...

Posted Wed, Feb 24, 9:34 a.m.

As I recall the last 10 miles of I-90 were the most expensive of the entire system prior to the big dig. Part of that was to make sure I-90's bridge could eventually handle light rail. The investment in that bridge, the investment in the shared tunnel (also aligned for ...

Posted Wed, Feb 10, 2:14 p.m.

In a region filled with unique museums, and several themed nautical, it is not that far fetched to seek the use of this ship, docked, as a Ferry Museum, perhaps either along the Seattle or Bremerton waterfront. As a working vessel, those are difficult to license, staff and make money ...

Posted Fri, Jan 29, 6:31 a.m.

That makes no sense at all. To cut funding because there was not enough funding to retrofit schools? If you are upset that 4 schools did not get retrofit this last funding cycle, you can voice your frustration and urge the decision be made a higher priority, or better yet, ...

Posted Mon, Jan 25, 7:58 a.m.

More amazing yet... I seem to recall a tech buddy telling me that KPTK and KTTH use the same Antenna!

Posted Tue, Jan 19, 9:30 a.m.

And there is basic geology. Our downtown waterfront did not have much beachhead in the first place. Carved by glaciers, the drop off was fast and deep. WE artifically created much of the slope at the waters edge so we could build docks where rail trestles once wove a confusing ...

Posted Tue, Jan 19, 9:08 a.m.

At least the Escala should get some points for trying. At the street level it is interesting, and even somewhat inviting, even if it mixes up history and looks a bit garish... it beats the boredom one feels driving along 4th... Once past the Bon, er Macy's NB on 4th ...

Posted Tue, Dec 29, 1:39 p.m.

The one with grease pencils was Prairie Market, and the rumor was they were owned by Tradewell. There was one on 140th and 20th or so in Bellevue. It is now a Grocery Outlet I think. Others that come to mind: Market Basket foods. There was one in Bellevue about ...

Posted Mon, Dec 21, 10:56 p.m.

As a 4th generation local, and lifetime resident, I have watched PS go from rags to riches to semi rags again. I can offer some insight has to how to gain back tourism, as I have worked as a tour guide here for almost 30 years. While the loss of ...

Posted Fri, Nov 13, 10:10 a.m.

AMEN. I was taken in hook, line and sinker... The Paul Dorpat Creds let me do so unabashidly... I emailed Seattle ExPats, we gushed, we ate chowder. We WANTED to believe it because we had been raised here with JP, Stan and No Mo, Brakeman Bill, Captain Puget and Ivar...

Posted Fri, Nov 13, 10:10 a.m.

AMEN. I was taken in hook, line and sinker... The Paul Dorpat Creds let me do so unabashidly... I emailed Seattle ExPats, we gushed, we ate chowder. We WANTED to believe it because we had been raised here with JP, Stan and No Mo, Brakeman Bill, Captain Puget and Ivar...

Posted Fri, Nov 6, 2:43 p.m.

Hmmm.... so the judgement of quality is based on National Success... Wow. If you can sell pet rocks, you must be awe inspiring. Animalal... Malkin lost me when she tried to prove Internment of 130,000 Japanese Americans was a good idea. She writes this stuff to sell print, even if ...

Posted Fri, Oct 30, 2:25 a.m.

Amazing how fast folks were to blame the union and the Gov... Anyone been paying attention the last couple decades as to where Boeing has been spending money in local campaigns? As one of a handful of states left that does NOT have an income tax, our budget is overly ...

Posted Tue, Oct 20, 8 a.m.

My own personal opinion aside, it is not exactly fair to only look at Tunnel cost overruns on public projects, or even just public projects alone. Large scale engineering projects in the area are all subject to geologic surprises that can crop up unexpectedly. To my recollection, most every major ...

Posted Thu, Oct 15, 11:26 p.m.

Well, there is one thought I have long held... when folks incorporate, the county loses that revenue. But most small cities do not pick up the other parts of expenses... In short, if Newcastle wants to be a city, fine and well... they should now be responsible for police, fire, ...

Posted Thu, Oct 15, 11:26 p.m.

Well, there is one thought I have long held... when folks incorporate, the county loses that revenue. But most small cities do not pick up the other parts of expenses... In short, if Newcastle wants to be a city, fine and well... they should now be responsible for police, fire, ...

Posted Wed, Oct 14, 12:09 p.m.

Some used to call it the Lazy B, but they did produce the best. Now once again wall street has trashed another good US company with Short Term Profits First. Hopefully wall street will not be so fickle as to walk away when capital runs out next February and we ...

Posted Wed, Oct 14, 10:19 a.m.

Bryan also takes reporting seriously. Not as a vehicle for fame, but as a responsibility in being an informed citizen. Substance over Style. Years ago (1972, 73 ish) as an intern in news, I worked at a station that was one of several that shared a radio frequency used by ...

Posted Thu, Oct 8, 10:16 a.m.

Well for Rockn Seattle is used to be KJR and KAYO... then KOL, THEN came KING... and the old adage was nevermore than two rockers (or ANY format on old AM thinking) as third person never got a buy from the agencies... (maybe THATs what led to the line, Third ...

Posted Wed, Oct 7, 12:14 p.m.

I am amazed at how the obvious is often overlooked... After seeing how all involved parties are dealing with the current issue, I hopefully will not have to see how everyone responds when (WHEN, not IF) Mt. Rainier has it's next major eruption. I suspect the Lahar Escape Route signs ...

Posted Thu, Oct 1, 10:41 a.m.

The worst would be a sale. Once gone, it would not be replaced. That said, some additional new ways to earn revenue should be explored. The station has been on autopilot, with few resource put toward it in any outside efforts, such as issuing CD's, charging for custom podcasts, or ...

Posted Thu, Oct 1, 10:12 a.m.

Metro on the whole could be more efficient with simple steps. Out of service coaches that transit from outlying areas THROUGH the downtown core could pick up folks and bring them into the core to assist in transfers. My commute for the last five years has included a transfer from ...

Posted Mon, Sep 28, 4:18 p.m.

This from Radio Info.com blog a few months back: http://www.youtube.com/v/oO6ywKTBJQU A lot of people don't remember this one, but KJET made a TV commercial shortly after it's sign on (on Memorial Day 1982.) It was the only one they ever made. After MANY years of searching, I finally found it ...

Posted Mon, Sep 28, 4:11 p.m.

Ironic how SRO managed to own and operate more than one station that would have long term impact on NW media. When they first purchased KTW AM and FM, (possibly among the very oldest stations in Seattle. KJR claims to be first, as do a few others, but KTW was ...

Posted Tue, Sep 22, 11:21 a.m.

There is also no accounting for or credit given for the the synergies created. When the railroads finally reached Seattle, and as logging grew, the UW built facilities to teach Mechanical Engineering and Forestry. As Boeing developed, UW added wind tunnels. The UW Hosptial and it's ties to other area ...

Posted Tue, Sep 8, 4:47 p.m.

I for one think circling the Seattle Center with the monorail would be a great idea. I would take the south end at westlake, turn to second and Pike, then run south and circle our billion dollar investment in Stadiums. I suspect it would cost a lot less than a ...

Posted Wed, Aug 19, 10:23 a.m.

Feliks, Excellent as usual... I would add the impact of voting no on the Commons idea twice also showed this was a town no longer set on gold standard, but willing to settle for bronze... I regard myself as living on borrowed time, as I always openly stated I would ...

Posted Wed, Aug 12, 12:51 p.m.

Wow... hard to dive into all the crossfire here, but... As a fourth generation local (since 1910, thanks) our family has watched growth come and go. The boom of the WW II years, and 707 years also led to "short timers" both owners AND renters. Once Boeing's fortunes declined, they ...

Posted Mon, Aug 3, 11:48 a.m.

Hope it wasn't the State Ferry Auditors... Heard a lot of questions over the years as a tour guide... "Why is it Sea Tac Airport? it's sort of half way between Seattle and Tacoma." "Why did Seattle get top billing?" "Because if Tacoma is first, then it would be Tac-Sea, ...

Posted Mon, Aug 3, 11:48 a.m.

Hope it wasn't the State Ferry Auditors... Heard a lot of questions over the years as a tour guide... "Why is it Sea Tac Airport? it's sort of half way between Seattle and Tacoma." "Why did Seattle get top billing?" "Because if Tacoma is first, then it would be Tac-Sea, ...

Posted Wed, Jul 29, 10:02 a.m.

A few odds and ends: The I-90 tunnel was not only Twin bore, but was actually 24 some small tunnels to create a large circle, then the center was dug out. Those who work with wood can use the example of drilling lots of small holes in a circle to ...

Posted Fri, Jul 24, 1:08 a.m.

It is an interesting list, but I think some basics were not addressed. The first streetcars in the region were built by developers to sell new suburbs. ALL were originally private schemes, privately funded. When the auto hit, the city ended up holding the bag. As the last owners of ...

Posted Fri, Jul 17, 10:56 a.m.

Nice to see Tim reading this... So, Tim. Instead to potshots from the sidelines, I encourage you to run for office. Instead of making a living by finding flaws, try taking full responsibility of the ENTIRE budget, not just the low hanging fruit. You claim to find gaping holes in ...

Posted Wed, Jul 15, 10:34 p.m.

Well, I do not work for Boeing, but I would have to point out that it ain't that simple... the $25 Stuka cites that we all pay to have Boeing here is a very narrow slice of where the money comes and goes. You can argue where the UW ranks ...

Posted Tue, Jul 14, 5:58 p.m.

Excellent piece. It should be noted that even the folks at the Boeing Tour point out that how aircraft are created now and in the future requires far fewer employees on the line. According to the guides, the 747 tail takes 50 folks almost a week to create. Thanks to ...

Posted Wed, Jun 3, 12:13 a.m.

I would suggest a combination of Argus and Orino's response. I have walked that bridge a number of times, and it was death defying as is due to the narrow lanes, high speeds, and oversized vehicles. I would offer that for 8 million, we should remove the sidewalks on both ...

Posted Fri, May 15, 12:25 a.m.

nice to see the forward thinking. The East West route to the Inland Empire also should revive the concept of rebuilding a mega airport at Moses Lake, with ultra high speed rail between Seattle and Spokane. Sea Tac can only grow x much more. High speed rail Eugene to Vancouver ...

Posted Sat, May 2, 5:22 p.m.

Cary did well with Bellevue regarding parks and open space. Considering how he was hemmed in by Mega Blocks and monster malls, overall, Bellevue did well in planning for the future. What I commented on concerning Visionaries fits here as well... Bozeman was in many areas a visionary who had ...

Posted Fri, May 1, 4:31 p.m.

I don't think we are lacking in visionaries... we are lacking in funding to make visionary things happen. There are wonderful ideas out there... but 100, 80, even 40 years ago, it was easier to gain momentum, fund them, and easier to build. When Thompson got the Great Northern to ...

Posted Mon, Mar 2, 2:15 p.m.

The City should get the currently inactive Benson Streetcar Line up and running FIRST. Sadly, the city has this on hold now until the new Viaduct is up -- a horrible waste considering the investment we made in getting it up and running, and the potential to MAKE MONEY on ...

Posted Tue, Feb 24, 10:33 a.m.

One need not go to Oslo, or the east coast to see a nice land use of a historic vessel... On Tacoma's waterfront, they have set their historic fireboat, Fireboat No. 1, now an NPS National Historic Landmark Designated June 30, 1989 The 1929 fireboat Fireboat No. 1 is displayed ...

Posted Mon, Feb 23, 9:47 a.m.

My grandfather always said there would be room here... and was amazed that people would choose to live here. The socio-economic factors, and basic weather, along with communication of this among similar minds spells continued growth even with well intentioned curbs and directions. But you overlook a lot of factors ...

Posted Mon, Feb 16, 1:10 p.m.

I am all for sanity in spending, but it is important to remember that a billion dollars later, a retrofit would still not extend the life time use as long as new constuction. As new technologies in transportaton, environment and growth of the region, I am not convinced the retrofit ...

Posted Mon, Feb 16, 9:57 a.m.

Thank you Leebon for your informative updates... we rarely get news of BC Ferries until one sinks... (and sorry to all about the typos...) I used the wrong word when I said inherited... What was meant was that Capt. Peabody did not build a lot of ships from scratch. As ...

Posted Fri, Feb 13, 1:19 p.m.

I would like to hear the authors take on what our neighbor to the north is doing. While we care 25 million folks or so on 10 routes, with 500 sailings a day, BC Ferries has added six new ships including 2 of the largest double ended ships in the ...

Posted Tue, Feb 10, 9 a.m.

Why so many stumbles for Obama? I would encourage everyone to look back at the first 100 days of Bush and Clinton both. Both nominated some poor choices that were vetoed. The big difference here is THESE nominees have some honest experience in the areas they are being nominated for, ...

Posted Wed, Feb 4, 10:23 a.m.

Seattle has almost always had an inferiority complex. Prior to the Gold rush, we were but a passing thought with open vice. With the exception of iconoclastic self promotion by chamber types at various stages in our history, the rest of the time we seem to be apologizing that for ...

Posted Tue, Jan 27, 4:25 p.m.

Danreedmiller is correct... The Washington Territory was a historic organized territory of the United States that was formed in February 8, 1853 from the portion of the Oregon Territory north of the lower Columbia River and north of the 46th parallel east of the Columbia. A first draft of the ...

Posted Tue, Jan 27, 1:10 p.m.

According to an article in the NY Times dated Sept 16, 1917, both branches of the state legislatures sent a petion to request changing the name to Mt. Tahoma, and author Theodore Winthrop, author of "The Canoe and the Saddle" raised the issue. The Petition passed the Senate by26 to11, ...

Posted Tue, Jan 27, 8:04 a.m.

Sorry... malfunctioning fingers... that first line should read, "The biggest issue faced by a democracy in today’s world is not the loss of newspapers – that is but a symptom of a larger problem, the fragmentation of the news market."

Posted Tue, Jan 27, 7:58 a.m.

The biggest issue faced by a democracy in today’s world is not the loss of newspapers – that is but a system of a larger problem, the fragmentation of the news market. Today we have many sources of various qualities… (Quality issues are a different discussion). My fear is that ...

Posted Wed, Jan 7, 9:36 a.m.

The Monorail always seems to bring out strong arguments. I would like to point out that separate road beds seem to work best, no matter if asphalt, steel rail or concrete rail. I would encourage someone to take the time and compare passenger mile vs. cost, vs. accident rate, and ...

Posted Mon, Dec 29, 10:58 a.m.

Salt, no salt... Not the big issue. Streets that claimed to be clear that were not plowed well, left to re-freeze as rutted skating rinks were a major issue. I can live with only arterials first... but Actually CLEARING them would be a good start. The other issue: Metro needs ...

Posted Fri, Oct 24, 11:06 a.m.

As a 4th generation local, I have long beem hoping for light rail to replace the old interuban system. You used to be able to ride from Tacoma to Everett. We tore it out, about 10 years later, we tore out and paved over 80 plus miles of streetcar line. ...

Posted Fri, Oct 24, 8:10 a.m.

Hey Keith, It is more than tour boat stats, and not just recent condo sale prices. As a fourth generation local, I can recall when property around the market sold or rented for a song and NO one but bohemians, artists and down and outers lived near the market. I ...

Posted Wed, Oct 22, 3:05 p.m.

Amazing. Yes the market is chock full, but for the most part rents are low, which is why artists, farmers and immigrants can try their hand at capitalism. To those who claim the rents should be higher, do you honestly think you would get the mix of vendors with higher ...

Posted Fri, Sep 26, 10:03 a.m.

Wow, Knute, I think our families may have crossed paths before.: I had the privilege of knowing my great grandparents until I was 11, and my Seattle grandparents until the last one passed on a few years back. Gramps would have been amazed at the growth and changes. He, like ...

Posted Thu, Sep 11, 1:54 p.m.

Peter Lewis IS a damn good reporter... but Metro is not always convienient...: Should be noted that along with Metro's 194, there is the "milk run" that takes about an hour, the 174... Assuming I can make USE of the 194 schedule for my flight, along with the 20 minute ...

Posted Wed, Sep 10, 8:21 a.m.

And Ms. Palin has not explained some key things either...: Maureen Dowd asks (and I second these) What kind of fiscal conservative raises taxes and increases budgets in both her jobs – as mayor and as governor? When the phone rings at 3 a.m., will she call the Wasilla Assembly ...

Posted Wed, Sep 10, 8 a.m.

RE: Note to Richard about Obama not having done much...: Repost of the URLs... sorry, not able to do the tiny URL thing... Obama's legislative work on the Illinois Death Penalty, and how he made a difference between life and death: http://www.icadp.org/page236.html http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/ 11/12/obama.death.penalty.ap/ His sponsorship of a bill that ...

Posted Tue, Sep 9, 11:11 a.m.

Note to Richard about Obama not having done much...: Nice talking points, but false. The following articles that sum up some of what Barack has "done" in his last 11 years in public office. His work on the Illinois Death Penalty, and how he made a difference between life and ...

Posted Wed, Aug 13, 11:53 a.m.

Naughty Nelliie refers to Nellie Curtis: As noted in HistoryLink.org Essay 1602 "Among those who stepped into the void at Pike Place Market was an enterprising businesswoman named Nellie Curtis. She catered to a different but no less basic need than food, namely, sex. Curtis took over a Japanese American ...

Posted Tue, Aug 12, 11:52 a.m.

Um... The topic is what to do with old Nazis...: Great discussion for elsewhere, but the topic here was basicly what to do with old Nazis. A difficult topic to understand for those who did not live at that time and place. We in the USA tend to pardon people ...

Posted Tue, Aug 5, 1:35 p.m.

The comments here are terrific: as is the article. I, too, was here in 1975... my last year at BCC... and we were just starting to come back from the Boeing Layoffs. Sonics were starting to win games, and we were building a new, Spartan, domed stadium (which opened on ...

Posted Wed, Jul 16, 12:53 p.m.

Proof of Idea... perhaps... Part two.: Example TWO: The Monorail. 45 MILLION riders later, this infrastructure still awaits it's orig inal option of being extended JUST TO THE SOUTH END OF TOWN. Did this unique light rail system help drive development around either end, or was it installed just to ...

Posted Wed, Jul 16, 12:28 p.m.

OK... lets test a few theories locally....: I am curious as to how everyone on this comment board, as well as the author would review the impact of "light rail" as it has been shown locally here in two examples. Example One: The Currently inactive Benson Streetcar Line. Sadly, the ...

Posted Mon, Jun 23, 2:08 p.m.

Pay now or Pay Later... but what will cost most 20 years from now?: Light rail or Commuter Rail... It appears that Sounder can move more people at a time with less cost than a BRT could. A staff of a half dozen can move upwards of 700 passengers or ...

Posted Thu, May 29, 1:59 p.m.

So of course we do the more expensive, less efficient fix: and do it on our dime. Since the day we created the Mercer Mess, there has been talk of improving it. the Pre-Nichols proposal was more efficient, less expensive, and thanks to the Seattle Process... the one we did ...

Posted Tue, May 20, 11:43 a.m.

With all due respect, the old black ball line did far more than just transport...: Captain Peabody may have been a hard driving business person, but to say the old fleet just moved people is to omit the entire off hour history of the old Kalakala. Piper, please review the ...

Posted Tue, May 13, 8:06 a.m.

My grandmother used to say: " when they passed out brains, they though they said TRAINS, and they MISSED theirs..." As a multi generational resident, and one who works in and around Seattle transportation, I was interested to read the proposal for a new Seattle Streetcar Network. I am a ...

Posted Mon, Apr 28, 10:10 a.m.

So MANY names, so little time....: Of course, I thought of all the locals: Starbucks MIGHT be interested, but first they would need Baseball's approval to rename the bases Short, Tall, Grande and Venti. Costco Field would be awesome... the Hot Dogs would be $1.50 and come with a soft ...

Posted Mon, Apr 7, 11:15 a.m.

We are sounding more like our parents as we grow...: I find myself having to qualify my youth growing up in Bellevue with the asterik of, "before they outlawed middle class folks". In my youth, Bellevue Square was open to traffic and air, had an A & P and a ...

Posted Tue, Mar 25, 11:36 a.m.

We can provide HISTORIC toilets for a lot less than 6.6 million: AND possibly hire panhandlers willing to work. When the toilets under the Pioneer Square Purgola first opened for AYP Visitors, they were written up in Harpers as being among the most beautiful in the USA. They were boarded ...

Posted Fri, Mar 14, 2:41 p.m.

Just curious... the original laws were drafted by Reagan Era, GOP bureaucrats.: in the mid 80's... have we de-volved so much in the last 7 years under Bushco that the rules need to be remade to allow guns? If it was good enough for Reagan Appointees, it should meet the ...

Posted Tue, Mar 11, 12:18 p.m.

Not JUST jumping the que... but the shark, too!: Um... excuse me, but the intent of the Lodging tax was to fund the arts... It got yanked in to the stadium biz when we decided (by voting AGAINST it) to blow up a the Kingdome with 25 years left on ...

Posted Tue, Mar 4, 3:16 p.m.

RE: Our initiative this year...: Aside from making you money, and improving your image, Tim, please let us know what transportation-related taxes are being diverted to non-transportation spending, and if they will cover the cost of building a new 520. Trying to appease the populists out there, this state foolishly ...

Posted Mon, Mar 3, 11:50 a.m.

How to survive against Mega corp, Game Consoles, and the like: is the key. There is still room for modern virtual rides. The old Arena sits vacant, too costly to renovate again or tear down because there is asbestos in the building, why not use it for putt putt golf, ...

Posted Fri, Feb 29, 1:18 p.m.

More from the UW materials...: Architecture Hall was built in 1909. It is the last major building remaining from the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. Through the years, the building has had several names: Art Museum (for the Exposition), Bagley, Physiology, and (since the 1950s) Architecture Hall. Cunningham Hall was saved ...

Posted Fri, Feb 29, 1:11 p.m.

Well, close, but more: accurate is the line I have oft read in UW materials, there are 4 buildings left from the AYP, the two you cite, and two non-descript "temporary buildings"... One that used to be used by Parking... the two pan-abode lumber numbers are adjancent to Cunninham. And ...

Posted Tue, Feb 26, 10:05 a.m.

AH, but JK, what SHOULD Mary do?: True, we cannot preserve it all, because to do so WOULD require paving the rest over. A few axioms remain true: There are more of us then there once was here. Not all moved here from elsewhere - demographers show that 5 of ...

Posted Mon, Feb 25, 7:55 a.m.

Now that Briana is a mom...: Now that she is a parent, perhaps she might understand that her radical response to the politics of the environment could have killed other moms, or the children of other moms... So sad that in a system that allows for policies to be changed ...

Posted Fri, Feb 22, 10:15 a.m.

One other thought...: To be clear, I am not upset with folks like those above who had two lots, and looked at the fixed costs of permits, and say why not build larger. I would have done the same. I, too, have experienced the bi-polar feelings of being a small ...

Posted Thu, Feb 21, 5:42 p.m.

Riddle me this...: Where was this backbone when we lost the Music Hall? Warshalls? The Rainier Brewhouse? The Twin Teepees? Most of old Bellevue, old Kirkland, and for that matter, old Ft. Lawton? I find it interesting that we loose when the property is downtown, or really valuable... or we ...

Posted Wed, Feb 20, 8:32 a.m.

Yes. More sanity... and simple basics...: The $200,000 cost of legal claim is dubious. It does not take a Phd to realize most raw, buildable land within the city limits has now been built upon. $200,000 reflects the cost to purchase and tear down or renovate older smaller homes... Greed ...

Posted Mon, Feb 4, 12:26 p.m.

One additional benefit for Exxon...: By owning Yahoo, they could create a text reading program and screen for any message detailing their fight against paying the Punitive Damages to the 33,000 folks whose livelyhood they impacted when the Exxon Valdez took a right turn into the State of Alaska. Not ...

Posted Fri, Jan 25, 10:14 a.m.

Not to gloss over or "Eyman-ize" the topic, but...: The key issue as I understand the numerous articles I have read, is HOW the viaduct was constructed. It was NOT built to withstand quakes of the size we now know are in our future. The "new" fault lines are not ...

Posted Fri, Jan 18, 8:55 a.m.

History could repeat itself, but will we be smart enough to take advantage?: Most all of Seattle's original streetcar lines were paid for by or in partnership with developers to get folks to their housing developements. It is ironic that the city ended up holding the bag last time, and ...

Posted Mon, Jan 7, 1:47 p.m.

70's downturn was more than just SST cancelation...: A fun review of Tukwila, but as a 4th generation local attending Tillicum Jr. High in basic Bellevue when Boeing fumbled, I have now come to realize it was more than just Proxmire (Wisconsin Senator who was Anti SST). Back then, the ...

Posted Fri, Dec 14, 1:44 p.m.

A modest idea...: In a nod to the 60's, Nike could step up (pun intended) and call it The Nike Base... Restroom doors could all be tagged, "Just Do It"

Posted Wed, Dec 12, 2:09 p.m.

Not a cult... just pragmatic at a time and place where pragmatism is rarely practiced...: So in other parts of the world, a monrail can be built for under 10 Million a mile... far cheaper than SLUT cost us. Worse, SLUT shares the road with cars. Traffic Jam? SLUT will ...

Posted Wed, Dec 5, 10:49 a.m.

One season does not make an average...: So hopefully, the flat earth society folks will recall basic math before making the usual pronouncements of "AHAAAA! there is no warming..." and secondly... the AMOUNTS in total are significant, but more so is the the level of intensity of specific storms. As ...

Posted Mon, Dec 3, 9:58 a.m.

Ah, but Mr. Piper... about the 61% population growth vs. 161% budget...: Your math does NOT include all the new responsibilites of the STATE that the FEDERAL Government has now passed on... from Highways to Education to Social Services... No Child Left Behind is one of the Major UNFUNDED mandates ...

Posted Wed, Nov 28, 10:58 a.m.

A modest suggestion... (there are lessons to be learned from the last time we tore up rails): The port and the county both were in three way run for the county to end up with the land / rail. My advice: Go forth and procure. If the County can take ...

Posted Thu, Nov 8, 10:55 a.m.

Curious as to why you think the SEATTLE Sonics are an issue related to the Gov...: The Sonics are City Hall's issue, maybe even some County issue as well now that Ron Sims has floated a "what we need to do with the Seattle Center Grounds" master plan... You can ...

Posted Thu, Nov 8, 7:27 a.m.

And Mamie Jenkins, The contortionist that inflamed a deadly confrontation in 1901: Police Chief William Meredith is killed on June 25, 1901. HistoryLink.org Essay 161 On June 25, 1901, former Seattle police chief William L. Meredith (1869-1901) was shot through the heart in Pioneer Square following a confrontation with saloon ...

Posted Thu, Nov 8, 7:16 a.m.

How about Nellie Curtis?: Then the SLUT would have a Nellie Bell... From the entry at History Link. Org: ....Among those who stepped into the void at Pike Place Market was an enterprising businesswoman named Nellie Curtis. She catered to a different but no less basic need than food, namely, ...

Posted Wed, Nov 7, 9:40 a.m.

Regional vs. Local, Private vs. Public: and off we go again. Transit and Sewers are regional issues that can only be solved, or even delt with effectivly at a regional level. Solutions for Transportation should include every available tool, even bicycles (sorry Piper)... Ironicly, the best examples of previous large ...

Posted Mon, Nov 5, 12:24 p.m.

Well, working together is grand... but I question what makes a big topic...: the big topics: Viaduct, 520 bridge, keeping the Sonics, tax reform, lasting school reform, congestion pricing, saving Seattle from turning into "an urban resort," true public funding for the arts, and effective programs to cut the carbon ...

Posted Tue, Oct 30, 3:06 p.m.

I wish SOMEONE would have asked Hizzoner about: ...when the BENSON trolley may again see the light of day. It took Councilman Benson more than a decade to jump hurdles to get us six trolleys and a line that really worked, only to have it pulled out of service for ...

Posted Mon, Oct 15, 3:16 p.m.

Nice to see KC CEO working on the next big thing now that Metro runs so well...: Memo to Ron, et al: Before we tackle the 74 acres... How about making sure we can GET there... Between the Viaduct, 520, Sound Transit, Land Use Planning, Metro Transit, and a few ...

Posted Tue, Sep 25, 12:53 p.m.

This IS the city where Dogs outnumber Kids: According to the Off Leash folks, "There are currently 33,234 licensed dogs in the City of Seattle, although American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates put the the total number of dogs as high as 150,000!" http://www.coladog.org/news/seattle_dogs.html According to the US Census, and ...

Posted Tue, Sep 25, 12:19 p.m.

Brilliant Idea... But That IS Why Childrens is where it is...: Infrastructure is there. It is ALREADY built. Close enough to work, but not located atop a potentially toxic site, adjacent to Loud sports facilities... The list you cite is lovely... but with a little time I could probably create ...

Posted Tue, Sep 18, 8:44 a.m.

Time Marches on, and sometimes NIMBY gets run over...: In his comment, "Children's can respect laws and neighborhoods (if they feel like it). Part 2 Posted by rickbarrett on Sep 17, 2007 2:25 PM, Mr. Barret notes: "There is also no precedent for allowing height increases from 37, 50, 70 ...

Posted Mon, Sep 17, 12:42 p.m.

OK... Let us put it another way...: Peter asks if the City would have approved such a place today, pointing out, "...I doubt it. It is there because of historic accident and because a previous generation did not have the planning and zoning goals that our present modern city lives ...

Posted Tue, Aug 21, 3:04 p.m.

Hmmm.... What about the Mercer Arena?: Silly me, but what of the Mercer Arena, part of the original complex "that suds built", it was renovated so the opera could hold productions while they renovated the 1926 Opera House for the second time... into McCaw Hall... The Arena is COVERED... Enclosed, ...

Posted Tue, Jun 26, 12:43 p.m.

Reuse is best...: You cannot preserve them all, then ask for density and urban villages... and sadly, Ballard is changing... no more Lutefisk on the local menus, Yachts are now parking at Fishermans Terminal. And the trains are controled out of Texas somwhere... But I love the comment about selling ...

Posted Wed, Jun 6, 11:01 a.m.

Why? Are Tunnels the new fashion?: About 90 years ago, light rail was achieved and successful without tunneing. One could take the Interurban from Tacoma to Everett. Sadly, we tore it out or paved over it in the late 1920's. Today, we're taxing ourselves over 3 BILLION dollars to re-install ...

Posted Tue, Jun 5, 9:58 a.m.

Proof Crosscut is becoming major media: Chuck also forgot that Bill Richardson was also just in town. But apparently he is not running... at least enough to have his visit recalled in the opening paragraph...

Posted Mon, Jun 4, 11:23 a.m.

Geography hinders NW Bike Trails...: I am all for the concept of bicycle paths... but using as example those nice, flat cities like those cited in Europe... flat to begin with and more flat after two world wars... overlooks the point that they were rebuilt with bicycles, transit and movement ...

Posted Wed, May 23, 7:28 a.m.

Just a side note... The current monorail is far from limping...: but still underutilized. Now that it can only carry 200 passengers maximum rather than the 450 some it was rated for, it is now half as efficient on those premium festival and concert days. In it's 44 plus years ...