HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial 2007-12-10 Item 4A - Permit - Sound Transit Link Light Rail Station Findings and Conclusions & Unclassified Use Permit COUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS
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CAS NUMBER: 07-147 I ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: 12/03/07
AGENDA ITEM TITLE Adopt the findings of fact and approve the Unclassified Use Permit (UUP) for the
continued operation of the temporary Tukwila Commuter Rail Station for a total of
five years, ending on December 31, 2012.
CATEGORY Discussion Motion Resolution Ordinance Bid Award Public Hearing Other
Mfg Date Mfg Date 12.10.07 Mtg Date Alts Date illtg Date ilk Date 12.3.07 rlltg Date
SPONSOR Council Mayor Adtn Svcs DCD Finance Fire Legal P&R Police PLV J
SPONSOR'S Council is required to deny, approve, or approve with conditions the unclassified use
SUMMARY permit.
REVIEWED BY COW Ivltg_ CA &P Cmte F &S Cmte Transportation Crete
Utilities Cmte Arts Comm. Parks Comm. Planning Comm.
DA'Z'E:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONSOR /ADMIT. Recommend approval of the permit, with proposed conditions
COMB 4ITTEE
_C :ST IMPAC -I UND= SOURCE:-
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$none
Fund Source:
Comments: sr
s fi
MTG. -DATEd REGORD-0E- COUNCIL=- ACTION
2.17.04 I Renewal of unclassified use permit with conditions for rail Station until 12.31.07
12.3.07 I Held public hearing and voted to continue deliberation on the decision to 12.10.07 I
MTG. DATE A TTACHMENTS
12.03.07 Memo to Council with attached Staff Report, dated 11.21.07
12.10.07 Memo to Council dated 12.6.07
Staff Report regarding the UUP
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City of Tukwila Steven M. Mullet, Mayor
Q Oil 415
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P Department of Community Development Steve Lancaster, Director
1908
MEMORANDUM
TO: Tukwila City Cou lmembers
FROM: Jack Pace, Direct()
DATE: December 6, 2007
SUBJECT: Sound Transit Sounder Commuter Rail Station
Unclassified Use Permit L07 -065
Backeround
Sound Transit is requesting an unclassified use permit to continue operation of the
existing temporary commuter rail station. The required public hearing was held on
December 3, 2007 before the City Council. After the close of the public hearing and
during deliberations, a number of Council members expressed concerns about the
condition of the station and requested a continuation of the deliberations in order to allow
time to discuss issues with Staff. After the Council meeting, Staff met with three Council
members on issues and wording of conditions. Attachment A contains a list of comments
provided by one Council member.
Procedural Posture of this Proceedine
On Monday night the Council moved to continue the deliberation of Sound Transit's
application for an Unclassified Use Permit to December 10, 2007. The motion to
continue the deliberation was made after the public hearing was closed. As a result of
this continuation the Council is bound by the record that was created at the public
hearing. As was stated at the meeting on Monday, no new additional factual information
can be considered by the Council. Thus, any condition that is proposed must relate to the
record that was before the Council on 12 -3 -07. If additional information regarding Sound
Transit issue is desired, staff will be able to provide that after the Council's decision on
this permit application.
Proposed Revisions to the Recommended Conditions
Below is a list of issues resulting from the hearing, from Council deliberations and from
individual meetings with three Council members after Monday's meeting. One
Councilmember provided a list of his issues, which are shown on Attachment A to this
memo. An alternative list of conditions has been drafted for your consideration. These
conditions of approval for the UUP are directly related to staff's evaluation of the criteria
for unclassified uses, which was included in the Staff Report distributed for the
December 3, 2007 Council meeting and on the existing record.
handicap accessibility See condition #2a
local artwork versus regional See condition #3
station identification/name See Condition #2b
LED signs See staff report page 8, first paragraph, under Safety and Security
Paae 1 of 4
6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite #100 Tukwila, Washington 98188 Phone: 206 431 -3670 Fax: 206 431 -3665
informational signage explaining the temporary nature and the process for the
permanent station See Condition #2b
funding for the permanent station and ridership comparisons between other
stations See Condition #1d
time frames for condition compliance time frames have been added to the
conditions See Conditions #2a and #2b
pay phone availability See Condition #2a
parking supply See Condition #la
weather protection See Condition #3
Please note that conditions identified below that are related to protecting public welfare
are given shorter time frames for compliance by Sound Transit.
Revised Conditions of Approval
The following duplicates the RECOMMENDATIONS section from the November 21,
2007 Staff Report with additional condition language shown in bold.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the findings and
conclusions of the staff report and approve the unclassified use
permit for the temporary commuter rail station at 7301 South
Longacres Way for the proposed time period from January 1, 2008
until December 31, 2012, and subject to these three conditions.
1. For the next five years until the permanent station is open and
operational:
a. Sound Transit shall provide the DCD Director with parking
utilization counts for the Tukwila Station parking lot on a bi-
annual basis. The schedule and methods for these counts shall be
subject to approval by the DCD Director. If at any time during this
period the number of parked vehicles is equal to or exceeds 95% of
existing capacity, Sound Transit shall identify and implement, as
soon as practically possible, and at its sole cost, effective
mitigation measures.
b. In the event that the City of Tukwila or Sound Transit
receive complaints from property owners or tenants regarding
spillover parking by station patrons in nearby parking areas, Sound
Transit shall identify and implement, as soon as practically
possible, and at its sole cost, effective mitigation measures.
c. Any mitigation measure implemented pursuant to these
conditions must be acceptable to the DCD Director, and may
include those measures identified by Sound Transit through its
comprehensive analysis of system wide parking strategies in the
System Access and Parking Committee process anticipated to
Page 2 of 4
occur in 2008, including reducing parking demand through such
methods as coordinating transit service improvements and
vanshares; providing additional bicycle parking; increasing parking
supply by using the adjacent vacant lot owned by Sound Transit as
temporary parking; or obtaining temporary shared parking
agreements for overflow parking with nearby property owners.
d. Sound Transit shall provide City Council updates twice
a year on the status of planning, construction and funding for
the permanent station. The updates will be scheduled to
coincide with design, engineering, and construction milestones
for the permanent station project, and will also include a
summary of maintenance that has occurred at the station and
updates on ridership and service changes.
2a. Within 90 days of approval of the UUP, the following list of
improvements and coordination must be completed by Sound Transit:
o Install slip- resistant surfaces on ramps and stairs, to reduce
slippery surfaces.
o Install a handrail on each side of each access ramp.
o Install an emergency call-box in a location to be determined
by Sound Transit.
o Install signage that provides the station address and
contact information for emergencies.
o Provide two benches for southbound passengers on the
western track.
o Upgrade or replace the guard shelter to provide more
windows that allow for better surveillance of the site.
2b. Within 180 days of approval of the UUP, the following list
of improvements and coordination must be completed by
Sound Transit:
o Replace and install station identification signage in a
manner not requiring the sign posts to be installed in
buckets of concrete.
o Install two signs that inform the public as to the temporary
nature of the station, provides an update on the status of
the permanent station, invites them to participate in the
design process, and provides project contact information.
Each sign shall be installed in a visible and highly
trafficked location; one in the parking lot and one on the
station platform.
o Meet with Metro transit planners and Tukwila Public
Works and Department of Community Development staff
Page 3 of 4
to discuss short -term and long -term coordination of transit
to and from the temporary commuter rail station. (Any
change to Metro service requires King County approval.)
o Provide an additional ten bicycle storage units in order to
accommodate the current wait list for bicycle parking.
c. All actions implemented pursuant to the above
conditions must be acceptable to the DCD Director. Time
frames may be modified by the DCD Director upon showing
good cause.
3. Sound Transit shall replace the existing temporary
artwork by September 30, 2008. Sound Transit and the City
shall define the artist selection and review process. Sound
Transit shall explore using the installation as both an art piece
and a shelter from wind and rain.
Summary
If the Council agrees with the above section, staff recommends that they discuss
the additional condition language and move to adopt the findings and conclusions
of the staff report and approve subject to the above conditions the unclassified use
permit (L07 -065) for the temporary commuter rail station.
P:\LYNNM\Longacres TOD\Sounder \UUP temp station 2007\MEMORANDUMmcb CC 12.10.07.doc
Page 4 of 4
To: Lynn Miranda
Date: December 5, 2007
Subject: Sound Transit UUP for Sounder Station
From: Dennis Robertson
I have a variety of issues I would like to discuss and have you research (if we mutually
agree that they are appropriate UUP conditions.)
1. We need a completion date for all of construction/physical items (in their letter
and below) and I think it should be 90 days from signing for the safety ones.
Items #2 #8 could be allowed 180 days.
2. Pay phone for after hours use
3. Train Arrival LEDS
4. Parking we need a stronger role in the decision making process because it is the
City that is impacted. We also need a timeline for the decision(s) that allows
forward looking solutions if the ridership increases dramatically (gas prices, etc.)
5. Need a way to protect riders from the prevailing SW winds /rain. Perhaps some
kind of see -thru plexiglass
6. A full -up discussion with ST major decision makers and Tukwila elected's on the
issue of using East Area funds for the station. ST had no trouble using all area
funds for the Seattle station.
grrrte it Al 10 A-
Staff Report to
The City Council
Prepared November 21, 2007
HEARING DA'Z'E: December 3, 2007
NOTIFICATION: On September 13, 2007, staff mailed a Notice of Application to
surrounding property owners and tenants. Notice of Hearing was
posted and mailed to surrounding property owners and tenants on
November 19, 2007. Notice of hearing was also published in the
Seattle Times and the Daily Journal of Commerce for publication
on November 19, 2007.
PUBLIC MEETING: September 19, 2007
FILE NUMBER: L07 -065
APPLICANT: Sound Transit
OWNER: Sound Transit
REQUEST: Request for an unclassified use permit for the temporary commuter
rail station at 7301 South Longacres Way.
SEPA DETERMINATION: Sound Transit Tacoma -to- Seattle Commuter Rail Environmental
Assessment (FTA and Sound Transit, June 1998) (E98 -0032)
LOCATION: 7301 S. LONGACRES WAY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AND ZONE
DESIGNATION: Tukwila Urban Center (TUC)
STAFF: Lynn Miranda
ATTACHMENTS: A. Applicant's letter requesting UUP
B. Vicinity Map
C. Site Plan Civil Layout
D. Public Comments Received
E. Sound Transit Letter RE: Temporary Station Enhancements
Page 1 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
PUBLIC COMIVIENTS
During the public comment period, nine email responses from users of the facility were received
(see Attachment D). These responses included concerns regarding safety and security at the site,
protection from wind and rain, slippery surfaces in winter, auto and vanshare parking space
availability, and unattractiveness of the facility, signage and artwork. An informational public
meeting was held on September 19, 2007. No members of the public attended.
BACKGROUND
Sound Transit originally applied in 1999 for an unclassified use permit for a permanent
commuter rail station. However, because Sound Transit and the City of Tukwila realized that a
number of land use and transportation projects being initiated in proximity to the station (e.g., the
urban center plan and Strander Blvd extension project) could have significant impact on the
location and design of the station, Sound Transit agreed to temporarily postpone the design and
construction of a permanent station to respond to these planning efforts. (As a point of
clarification, Sound Transit maintains that the City of Tukwila agreed to up to a 10 -year
postponement, but this is incorrect. In a 2005 Settlement Agreement between the City of Renton
and Sound Transit, both parties agreed to postpone the permanent station construction for up to
10 years, but the City of Tukwila was not a party to that agreement.) Consequently, in
November 2000, the City Council approved an unclassified use permit for a temporary station,
valid until February 2004.
In 2004, the issues regarding the Strander extension project (including the Union Pacific railroad
relocation and the precise location of Strander Blvd.), the final location of the commuter rail
station, and other design considerations were still unsettled. Sound Transit requested a renewal
of the UUP to allow more time to coordinate station design with the Strander project. The City
approved the renewal, valid for three additional years until December 31, 2007, with conditions
requiring the construction of two additional temporary shelters. These shelters have since been
constructed. Since a UUP may only be renewed once (TMC 18.66.070), Sound Transit is
requesting a new UUP at this time.
Since the renewal of the UUP in 2004, the following activities have taken place:
In 2005, Renton completed 30% design of the Strander Boulevard extension. Relocation of
the Union Pacific railroad right -of -way is anticipated to be completed by 2009.
In 2007, Tukwila staff and consultants initiated a type, size and location (TS &L) study to
refine the location of the key pedestrian corridor connecting the Mall to the station.
In March, 2006, Sound Transit and the Cities of Tukwila and Renton prepared a master plan
for the Tukwila Station, incorporating the location of the Strander Blvd extension and
Tukwila's draft Urban Center concepts. Initial estimates showed that the construction costs
for full build -out of the station master plan will exceed the remaining Sound Move funding
Page 2 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
for the station. Consequently, Sound Transit's first priority will be to construct Phase I of the
project, including the permanent platforms and a limited number of critical station elements.
In September 2007, Sound Transit initiated preliminary engineering and environmental
documentation (PE/ED) that will advance the design for the full build -out of the permanent
station through 30 Completion of this phase is anticipated in August, 2008.
FINDINGS
VICINITY /SITE AND OPERATIONS INFORMATION
Temporary Station Description
The platforms of the temporary commuter rail station are located within the Burlington Northern
Santa Fe (BNSF) right -of -way just south of Longacres Way in the City of Tukwila (see
Attachments B &C). The supporting park and ride lot, passenger load zone and bus stops are
located east of the platforms on the Boeing Longacres site, which is in the City of Renton. There
are two passenger platforms 600 feet in length adjacent to the existing BNSF railway tracks, with
one wheelchair- accessible ramp at the northern end of each platform. The platforms are
constructed adjacent to the existing embankment, which is approximately 15 feet above ground
level in this location. The platforms are 10 feet wide (Sound Transit's design guidelines call for
16' wide side platforms) and have a chain link fence as a railing along the back edge and sides of
the platforms. Access to the platforms is via stairs and wood framed ramps.
Pedestrian connections from the parking lot to the southbound platform on the west side of the
tracks are made by way of the S. Longacres Way underpass. Each of the platforms has two
canopy shelters. The two northbound shelters and one southbound shelter contain seating. The
station platforms and parking area are well lit.
A total of 250 parking stalls are provided on leased Boeing property in the City of Renton. The
parking area is fenced off from the remaining Boeing property. The gate on the east side of the
BNSF tracks and north of the parking lot is open for two hours in the morning and two hours in
the evening, allowing Metro bus traffic to circulate between the City of Renton and Tukwila to
pick up /drop off passengers.
Also on site are a security guard station, a shelter housing ticket machines, ten bicycle storage
lockers, and a bicycle rack.
Operations
Sounder
Sounder service currently consists of six trains northbound and one train southbound in the
morning, and one train northbound and six trains southbound in the evening. Additional
Page 3 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
roundtrip service would most likely be available within the next five years. Sound Transit's 2030
ridership scenarios anticipate 18 trains daily, or nine roundtrips per weekday.
Amtrak
Amtrak also utilizes the temporary station platforms for the Cascade service between Eugene,
Oregon and Vancouver, B.C. Eight trains stop daily, four northbound and four southbound. 2005
ridership figures indicate that 14,000 on and off trips occurred at Tukwila Station. Amtrak's long
term ridership projections (13 roundtrips /day) anticipate 140,000 trips per year. WSDOT's Rail
Planning and Policy Coordinator indicated that ridership forecasts are based on current ridership.
Amtrak has not promoted the station because of its temporary facilities and limited parking. With
the construction of a permanent station with high quality facilities and safe, secure waiting and
parking areas, greater increases in ridership could be expected.
Metro
Metro currently has four different bus routes #110, 140, 126, and 154) serving the Tukwila
Station during weekday peak hours when the Sounder trains are operating. There is no transit
service at the station during mid -day hours or on weekends.
SOUND TRANSIT'S REQUEST FOR AN UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT
Sound Transit is requesting an Unclassified Use Permit for the continued operation of the
existing Sounder commuter rail station for an additional five years, until 2012. Sound Transit is
not proposing any new structures or significant improvements at the site. Therefore, design
review is not required.
The original UUP for the temporary station was approved by Council in 2000 and renewed in
2004, with the anticipation that the permanent station would be in place by December 31, 2007.
To date, Sound Transit's work on the design and construction of the permanent station has not
been completed. Sound Transit's letter requesting the UUP is attached to this staff report (See
Attachment A).
Sound Transit has proposed the following schedule for the design and construction of the
permanent commuter rail station:
Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation phase began in September 2007.
Completion of 30% design and the NEPA analysis is anticipated in August, 2008.
Final design will take approximately 12 months (August, 2009)
Following a four month bidding period, construction of Phase I of the permanent station (or
full build -out if future funding becomes available) will take 14 to 24 months.
Phase I of the permanent station would be open and operational by 2011 or 2012.
Page 4 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
CRITERIA FOR UNCLASSIFIED USES (TMC 18.66.060)
City Council approval of an unclassified use permit is guided by the nine criteria of the Zoning
Code (18.66.060) and a determination that the project is consistent with the Tukwila plans and
regulations (18.100.030 TMC). The applicant's response to each of the criteria is contained
verbatim below, and is followed by a staff response if additional information is required or
available. The City Council may approve the project as proposed, establish conditions on the
project approval, or deny the project.
1. Where appropriate and feasible, all facilities shall be underground.
Applicant's response: "Sound Move, the regional transportation plan, shows the use of
existing heavy rail tracks, which are above ground, for commuter rail services. The
existing use, and one for which this permit is request, is a temporary commuter rail
station located adjacent to existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad lines.
The temporary station was constructed under permit following the City granting an
Unclassified Use Permit to Sound Transit. It is not desirable or feasible to grade the
lines to create a temporary underground commuter rail station."
Staff Response: City regulations require undergrounding of all new electrical and
communication facilities. Sound Transit is not proposing any changes to the heavy rail tracks
that are currently being used by the Sounder trains. The applicant is not proposing any changes
to the lighting on -site or on the platforms. Power to the lighting is currently provided from power
lines strung overhead.
2. The proposed use will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity.
Applicant's response: "The access to the adjoining vacant lots is secured by chain link
fences thus reducing any potential security issues. Special provisions are also in place so
that aid and fire equipment can transverse the gate on Boeing property at any time. Also
Sound Transit has security guards at the station for 16 hours (5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
each day the train operates. These provisions were put in place at the time the temporary
station was constructed. In response to user feedback,, Sound Transit installed two
additional shelters and additional maintenance to ensure weather protection and safe
footing.
Sound Transit commissioned a longevity study in 2003 and a maintenance plan, to
identifii the required interventions and maintenance to enable the station to last another
10 years until replaced by the permanent station. Sound Transit Facilities Maintenance
Division has followed the reports recommendations and will continue monitoring to
ensure proper functioning.
The environmental impacts of the station were addressed in Sound Transit Tacoma -to-
Seattle Rail Environmental Assessment (Federal Transit Administration and Sound
Page 5 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
Transit, June 1998). The analysis and conclusions included in the Environmental
Assessment are summarized below.
Socioeconomic. The commuter rail station would operate on existing tracks. No existing
uses would be displaced by the proposal. The proposed action would not involve
significant adverse impacts on the populations protected by Executive order 12898,
Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low
Income Populations. Based on the socioeconomic analysis, the proposed commuter rail
station has the potential to provide mobility benefits to transit dependent populations,
while reducing household costs.
Transportation. Traffic increases associated with commuter rail travel to the station
would be limited to morning and evening commute hours. West Valley Highway, located
west of the proposed station site, is a principal north -south arterial connecting directly to
1 -405. Vehicles would enter the station primarily via Longacres Way. Operation of the
station would not cause levels of service to change from projected future baseline
conditions; intersection -by- intersection analysis results are summarized below and
discussed in more detail in the Environmental Assessment (EA).
The intersections of Longacres Way/West Valley Highway, Stander Boulevard/West
Valley Highway and Lind Ave /SW 16th Street are expected to operate at acceptable LOS
D or better during the 1997, 1010 baseline and 2010 proposed action p.m. peak hour
traffic conditions. The intersection of Fort Dent Road/West Valley Highway is operating
at LOS E under existing conditions and would continue to operate at this level under the
proposed action. The intersection of Grady Way/West Valley Highway and South 180th
Street/West Valley Highway are operation at LOS F under existing conditions and would
continue to operate at this level under the proposed action. The intersection of Lind
Avenue /Grady Way is operating at LOS D under existing conditions, and is expected to
fall to LOSE both under 2010 future baseline and proposed action. The intersections of
Oaksdale Avenue /SW 16th Street and Oaksdale Avenue /Grady Way currently operated at
LOS B and C respectively. The 2010 baseline and proposed action levels of service are
projected to fall to LOS E for the Oaksdale/SW 16th Street intersection and LOS Ffor the
Oaksdale /Grady intersection.
Noise. The proposed commuter rail station in not expected to cause noise or vibration
annoyance. Potential sources of noise and ground -borne would include idling
locomotives, feeder bus traffic and increased automobile traffic on adjacent roadways.
Measures will be taken to control vibration along the commuter route, which will operate
at first between Tacoma and Seattle; these include rail grinding, wheel truing, wheel flat
detectors systems, and vehicle reconditioning programs.
Hazardous Materials. No contaminated sites included on the Washington State L USTT,
UST and CSCS lists, or in the federal EPA database occur on the proposed site, and the
operation of the station will not increase the risk of contamination.
Page 6 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transits Commuter Rail Station
Biological Resources. The proposed station has been cleared and graded in the fairly
recent past, and is currently vacant. No significant biological resources will be affected
by the construction or operation of the station.
Historical. Park and Recreational Resources. No properties listed under or eligible for
listing under the National Register of Historic Properties and the Washington Heritage
register are located on or in the vicinity of the proposed station. No parks or recreation
facilities would be directly displaced by the proposed use and no significant impacts to
park and recreation resources located in the vicinity of the station site are anticipated.
Cultural Resources. No potentially significant cultural resources were identified during
field reconnaissance and no archaeological sites are recorded in the project area. If
archaeological material is encountered during the proposed project construction, work
should be halted and the Office of Archaeological and Historic Preservation are to be
consulted to determine the appropriate follow -up.
Visual Oualitv. The station platforms would add some visual diversity but would have
little effect on the visual resources of the area. The station is expected to improve the
appearance of the site by replacing unkempt open space.
Safety and Security. The proposed station has been designed to promote safety and
security Potential commuter rail safety and security issues include safe operational
interface between all transportation modes as, well as passenger safely and security
aboard buses and trains, at transit stations, and in adjacent areas. Pedestrians would
use the existing undercrossing, thus avoiding the need too cross tracks at grade.
Passenger security both off and on the train has been incorporated into the proposed
project. The design allows for ease of surveillance for police and patrol cars. The
shelters will be well lighted, well maintained, and patrolled by local police and transit
security force.
Air Oualitv. The air quality impacts of the proposed use were evaluated as part of the
planning process, in close cooperation with the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control
Agency (PSAPCA). The evaluation of air quality impacts indicate that corridor level
emissions of carbon monoxide and particulate matter would be reduced under the
proposed action relative to the 2010 baseline condition. Emissions of hydrocarbons and
oxides of nitrogen would be slightly higher, due to the addition of commuter rail
locomotives.
Water Oualitv. The nominal impacts to water quality at the proposed site are primarily
related to associated erosion and contaminate transport during construction.
Earth. The proposed project will involve minimal earthwork (i.e. grading) for
construction. Re- establishment of vegetation in non paved cleared areas, as soon as
Page 7 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
possible and application of appropriate ground cover would be used to minimize the
potential of erosion hazards during operation."
Staff Response:
Environmental Assessment
The NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared in 1998 analyzed transportation, noise and
air quality impacts using a 2010 planning horizon, however Sound Transit is proposing operating
the temporary station until 2012. As part of the preliminary design and engineering for the
permanent station, Sound Transit will be updating the NEPA EA, including assessing
transportation impacts.
Safety and Security
Parking Lot. Security guards are on -site from 5:30 a.m to 9:00 p.m. weekdays, and on
weekends when Sound Transit operates special event trains. Guards are to be present on the
platforms when trains arrive and depart, and tour the site at least once an hour. Security guards
also observe the vacant Sound Transit property located west of the platforms, between the UP
and BNSF tracks, and report any illegal activities.
Personal and vehicular safety are a greater concern when the security guard is off -duty. This
station is considered a destination rather than an origin for riders, with the parking lot the fullest
(at 2/3 capacity) in the evenings and weekends as people return to the station, board the trains,
and leave their vehicles there overnight. Responses from the public included reports of
vandalism and theft of parked cars on the lot during evenings and on weekends when the security
guard is not on duty. The absence of security and the fact that this station is one of the most
isolated along the Sounder corridor make it more vulnerable for crimes and vandalism. The City
of Renton Police Department is responsible for responding to emergency calls at the site.
(However, no crime statistics are available through Renton's Police Department because up until
recently, City of Renton did not have an address assigned to the parking lot.) Sound Transit has
indicated that their signage clearly states, "Not responsible for loss from theft, property damage
or personal injury."
There are no emergency call -boxes on site for passengers to use after hours or on the weekends.
There are also no pay phones on site for passengers' use, which can make transfers to the airport
or other locations more difficult. For example, WSDOT's Rail Planning and Policy Coordinator
has indicated that Amtrak conductors routinely call ahead to arrange taxi service for passengers
disembarking at the Tukwila Station, since no phones are available at the station. As part of their
request for a UUP, Sound Transit has agreed to install an emergency call -box at the station
which will be hard -wired into their proprietary fiber optic system. Sound Transit has indicated
that a pay -phone will be installed as part of the permanent station.
The Tukwila Police Department, in their review of the application, noted that security cameras
on -site do not cover ticket vending machines. Sound Transit has indicated that the camera
placement and coverage, combined with the on -site security guard, are sufficient. Closed TV
Page 8 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
monitors record site activities 24 hours each day. Also, security guards do not have visibility in
all directions from inside the guard shelter. As part of their request for a UUP, Sound Transit has
agreed to add windows to the shelter or replace it with one that has windows on all sides to
improve visibility.
Platforms and Ramps. Ramps, walks and platforms have been reported as dangerous in winter
due to the slickness of the surface, even with the current practice of applying de -icing chemicals
by the security guards. In addition, there are no handrails on the access ramps for use in slippery
conditions and by the physically disabled. As part of their request for a UUP, Sound Transit has
agreed to install "slip- resistant surfaces" on ramps and stairs.
Visual Oualitv
Public comments on the station's visual quality and image for Tukwila included concerns
regarding the negative contribution of the weathered art work and station signage anchored in
buckets of cement. According to Sound Transit's Longevity Study for the Tukwila Station
(2003), the Tukwila Station sign at the parking lot entrance was to be replaced within one year.
As part of their request for a UUP, Sound Transit has indicated they will be upgrading the
existing station identification sign and adding informational signage describing the temporary
nature of the station, the status of the permanent station, the parking lot address, emergency
contact information, and opportunities for public involvement in the station design process. As
part of their UUP request, Sound Transit has agreed to replace the existing artwork.
Transportation
This station is primarily a destination for passengers who are employed, shopping or visiting in
the surrounding area. Primary access to the station is from Longacres Way, which becomes a
private two -lane access easement at the east margin of the Puget Sound Energy's right -of -way to
Tukwila's city limits with Renton. Riders can also access the station from the Boeing Longacres
Campus site via private walking paths.
Metro bus service at the station is limited, with connecting bus service limited to peak hours.
Currently, there is no weekend or mid -day bus service to Tukwila Station even though Amtrak
trains stop there during those times. Better transit connections between Tukwila Station and other
activity areas (such as the 154 Street light rail station, Tukwila International Blvd, other
em areas within Tukwila) should be explored. Metro buses access the station via SW
16 Street through Boeing property. Boeing limits bus access to hours of Sounder operation via a
gate at the north end of the parking lot.
3. The proposed use shall meet or exceed the same standards for parking, landscaping,
yards and other development regulations that are required in the district it will
occupy.
Applicant's response: "The only facilities located in Tukwila are wholly within the BNSF
right -of -way. The existing 200 plus space parking lot in Renton has reached capacity.
Parking counts performed by security indicate that occupancy climbs from approximately
170 during the AM hoardings to approximately 205 by 4 PM Tukwila has approximately
Page 9of19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
2.4 more passengers getting off in the morning than getting on and similar opposite ratio
in the evening; indicating that the station is a destination rather than origin of riders.
The lot is approximately 2 /3rd full when the security guard leaves at 9PM. The afternoon
increase in parking appears be associated with people returning to the station and
leaving their cars (and RideShare vans). The combination of riders getting on and off at
the same time creates a difficult parking management issue. The master plan calls for
350 stalls. As lots become full along the Sounder line, Sound Transit is evaluating a
number of options including adding additional parking, better coordinating with feeder
bus routes and parking management. Adequate access and lighting of the access were
the minimum standards required at the time of approval. Also, improvements on
Longacres Way in the form of drop -off areas were constructed"
Staff Response: The majority of station elements, including parking, are located in the City of
Renton. Only the temporary station platforms are located in the City of Tukwila, within the TUC
district.
Landscaping, which is typically required of any new development within the TUC district, takes
approximately three years to become established. The applicant did not develop a landscape
plan as part of the original proposal, since the application was for a "temporary improvement."
There are no landscape plans proposed as part of this application.
City regulations require undergrounding of all new electrical and communication facilities
(13.08.060 TMC).The applicant is not proposing any changes to the lighting. Power to the
lighting is provided from power lines strung overhead.
Parking, as discussed in the applicant's response, is at capacity. There are no City standards for
required number of parking spaces for automobiles at rail stations. Parking issues at the site are
different from other lots along the corridor, according to Sound Transit. Sound Transit has
indicated that there are 75 vanshares currently registered at the site, carrying a ridership of 513.
Sound Transit's Transportation Service Division identified parking issues throughout the
Sounder Commuter line in a 2006 study, and has established a System Access and Parking
Committee to address parking issues along the rail corridor. Tukwila Station is one of the
committee's priorities and will be addressed separately from other stations, given the different
parking use pattern.
Sound Transit's priority for accommodating access to stations is:
1. Pedestrian
2. Sounder commuter rail, Express bus, local transit, including paratransit services;
3. Accessible parking
4. Bicycle/Passenger drop -off
5. CarShare/VanShare and Carpool/Vanpool
6. Motorcycle /Scooter Private Shuttle/Taxi
7. Passenger vehicles (park -and -ride)
Page l0 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Peanut for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
Consequently, Sound Transit first priority in addressing parking shortages is to explore
alternatives to providing more parking for single- occupancy passenger vehicles. According to
Sound Transit, initial actions by the Parking Committee may include:
Striving for more efficient use of vanshare through higher occupancy and scheduling;
Consolidating vanshares to larger para transit vehicles; and
More marketing of vanpools.
Sound Transit has indicated they would endorse City efforts to establish parking restrictions and
other appropriate parking management strategies in the surrounding areas. However, this type of
spillover parking does not appear to be an issue at this time.
There are currently ten bicycle storage lockers and a bicycle rack on site. The storage lockers are
fully in use and Sound Transit has indicated that there are ten people currently on the wait list.
There is generally space available on the bicycle rack. There are no City of Tukwila standards
for required number of parking spaces for bicycles at rail stations. Sound Transit has indicated
that "additional bicycle lockers would likely require the removal of existing parking stalls and
does not feel the additional lockers are required."
4. The proposed development shall be compatible with surrounding land uses.
Applicant's response: "The site is within Tukwila's Urban Center; however there are no
existing uses within the immediate vicinity. The area to the north, east and south is
undeveloped portions of the Boeing Longacres facility. The site to the northwest is
proposed for multifamily development but permits have lapsed. Sound transit owns to
parcels to the west of the station that will be developed as the permanent station location.
The Master Plan for the permanent commuter rail station was developed considering
surrounding infrastructure improvements and development potential. The designers will
continue to consider the potential for surrounding development during the next phases of
design."
Staff response: This station is primarily a destination for passengers who are employed, shopping
or visiting in the surrounding area.
The station is generally compatible with existing land uses in the vicinity, as listed below:
Immediately west of the existing platforms between the UP and BNSF right of ways, is
vacant land owned by Sound Transit. This is the site of the future permanent Tukwila
Station.
Boeing Commercial Airplane Headquarters buildings are located immediately to the east of
the station on their Longacres Campus.
West of the Union Pacific railroad tracks are vacant lands, light industrial and the Interurban
regional recreational trail are located west of the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Commercial
services are located along West Valley Highway. A warehouse site on Nelson Place, within
walking distance of the station, was converted to a catering business.
Within 1/2 mile radius of the station are six hotels with hundreds of rooms.
Within 3 /4 mile is the Tukwila urban center, a regional retail and employment center.
Page 11 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
Future land uses in the vicinity that will be supportive of transit ridership are listed below:
The City approved the Conditional Use and Design Review applications for a mixed use
project (Tukwila Station: 291 units and 5000 sq. ft. of retail) on property directly north of the
Sound Transit property in 2005. To date, development has not been initiated. Their grading
permit for the site has expired, but recently they have requested information about obtaining
a building permit for the project.
Boeing's master plan for the 300 acre Longacres Campus area calls for up to 2.6 million
square feet of office space with a possible 10,000 employees.
The Federal Reserve Bank building is being constructed on a former Boeing site in the
Longacres Office Park in the City of Renton, southeast of the project site. The 95,000 square
foot building is expected to house 100 employees.
New retail, dining and entertainment uses are being developed in the urban center, including
the 700,000 square foot expansion of the Westfield Mall, and Acme Bowling and associated
retail, restaurants, and fitness center.
As part of the Strander Blvd extension project the City of Renton is relocating the Union
Pacific Railroad lines eastward, adjacent to the BNSF right -of -way, between I -405 and just
south of Strander Blvd. Renton anticipates relocation by 2009.
5. The proposed development shall to the maximum extent feasible be consistent with
and promote the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
and applicable adopted area plans.
Applicant's response: "The Comprehensive Plan describes the City's intent to support a
high density, regionally oriented, mixed use center in Tukwila. The Comprehensive Plan
generally supports commuter rail in the Urban Center to "help ensure Tukwila's long-
term economic viability and competitiveness in the region." The Plan's Urban Center
Goal 10.3 Transportation and Circulation, expresses the City's intent to "work with
transit providers to develop and fund regional park and -ride and rail locations where
traffic and visual impacts on the Tukwila Urban center are minimized through site design
and management." (Goal 10.3.1) Similarly, Goal 10.3.3 Transit service and Facilities
support promoting "the development and enhancement of transit service and facilities."
The proposed commuter rail station is consistent with these goals. While the location of
the existing rail lines fix the station location at the east edge of the Urban Center, its
presence will help the urban center maintain a regional orientation and provide
transportation infrastructure for continued growth. Its visual impacts are minimal, and
traffic impacts result in no changes to the forecast baseline conditions."
Staff response: The station is also generally consistent with and supports the following
Comprehensive Plan goals and policies:
13.4.6
Continue to support, participate in, and encourage the development and implementation of
regional /rapid rail with service to the Tukwila Urban Center, and other emerging efficient-
capacity technologies that will serve people traveling to, from, and within Tukwila.
Page 12 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
13.4.10
Encourage and support public transportation service including... the continued development of
commuter and light rail particularly with service to the Tukwila Urban Center, and continue to
support Commute Trip Reduction service.
13.4.12
The development of any light rail or commuter rail system shall meet the following objectives.
Such systems shall be located in a manner that serves the Tukwila Urban Center and the
Tukwila Multi -modal Center, so as to encourage the development of these Centers in the manner
contemplated by this Plan and the Countywide Planning Policies.
The temporary station is within walking distance of the northern portion of the Tukwila Urban
Center. Metro buses accessing the station also stop at the future Tukwila Transit Center (on
Andover Park West).
Goal 1.9
An economically strong Tukwila Urban Center, with a distinct image and character, of bold
architectural form that provides for an intensive mixture of uses along with access to transit,
public amenities, and civic facilities.
10.1.2
Public /private investment shall facilitate and encourage overall growth in the Tukwila Urban
Center.
The current temporary station is comprised of wood frame and coated plywood structures with
chain link fences and railings. The canopies are acrylic lap siding and fiberglass roofs. Sound
Transit has indicated they will replace the existing artwork on the platforms as part of their UUP
request.
13.4.14
Require that parking facilities developed in conjunction with transit facilities be adequately sized
and managed to prevent spillover parking onto private property, public property, or public
streets.
As discussed in previous criteria, parking capacity has been reached and vanshare vehicles in
particular appear to have difficulty finding an available parking space. Spillover parking does not
appear to be a concern at this time. The parking lot is located within the City of Renton, and
must conform to their standards. See also staff's response to criteria #3.
Page 13 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
6. The unclassified use shall, to the maximum extent feasible, mitigate all significant
adverse environmental impacts on public health and private properties. Full
consideration shall be given to:
(a) alternative locations and /or routes that reduce or eliminate adverse impacts; and
(b) alternative designs that reduce and /or eliminate adverse impacts.
Applicant's response: "There are minimal alternatives for locating a commuter rail
station within the City of Tukwila to serve the City's Urban Center, the preferred location
for transit service to the City. Longacres Way, although private, is the only safe access
to the BNSF rail line south of I -405 and north of S. 180th St because of the existence of
the UPRR underpass. The City of Renton plans to extend Strander Blvd across the BNSF
and UPRR tracks; however funding for the improvements has yet to be secured
The station is designed to be temporary until a permanent station is designed and
constructed. The permanent station will respond to the City of Tukwila's Urban Center
Plan and the City of Renton's Strander Boulevard extension project. Sound Transit
provided additional passenger shelters in response to previous UUP permit reviews. No
additional improvements are proposed at this time, thus there are no alternative
locations or designs that could reduce significant adverse impacts."
Staff response: Sound Transit is not proposing any significant changes to the temporary station's
location and configuration at this time. As stated in staff responses to previous criteria, as part of
their UUP request Sound Transit has agreed to a number of minor improvements to the station,
including new signage, additional benches in the southern shelter on the western track, new
platform artwork (that may also provide wind and rain shelter), and a guard shelter with better
visibility of the site.
7. In the event that a proposed essential public facility of a countywide or statewide
nature creates an unavoidable significant adverse environmental or economic
impact on the community, compensatory mitigation shall be required.
Compensatory mitigation shall include public amenities, incentives or other public
benefits which offset otherwise unmitigated adverse impacts of the essential public
facility. Where appropriate, compensatory mitigation shall be provided as close to
the affected area as possible.
Applicant's response: "No additional adverse environmental or economic impacts on the
community are anticipated as a result of continued operation of the temporary commuter
rail station."
Staff response: No additional information.
Page 14 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Pelunit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
8. For uses in residential areas, applicants shall demonstrate that there is no
reasonable non residential alternative site for their use.
Applicant's response: "See the response to question 6 above. The site did not initially
allow residential uses, however during the City of Tukwila's Urban Center planning
process the City decided to allow residential uses adjacent to the commuter rail station."
Staff response: After the temporary station was constructed, the City amended the TMC to allow
transit oriented development housing located on property adjacent to and not greater than 1/4 mile
from the Sounder Commuter Rail/Amtrak Station as a conditional use (TMC 18.28.40). The
temporary station location is fixed at its current location.
9. For uses in residential areas, applicants shall show that the use provides some
tangible benefit for the neighborhood.
Applicant's response: "The site will provide convenient commuter rail access to nearby
residents and workers."
Staff response: Sounder commuter rail and Amtrak service will provide viable alternative modes
of travel to the single- occupancy vehicle for residents in the area.
CONCLUSIONS
The application is for the continued operation of the temporary commuter rail/Amtrak station for
five years, until a permanent station can be constructed and operational. Sound Transit's
proposed timeline for design and construction anticipates the expected opening of Phase I of the
permanent station in 2011 or 2012.
When the UUP for the temporary station was initially approved in 2000, it was intended to be in
place only until 2004. As such, it was intended to be a functional rather than well designed
facility. In 2012, the temporary station will have been in place a total of 10 years. Based on
feedback staff has received from the users of the station, there are significant issues that need to
be addressed if it is to be functional for another five years. However, the challenge with
extending the use of this facility is in minimizing short term expenses in order to maintain
sufficient funds for construction of a permanent station with the high quality design and
amenities expected by the City and needed to stimulate future transit- oriented development in the
area.
Based upon discussion with City staff regarding comments and concerns received from Public
Works, Police, Fire, and users of the station, Sound Transit has agreed to providing the following
improvements to the temporary Tukwila Station by December 31, 2008 (see appendix E):
Install slip- resistant surfaces on ramps and stairs, to reduce slippery surfaces in winter.
Page 15of19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
Replace the existing temporary artwork (this process will begin as soon as Sound Transit and
the City define the artist selection and review process). Explore the possibility of using it to
provide shelter from wind and rain
Replace and install station identification signage in a manner not requiring the sign posts to
be installed in buckets of concrete.
Install signage that informs the public as to the temporary nature of the station, provides the
station address, provides an update on the status of the permanent station, invites them to
participate in the design process, and provides contact information for emergencies or to be
involved in the design of the permanent station.
Provide two benches in the southern shelter on the western track.
Upgrade or replace the guard shelter to provide more windows that allow for better
surveillance of the site.
Install a handrail on each access ramp.
Install an emergency call -box in a location to be determined by Sound Transit.
Meet with Metro transit planners and Tukwila Public Works and Department of Community
Development staff to discuss short-term and long -term coordination of transit to and from the
temporary commuter rail station. (Any change to Metro service requires King County
approval.)
Provide City Council updates twice a year on the status of planning, construction and funding
for the permanent station. The updates will be scheduled to coincide with design,
engineering, and construction milestones for the permanent station project, and will also
include a summary of maintenance that has occurred at the station and updates on ridership
and service changes.
Consequently, considering the above commitments made by Sound Transit, staff conclusions
regarding the unclassified use criteria (Section 18.66.060 TMC) are as follows.
1. Where appropriate and feasible, all facilities shall be underground.
The temporary station is already in place. Sound Transit is not proposing any significant changes
to the existing facilities. It is not feasible to underground the platforms that are associated with
the BNSF rail lines.
2. The proposed use will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity.
Based on feedback staff received from station users, there are a number of personal and vehicular
safety and security concerns at the station. Sound Transit has agreed to install an emergency call
box at the temporary station in 2008. Vehicles parked during the security guard's off -hours park
there at their own risk. The City of Renton is responsible for responding to emergency calls at
the temporary station site.
Sound Transit is taking steps to ensure that the temporary facilities and amenities associated with
the station (such as signage, artwork, ramps and platforms) are kept in good condition, both
structurally and aesthetically, so that passenger safety is ensured and the temporary nature of the
facility does not convey a negative image of Tukwila. Sound Transit is taking additional
Page 16of19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
measures to reduce slippery surfaces in winter and to improve passenger safety on the ramps,
particularly for the handicapped.
If Sound Transit completes the safety, security and maintenance improvements they have agreed
to, the proposed use will not be detrimental or the public welfare or injurious to the property or
improvement in the vicinity.
3. The proposed use shall meet or exceed the same standards for parking, landscaping,
yards and other development regulations that are required in the district it will
occupy.
The temporary station is already in place, and the applicant is not proposing additional structures,
landscaping or other facilities that would need to comply with TUC district standards. The
parking lot is located entirely within the city limits of Renton, so Tukwila standards do not apply.
However, ensuring that there is sufficient parking capacity over the next five years for station
patrons is a concern.
4. The proposed development shall be compatible with surrounding land uses.
As a temporary improvement, the station is generally compatible with the surrounding land uses.
5. The proposed development shall to the maximum extent feasible be consistent with
and promote the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
and applicable adopted area plans.
The temporary station is generally consistent with the goals and policies of the comprehensive
plan, providing commuter rail service within walking distance of many activity areas within the
Tukwila Urban Center. However, the temporary station represents only a minimal investment in
public and civic amenities, and does not provide bold architectural form or distinctive character
for Tukwila.
The applicant needs to address parking capacity for bicycles, cars and vanshares at this station to
avoid adverse impacts during the next five years until the permanent station is open and
operational. Consequently, permit approval should be conditioned by the Council in order to
ensure that off street parking facilities at Tukwila Station are provided as demand warrants over
the next five years and ensure adequate mitigation of off -site parking impacts, in the event that
they occur. See Recommendations section below.
Page 17 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
6. The unclassified use shall, to the maximum extent feasible, mitigate all significant
adverse environmental impacts on public health and private properties. Full
consideration shall be given to:
(a) alternative locations and/or routes that reduce or eliminate adverse impacts; and
(b) alternative designs that reduce and /or eliminate adverse impacts.
The temporary station is already in place. Alternative locations and designs that mitigate adverse
environmental impacts will be considered during the design of the permanent station.
7. In the event that a proposed essential public facility of a countywide or statewide
nature creates an unavoidable significant adverse environmental or economic
impact on the community, compensatory mitigation shall be required.
Compensatory mitigation shall include public amenities, incentives or other public
benefits which offset otherwise unmitigated adverse impacts of the essential public
facility. Where appropriate, compensatory mitigation shall be provided as close to
the affected area as possible.
Significant adverse environmental or economic impact on the community is not anticipated due
to the continued operation of the temporary station.
8. For uses in residential areas, applicants shall demonstrate that there is no
reasonable non residential alternative site for their use.
The temporary station is already in place. It is not feasible or necessary to identify alternative
sites.
9. For uses in residential areas, applicants shall show that the use provides some
tangible benefit for the neighborhood.
As a temporary facility, the station is generally located and designed to be of benefit in providing
transportation options to the community.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the findings and conclusions of the staff report and
approve the unclassified use permit for the temporary commuter rail station at 7301 South
Longacres Way for the proposed time period from January 1, 2008 until December 31, 2012, and
subject to these conditions.
1. For the next five years until the permanent station is open and operational:
a. Sound Transit shall provide the DCD Director with parking utilization counts for the
Tukwila Station parking lot on a bi- annual basis. The schedule and methods for these counts
Page 18 of 19
Staff Report to the Tukwila City Council
L07 -065: Unclassified Use Permit for Sound Transit's Commuter Rail Station
shall be subject to approval by the DCD Director. If at any time during this period the
number of parked vehicles is equal to or exceeds 95% of existing capacity, Sound Transit
shall identify and implement, as soon as practically possible, and at its sole cost, effective
mitigation measures.
b. In the event that the City of Tukwila or Sound Transit receive complaints from property
owners or tenants regarding spillover parking by station patrons in nearby parking areas,
Sound Transit shall identify and implement, as soon as practically possible, and at its sole
cost, effective mitigation measures.
c. Any mitigation measure implemented pursuant to these conditions must be acceptable to
the DCD Director, and may include those measures identified by Sound Transit through its
comprehensive analysis of system wide parking strategies in the System Access and Parking
Committee process anticipated to occur in 2008, including reducing parking demand through
such methods as coordinating transit service improvements and vanshares; providing
additional bicycle parking; increasing parking supply by using the adjacent vacant
lot owned by Sound Transit as temporary parking; or obtaining temporary shared parking
agreements for overflow parking with nearby property owners.
2. To accommodate the current wait list for bicycle parking, Sound Transit shall provide an
additional ten bicycle storage units.
Page 19 of 19
P:\LYNNM\Longacres TOD\Sounder\UUP temp station 2007 \L07- 065station- SR_Final.doc
ATTACHMENT A:
Applicant's Letter Requesting UUP
S OUNDTRANSIT BOARD CHAIR
John W. Ladenburg
August 10, 2007
Pierce County Executive
BOARD VICE CHAIRS
Minnie Dhaliwal
Connie Marshall
Bellevue Councilmember
Department of Community Development Cit of TUkbtiila Mark Olson
Everett Councilmember
6300 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 981 SS BOARD MEMBERS
`Julie Anderson
Tacoma Councilmember
Subject: Unclassified Use Permit
Sound Transit Tukwila Temporary Commuter Rail Station Mary-Alyce Burleigh
Kirkland Councilmember
Dear Ms. Dhaliwal: B utler
;Fred
iisaquah, Deputy'Council Presid
On behalf of Sound Transit, I am submitting the enclosed application for an Dow Constantine
Unclassified Use Permit (UUP) for the continued operation of the existing, King County Councilmember
permitted Sounder temporary commuter rail station The temporary station exists x DaveEnclow
as a result of agreements with the cities of Renton and Tukwila, dating from 2002, Scirimer -Mayo'
to postpone construction of the permanent station for up to 10 years in order to %}Doug MacDrinard
respond to the City of Renton's Strander Boulevard project and the City of dsti(ri Department
Tukwila's Urban Center planning. The temporary station was permitted in 2000 Tzaruportation Secretary
and completed in 2002. The existing permit extension expires on December 31, Richard Marin
2007. Sound Transit requests that the City of Tukwila permit the temporary `z Edmoiids` CounciCmember
station through December, 2012 by which time construction the permanent station i-- `R ch ard McIver-
Seattle. Councilmerriber
should be complete:
:;Greg Nickels
Existing temporary commuter rail station: The platforms at Sounder's sea``tM °y
temporary Tukwila Commuter Rail Station are located within the Burlington 'rJuliia Patterson
lCng.County Councilmember
Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) right -of -way south of Longacres Way, a
private road The park- and -ride lot, transit boarding facility, and bus stops are Larry Phillips
east of the platform on the Boeing Long acres site, within the City of Renton. Chair' K r County Council
Aaron Reardon
The station consists primarily of t No 600 foot long passenger platforms. There is SfloJ,omisii CosmtyExecutive
one wheelchair accessible ramp at the north end of each platform. Benches, trash
receptacles and canopy shelters are provided on each platform_ Ticket vending E xecutive
machines and other passenger information are located at the northwest corner of fiau aia may
the parking area. Pedestrian connection from the park and ride on the east side of k oodMay
the station to the southbound platform on west side of the track is made by way of Reichbauer
the Longacres Way underpass. Stairs and ramps connect the platform to the Vice Chair, King County Count
ground level 200 -space parking lot, bus transit area and pedestrian ways. Sounder
provides service of three trains each way scheduled as follows: 11EF; EX CUnvE OFFICER
Northbound: 6:24 a.m.; 6:59; 7:20; and 7:42 ;-ioni earl
Southbound: 436 p.m.; 5:01; 5:26• 7 and 5:56
in are scheduled to begin this fall:
Additional tra s
COMiinUiVI I Y
DEVELOPMENT
Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority Union Station 1
401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104 -2826 Reception: (206) 398 -5000 FAX: (206) 398 -5499 www.soundtransit.org
Northbound 5:41 a.m.; 8:01 a.m.; and 17:26 p.m.
Southbound 6:26 a.m.; 15:51 p.m.; and 18: l l p.m.
In order to ensure continued, safe operation of the temporary station, Sound
Transit Facilities Division performs routine maintenance and inspections in
response to the findings of a longevity and maintenance study for the temporary
station.
Coordination with the cities of Tukwila and Renton: Around the time Sound
Transit was completing design of original station in 2000, the City of Tukwila
requested that Sound Transit stop design to allow for coordination with the urban
center planning that the City had begun. Sound Transit agreed and submitted a
UUP for construction of the temporary station. A September 2002 King County
Superior Court Settlement between Sound Transit and the City of Renton
included the requirements to extend the use of the temporary station for up to 10
years (through 2012) to allow Renton to design and secure funding for the
Strander Boulevard extension project.
In the winter of 2004 Sound Transit requested an extension of the UUP through
the winter of 2007 with the potential for yearly extensions through 2012. At that
time, Sound Transit communicated that design and construction would take a
number of years given the need to redesign the station and coordinate with the
Strander Boulevard project. The City granted an extension through December of
2007, but required the Sound Transit re-apply for further permitting of the
temporary station. The extension also required Sound Transit to construct two
additional passe nger shelters. The construction of both shelters has been
completed.
Tukwila completed the Urban Center planning and Renton completed 30% design
of the Strander Boulevard extension in spring 2005. Renton's concept required
the relocation of the Union Pacific railroad to be adjacent to the BNSF right -of-
way, and anticipated that construction would start in early 2007 and continue
through 2008. In April, 2005 Sound Transit, the City of Renton and the City of
Tukwila agreed to a design approach based on the Strander Boulevard design and
the Tukwila Urban Center plan. Sound Transit hired KPFF to complete a refined
preliminary engineering report based on that design approach. The City of
Tukwila and Renton participated on the Executive Steering Committee that
helped define the design and direction for project phasing. The design costs more
than is available in Sound Move however ST2, if passed, contains funding for full
construction. KPFF completed their report in early 2007.
Although Renton has not begun construction and still must clear a number of
hurdles to implementing the Strander project, they have made significant
progress. Sound Transit is now ready to proceed to the next phases of design
2
while the City of Renton continues their efforts resolve issues concerning the
relocation of the Union Pacific railroad right -of -way.
Schedule for design and construction of the permanent commuter rail
station: Sound Transit is entering into contract for Preliminary Engineering and
Environmental Documentation (PEiED) that will advance the design of all
elements through 30 Tukwila and Renton will again participate through the
Executive Steering Committee in the decisions on phasing final design and
construction package. The priority established during preliminary engineering
was to complete construction of the permanent station platform. The phasing will
reflect the additional budget if ST2 passes and the status of the Strander
Boulevard extension project. Final design would take approximately 12 months.
Following a 4 month bidding period, construction of the permanent station, or an
initial phase, will range from 14 to 24 months. At this point, we expect that the
earliest the permanent station would be open is some time in 2011 or 2012.
In closing, we emphasize our sincere appreciation of the City of Tukwila's
continued cooperation in this matter. If you have any additional information
needs or questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (206) 398- 5342.
Sincerely,
P r
Paul Cornish
Project Manager
Capital Projects Division
CC: James Edwards, Division Director
3
ATTACHMENT B:
Vicinity Map
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ATTACHMENT D:
Public Comments Received
Lynn MVtiranda Re: Sounder commuter rail rider? Page
From: Trish Lawrence
To: Lynn Miranda
Date: 09/13/2007 7:48 am
Subject: Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
Parking is tight... A lot of times you can not find parking and have to wait for a train to arrive to park your car. There is
not enough shelter to protect passengers during the winter, the cold, wind and rain are bad. The walks /ramps are slick in
the winter and at least 1 person falls because of this every year (that I'm aware of). ti
Trish Lawrence
Tukwila Police Department
Major Crimes Unit
6200 Southcenter Blvd
Tukwila, WA 98188
206 -431- 3890 -Phone
206 -431 -3688 -Fax
tlawrence@ci.tukwila.wa.us
Lynn Miranda 9/12/2007 5:39 pm
Hello,
If you are a commuter rail rider using the Tukwila Rail Station, were looking for your comments:
Sound Transit is applying for an unclassified use permit to allow continuing operation of the temporary station until a new station is
constructed (they're requesting permit valid until 2012). If you have any comments or suggestions on the station e.g., parking,
facilities, amenities, etc, please email /submit them in writing to me. The comment period doses Oct 4 5pm. Based on the
comments received, we can consider recommending improvements at the site as a condition of the permit.
Thanks! Happy riding!
Lynn
Lynn Miranda, AICP
Senior Planner
City of Tukwila, WA
206.433.7162 (phone)
ImirandaRci.tukwila.wa. us
206.431.3665 (fax)
Hours:
Mon/Tues 9:30 -6:30
Wed 9:30 -6:00
Fri 9:30 -2:30
Page 1 of 1
Lynn Miranda Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
From: Bob Giberson
To: Lynn Miranda
Date: 09/13/2007 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
I might consider using the Station if security was better and if there was a shuttle that went from the Station and
looped through
the Urban Center and by City Hall. Many of the City vehicles being used for current commuters have been
vandalized or broken into.
Bob Giberson
Acting City Engineer
City of Tukwila Public Works
6300 Southcenter Blvd, Ste 100
Tukwila, WA 98188
Tel: (206) 431 -2457
Fax: (206) 433 -7164
Cel: (206) 571 -8163
Lynn Miranda 09/12/2007 5:39:14 pm
Hello,
If you are a commuter rail rider using the Tukwila Rail Station, we're looking for your comments:
Sound Transit is applying for an unclassified use permit to allow continuing operation of the temporary station
until a new station is constructed (they're requesting permit valid until 2012). if you have any comments or
suggestions on the station e.g., parking, facilities, amenities, etc, please email /submit them in writing to me.
The comment period closes Oct 4 5pm. Based on the comments received, we can consider recommending
improvements at the site as a condition of the permit.
Thanks! Happy riding!
Lynn
Lynn Miranda, AICP
Senior Planner
City of Tukwila, WA
206.433.7162 (phone)
Imiranda @ci.tukwila.wa.us
206.431.3665 (fax)
Hours:
Mon/Tues 9:30 -6:30
Wed 9:30 -6:00
Fri 9:30 -2:30
r r �vnr+ �tr:__ Atc000 'Cca..1. nQii7i11-111-7
Lynn Miranda Re: Sounder commuter rail rider? 1
From: Scott Moore
To: Miranda, Lynn
Date: 09/13/2007 8:15 am
Subject: ,Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
Yes it is as cold as We need a wider temporary plat form it un safe too narrow, and more shelters or a wall
across the top to shelter from the wind. and rain. Please don't let them push this. Have them pull funds from light rail to
build a station that works for all. Ramps do not meet Ada standards tco long to narrow without a rest landing. Also need to
connect to the mall and hiaher security. there are a min of 350 people getting on the first train south. and at least 200 plus on all
the other trains. Plus when the Amtrak train comes through there are now probably 30 people that get on it. The road going in is
not safe for peds or bikes. too narrow, and been brushed under bridge.
Scott
I hope this is not too much
Lynn Miranda 9/12/2007 5:39 pm
Hello,
If you are a commuter rail rider using the Tukwila Rail Station, were looking for your comments:
Sound Transit is applying for an unclassified use permit to allow continuing operation of the temporary station until a new station is
constructed (they're requesting permit valid until 2012). If you have any comments or suggestions on the station e.g., parking,
fadlities, amenities, etc, please email /submit them in writing to me. The comment period closes Oct 4 5pm. Based on the
comments received, we can consider recommending improvements at the site as a condition of the permit.
Thanks! Happy riding!
Lynn
Lynn Miranda, AICP
Senior Planner
Oty of Tukwila, WA
206.433.7162 (phone)
imirandeaci.tukwila.wa.us
206.431.3665 (fax)
Hours:
Mon/Tues 9:30 -6:30
Wed 9:30 -6:00
Fri 9:30 -2:30
Page 1 of 2
Lynn Miranda RE: Sounder commuter rail rider?
From: "Karla" <karla @seattlesouthside.com>
To: "'Lynn Miranda <lmiranda @ci.tukwila.wa.us>
Date: 09/13/2007 8:33 AM
Subject: RE: Sounder commuter rail rider?
It would be nice to see some kind of improvements or measures done for the safety of the ramps and platforms
in the rain and snowy /frosty season. They get quite slick and I feel very unsafe in the winter time when it is
constantly drizzly and sometimes freezing out. Sometimes the staff there will put down ice melt, but sometimes it
just melts the ice and makes it slicker to walk on. Also, it would be nice to have more covered areas for standing
and waiting, rather than just in the open air.
Just my thoughts!
Karla Lindula
Marketing Coordinator
Tourism and Marketing Department
City of Tukwila
From: Lynn Miranda mailto :lmiranda @ci.tukwila.wa.usj
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:39 PM
To Alan Baalaer; Amy Bell; Anita Chiarenza; Alan Codenys; Ana Weichman; Allen Johannessen; Aaron Johnson;
Amy Kindell; Alice Deacy; Alice Strand; Alison MacDougall; Alan Metzler; Andy Nevens; Peter Beckwith; Beth
Adams; Bao Trinh; Bob Benedicto; Brian Duffy; Ben Williams; Bruce Fletcher; Bob Giberson; Benjamin Hayman;
Brenda Holt; Brian Jordan; Brendan Kerin; Brandon Kim; Brenda LaFieur; Bruce Linton; Brian Lucero; Branndon
Miles; Bill Rambo; Barbara Saxton; Brian Shelton; Bryan Still; Brian Willis; Bev Willison; Cathy Browning; Curt
Chandler; Tina Cook; Ceith Cullens; Chris Danninger; Chris Daugherty; Chris Flores; Craig Gardner; Clint
Hibbert; Cyndy Knighton; Carol Lumb; Charles Mael; Crystal McLean; Chuck Morris; Christy O'Flaherty; City
Prosecutor; Carnell Shinaul; Carolyn Simons; Cindy Wilkins; Chuck Woolley; Dana Almberg; Donald Ames;
Darrell Baskin; DCD -LINK LINK; David Cruz; Don Dart; Dee England; David Ewing; David Hauntz; Darren
Hawkins; David Haynes; David Heckelsmiffer; Deanna Hopper; Diane Jaber; Dave Johnson; Dawn Judkins; Dave
Larson; Donald Lincoln; Diann Martinez; Dan McCone; Dennis McOmber; David McPherson; Douglas Johnson;
Deforrest Phelps; Dale Rock; Derek Speck; Donald Tomaso; Evelyn Boykan; Eric DeVries; Eric Dreyer; Erika
Eddins; Eric Hines; Eric Lund; Erwin Mackie; Eric Murphy; Edward Rookstool; Frank Iriarte; Fleet Maintenance;
Greg Hansen; Gary Koutouvidis; Gail Labanara; Gary Leavitt; Gregory Lecompte; Gerald Myklebust; Gary Sacha;
Greg Villanueva; Henry Ancira; Ken Hernandez; Han Kirkland; Hoa Mai; John Borden; James Brooks; Jane
Cantu; Joel Curl; Juan Delgado; Jodi Denney; Jim Dunaway; John Dunn; Jeff Early; Joanna Fortenberry; Jon
Harrison; John Howat; Jeffrey Johnson; Jason Karwhite; James King; Jason Konieczka; James Lindsey; Jennifer
Marshall; Joe McCain; James Mitchell; Jim Morrow; Jeff Morton; Jeff Nichols; Jack Pace; John Perry; Jaimie
Reavis; Jeff Richards; Jim Schell; Jay Seese; Joanna Spencer; James Sturgill; Joyce Trantina; Joshua Vivet; Jack
Waller; Jason Wollan; Kenneth Beckman; Kraig Boyd; Kerry Carlson; Kory Custer; Ken Nelsen; Karen Fricke;
Kevin Fuhrer; Kim Gilman; Katherine Kertzman; Keith King; Kimberly Matej; Kevin Mathews; Kirstin May; Kelly
Narog; Ken Reed; Karen Sotace; Kathy Stetson; Kimberly Walden; Lani Chandler; Laurie Anderson; Lisa Goines;
Linda Grage; Larry Hann; Lily Jue; Lisa Lee; Loren McFarland; Lynn Miranda; Lavern Peterson; Lori Sutter; Lisa
Verner; Laurie Werle; Mario Intern; Moira Bradshaw; Mindy Breiner; Merle Brooks; Mark Crowley; Mike Cusick;
Matthew Czuleger; Minnie Dhaliwal; Mark Dunlap; Marius Francis; Matthew Gilbert; Martin Grisham; Melissa
Hart; Matt Hickey; Mark Howie; Maggie Lubov; Matt Ludwig; Mary Magno; Mike Marcum; Michael McCoy; Mary
Miotke; Mark Morales; Maria Morehouse; Mike Murphy; Malcolm Neely; Joshua Intern; Marty OBrien; Mike
Richardson; Martin Roberts; Mike Ronda; Michael Soss; Mike Villa; Norita Deckard; Nick Olives; Nathan
<rT�r wirn�c !l(1! 1'7/')(1!1'1
Page 1 of2-
Lynn Miranda Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
From: Mary Miotke
To: Lynn Miranda
Date: 09/13/2007 9:20 AM
Subject: Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
Iynn
thanks for asking!
here are my comments /observations:
1) priority reserved parking is given to commuter vans, leaving inadequate parking for the rest of us. at times,
we are unable to park within the designated lot and have to park outside or in the boeing property area.
suggestion: increased parking for general use or maybe reserved parking for city cars? (selfish, eh
2) there are 2 small shelters on each side of the tracks, but only one shelter on the southbound side has a
bench. there are no other benches along the stretch of platform, just a chain -link fence to lean on. i often
carry quite a bit of things with me and have often wished for a bench to sit on while waiting for a train,
especially in the afternoons after working all day. suggestion: benches situated along the entire length of the
platform.
3) smokers congregate along the entry way to the platform...at times the security guard is there smoking with
them. train riders have to walk through the cloud to access the platform. suggestion: a designated smoking
area away from the platform entrance...and enforced!
4) when the temperature falls, the platform is very slippery. they try to alleviate the problem by spreading
chemicals on the walkway, but the ice or frost doesn't melt quick enough and it is still hazardous when we arrive
on the morning trains. the conductors caution us as we leave the train, but we still see people slipping and
falling. suggestion: install non -skid surface or put chemicals on earlier.
5) the station looks dirty, especially with the aged and weather -worn (cheesy) "artwork" or attempt at
decoration. suggestion: cleanup cheesy artwork and add color!
6) all other stations have reader boards and announcements that say when the next train will arrive. at the
tukwila station, we have no due if the train will be on time or will arrive late. suggestion: install electronic
reader board where both north- and south -bound riders can see it or, alternatively, have the security guard be
more proactive in keeping riders informed of delays.
7) during the rainy /windy weather, because the platform is in the open and so high and unprotected, the winds
blows through often strong enough to turn umbrellas inside out. the 2 small shelters are inadequate to offer a
windbreak for all the people waiting, especially along the length of the train platform. suggestion: not sure of a
short-term solution, but maybe could have a more protected waiting area on lower ground, dose enough to get
quickly up the ramp to the train when it arrives. or maybe install windbreak panels along the platform that
would still allow visibility for security purposes?
again...thanks for asking! if i think of anything else, i will send it on. mm
From: Lynn Miranda
To: AII
Date: 09/12/2007 5:39 pm
Subject: Sounder commuter rail rider?
Hello,
If you are a commuter rail rider using the Tukwila Rail Station, we're looking for your comments:
Page 1 of 1
Lynn Miranda Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
From: Mike Marcum
To: Lynn Miranda
Date: 09/13/2007 11:11 AM
Subject: Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
There are 2 things I would like to mention
#1- Sound Transit has given priority parking to the Van Share's at the station giving them their own
spots. This is a Iittle ridiculous and makes everyone else have to park up and down the roads and walk
for a couple blocks just to get to the train. WE NEED MORE PARKING. Hopefully on the Tukwila
side of the tracks.
#2- The platform is DANGEROUS during the winter. The platform is extremely icy and the wind
whips through the station like a wind tunnel during the winter keeping it icy. It would be nice to have
some more shelter and maybe some extra seating.
On 09/12/2007 at 5:39 pm, in message <46E823DF.024C.00DB.0 @ci.tukwila.wa.us Lynn
Miranda wrote:
Hello,
If you are a commuter rail rider using the Tukwila Rail Station, we're looking for your comments:
Sound Transit is applying for an unclassified use permit to allow continuing operation of the
temporary station until a new station is constructed (they're requesting permit valid until 2012). If
you have any comments or suggestions on the station e.g., parking, facilities, amenities,
etc, please email/submit them in writing to me. The comment period closes Oct 4 5pm. Based
on the comments received, we can consider recommending improvements at the site as a condition
of the permit.
Thanks! Happy riding!
Lynn
Lynn Miranda, AICP
Senior Planner
City of Tukwila, WA
206.433.7162 (phone)
lmiranda @ci.tukwila.wa.us
206.431.3665 (fax)
Hours:
Mon/Tues 9:30 -6:30
Wed 9:30 -6:00
Fri 9:30 -2:30
Lynn Miranda Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
From: Kelly Narog
To: Lynn Miranda
Date: 09/13/2007 1:37 prn
Subject: ,Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
There seems to be enough parking, although during the I construction, all spaces were used.
The elevated area to wait for the train is much narrower than the permanent stations. People cannot line up to wait for the
train as they do at the permanent stations. If they did, they would be pushed onto the tracks. Because the elevated waiting
area is so narrow, it is much more dangerous than the permanent stations are.
Other than the fact that it is truly ugly as compared to the permanent stations, that's about all. I'm sorry that it is so long
before they intend to build a permanent station.
Lynn Miranda 9/12/2007 5:39 pm
Hello,
If you are a commuter rail rider using the Tukwila Rail Station, we're looking for your comments:
Sound Transit is applying for an unclassified use permit to allow continuing operation of the temporary station until a new station is
constructed (they're requesting permit valid until 2012). If you have any comments or suggestions on the station e.g., parking,
facilities, amenities, etc, please email /submit them in writing to me. The comment period closes Oct 4 5pm. Based on the
comments received, we can consider recommending improvements at the site as a condition of the permit.
Thanks! Happy riding!
Lynn
Lynn Miranda, AICP
Senior Planner
City of Tukwila, WA
206.433.7162 (phone)
ImirandaCalci.tukwila.wa.us
206.431.3665 (fax)
Hours:
Mon/Tues 9:30 -6:30
Wed 9:30 -6:00
Fri 9:30 -2:30
Page 1 of 1
Lynn Miranda Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
From: Derek Speck
To: Lynn Miranda
Date: 09/14/2007 2:16 PM
Subject: Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
Lynn,
I feel strongly that Sound Transit should make some signage or other improvements to let
riders know it is a temporary station. I have heard from a number of out of town riders who
didn't understand why the Tukwila Station was so unattractive compared to the other stations
and they thought it reflected poorly on Tukwila's image.
Thank you.
Lynn Miranda 9/12/2007 5:39:14 pm
Hello,
If you are a commuter rail rider using the Tukwila Rail Station, we're looking for your
comments:
Sound Transit is applying for an unclassified use permit to allow continuing operation of the
temporary station until a new station is constructed (they're requesting permit valid until
2012). If you have any comments or suggestions on the station e.g., parking, facilities,
amenities, etc, please email /submit them in writing to me. The comment period closes Oct 4
5pm. Based on the comments received, we can consider recommending improvements at
the site as a condition of the permit.
Thanks! Happy riding!
Lynn
Lynn Miranda, AICP
Senior Planner
City of Tukwila, WA
206.433.7162 (phone)
Imiranda @ci.tukwila.wa.us
206.431.3665 (fax)
Hours:
Mon/Tues 9:30 -6:30
Wed 9:30 -6:00
Fri 9:30 -2:30
Lynn Miranda Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
From: KeIIy Narog
To: Lynn Miranda
Date: 09/17/2007 10:37 am
Subject: Re: Sounder commuter rail rider?
The rain this morning reminded me that it is much more difficult in the winter. The stairs are slick when wet or icy. They
often use salt in the winter.
Lynn Miranda 9/17/2007 10:34 am
Thanks for your comments!
Lynn
Lynn Miranda, AICP
Senior Planner
City of Tukwila, WA
206.433.7162 (phone)
Imirandaeci.tukwila.wa.us
206.431.3665 (fax)
Hours:
Mon/Tues 9:30 -6:30
Wed 9:30 -6:00
Fri 9:30 -2 :30
Kelly Narog 09/13/2007 1:37 pm
There seems to be enough parking, although during the I -5 construction, all spaces were used.
The elevated area to wait for the train is much narrower than the permanent stations. People cannot line up to wait for the train as
they do at the permanent stations. If they did, they would be pushed onto the tracks. Because the elevated waiting area is so
narrow, it is much more dangerous than the permanent stations are.
Other than the fact that it is truly ugly as compared to the permanent stations, that's about all. I'm sorry that it is so long before
they intend to build a permanent station.
Lynn Miranda 9/12/2007 5:39 pm
Hello,
If you are a commuter rail rider using the Tukwila Rail Station, we're looking for your comments:
Sound Transit is applying for an unclassified use permit to allow continuing operation of the temporary station until a new station is
constructed (they're requesting permit valid until 2012). If you have any comments or suggestions on the station e.g., parking,
facilities, amenities, etc, please email /submit them in writing to me. The comment period closes Oct 4 5pm. Based on the
comments received, we can consider recommending improvements at the site as a condition of the permit.
Thanks! Happy riding!
Lynn
Lynn Miranda, AICP
Senior Planner
aty of Tukwila, WA
206.433.7162 (phone)
ImirandaCalci.tukwila.wa.us
206.431.3665 (fax)
Hours:
Mon/Tues 9:30 -6:30
Wed 9:30 -6:00
Fri 9:30 -2:30
ATTACHMENT E:
Sound Transit Letter RE: Temporary Station Enhancements
S OUNDTRANSIT BOARD CHAIR
John W. Ladenhurg
November 8, 2007 Pierce CounryExectrive
BOARD VICE CHAIRS
Lynn Miranda Connie Marshall
Department of Community Development Bellevue Councilmember
City of Tukwila Mark Olson
6300 Southcenter Boulevard Everett Councilmember
Tukwila, WA 98188
BOARD MEMBERS
Julie Anderson
Subject: Unclassified Use Permit Tacoma Councilmember
Sound Transit Tukwila Temporary Commuter Rail Station
Mary -Alyce Burgh
Kirkland Councilmember
Dear Ms. Miranda:
Fred Butler
We appreciate your thoughtful review of our application to renew the Unclassified Use Issaquah Deputy Council President
Permit (UUP) through 2012, and for the opportunity to meet with you over the past Dow Constantine
weeks to discuss our responses. Per our discussions, Sound Transit agrees to do the King County Councibnember
following to enhance the patron experience of the temporary station. All items will be Dave Enslow
constructed within the 2008. Sumner Mayor
Doug MacDonald
Slip- Resistant Surfaces: Install improved slip- resistant surfaces on "ramps" and stairs. Washington State Department
(This is the first priority for action this year.) of Transportation Secretary
Richard Marin
Artwork: Replace the existing artwork in coordination with the City Arts Council. Edmonds Councilmember
(This can start as soon as Sound Transit and City of Tukwila staff define the artist
selection and review process.) Richard McIver
Seattle Councilmember
Signage: A station sign will be installed in a manner not requiring the sign posts to be Greg Nickels
installed in buckets of concrete. An additional sign, location to be determined, will Seattle Mayor
inform the public as to the temporary nature of the station, provide the station address, Julia Patterson
provide an update on the status of the permanent station, invite them to participate in the King County Councilmember
design process, and provide contact information for emergencies or to be involved in the Larry Phillips
design of the permanent station. Chair, King County Council
Benches: Add two benches in southern, west side shelter. Aaron Reardon
Snohomish County Executive
Guard Shelter: Upgrade or replace the guard- shelter to provide view out of all sides. Ron Sims
King County Executive
Handrails: Install handrail on one side of each "ramp." Claudia Thomas
Lakewood Mayor
Emergency Call Box: Install new call box in a location determined by Sound Transit Pete Reichbauer
security. Vice Chair, King County Council
Parking: Sound Transit's priority for accommodating access to stations is: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
1. Pedestrian Joni Earl
2. Sounder commuter rail, Express bus, local transit, including paratransit services;
3. Accessible parking
4. Bicycle/Passenger drop -off
5. CarShare/VanShare and CarpoolfVanpool
6. Motorcycle /Scooter Private Shuttle/Taxi
7. Passenger vehicles (park- and -ride)
Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority Union Station 1
401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104-2826 Reception: (206) 398 -5000 FAX (206) 398 -5499 www.soundtransit.org
Consequently, Sound Transit is first exploring alternatives to providing new spaces for
single occupant vehicle. The Transportation Facilities Division has established System
Access Parking Committee to address parking issues along the Sounder corridor.
Tukwila is one of the priorities. To date, the committee has identified the following
opportunities to improve access to Sounder at the Tukwila station.
Sound Transit and KCIvletro will work to build on the existing 75 Vanshares at
the station carrying a registered ridership of 513 patrons. (This partnership
already saves hundreds of spaces.)
We will also strive for more efficient use of Vanshare through higher occupancy
and scheduling, and consolidating Vanshares to larger Para- transit vehicles.
Sound Transit could explore with Tukwila Public Works the potential for
temporary use pervious surfaces on our vacant site if accommodating single
occupant vehicle overflow parking is an option identified by the System Access
and Parking Committee group.
Sound Transit will provide the City of Tukwila an update on the outcome of the System
Access Parking Committee actions.
Meet with King County Metro: Sound Transit will expand our ongoing coordination
with Metro transit planners to include a meeting with Tukwila Public Works and
Department of Community Development staff to discuss short-term and long -term
coordination of transit to and from the temporary commuter rail station. Any change to
Metro service requires King County approval.
City Council Updates: Provide the updates twice a year. The updates will be scheduled
to coincide with Preliminary Engineering project milestone, and will include a summary
of maintenance that has occurred at the station and updates on ridership and service
changes.
Sound Transit strives to provide a high quality experience for its patrons at this temporary
facility. I hope this adequately summarizes the meetings and correspondence to date.
David Goldberg (206) 398 -5295 will be available to address any outstanding concerns of
the City of Tukwila while I am out of town next week. Additionally, we remain open to
you ideas on how we can jointly strive to provide a high quality experience for Sounder
patrons at this temporary facility.
Sinc� ii`
auI Cornish
Project Manager
CC: James Edwards, Division Director
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