(Image: Blu Water Bistro)
A wave of community feedback in defense of neighborhood businesses has convinced the city to shift its construction plans for the Leschi South Marina.
The Leschi Market announced the capitulations this week after neighbors sent hundreds of emails to the city over what the market and nearby businesses like Blu Water Bistro said was a poorly communicated and orchestrated start of construction on the $7.9 million project.
“Because of this community, the City received over 900 emails regarding the impact on Leschi Market and surrounding businesses,” an update from the market reads. “That kind of response is truly incredible, and it made a real difference. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to speak up.”
According to the market, the long-planned Seattle Parks construction project suddenly took shape without notice, blocking parking and access to the businesses. The city responded to the outcry by directing contractors to shift work to a portion of the parking lot and postponing the start of significant construction until August, according to the update. Officials will meet with area businesses to discuss ways to maintain access during the construction.
Market owner Yousef Shulman also thanked Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth for helping.
The major project is a significant undertaking with plans to remove the existing timber pier and floating dock, “which are supported by creosote-treated piles and are nearing the end of their useful life.” The existing pipe pile breakwater, which the city says does not “adequately protect the marina from wave action,” will also be removed.
A new breakwater with a boat sewage pump-out facility, and boat moorage with public access will be floated with benches and a kayak rack. The marina currently has no transient moorage or pump-out facility and is not accessible.
As part of the project, divers have are also removing trash from the area as well as the creosote timber.
The plan had called for the start of on-land construction this spring followed by water work starting this winter.
You can learn more about the project and updates at seattle.gov.
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