Seattle Waterfront - Viaduct Debate Aug 18th 7:30 PM

From Cary at Peoples Waterfront Coalition:

The Great Viaduct Debate:
Do we even need to replace it?

When: Wednesday, August 18, 7:30-9:00 PM

Where: Town Hall Center for Civic Life, 8th and Seneca (downstairs -- enter on Seneca) Doors open 7 PM, admission is $5 at the door.

What: The state and city are deciding the future of Seattle’s waterfront for generations to come. In considering that future the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has examined five options for replacing the vehicle trip capacity of the central waterfront section of Highway 99 (the Alaskan Way Viaduct). Many believe that a viable sixth option has been left out of the debate -- demolition of the viaduct and replacing the lost capacity with improvements to the larger road network and transit systems. This is the choice other cities have made when faced with the same challenge. Should this controversial option be added to the state's studies for the Viaduct, before they commit to a final decision in September?

The evening's moderator will lay out the possibilities, and a panel of experts will debate the topic: Gordon Price, former City Councillor for the city of Vancouver, BC, and Clark Williams-Derry, research director of Northwest Environment Watch, will argue for the proposed sixth alternative, and Doug MacDonald, Washington State Secretary of Transportation, and Paige Miller, Port Commissioner, will argue against. Glenn Pascall, Public Policy Consultant and Regional Economist, will be the moderator. Questions will be taken from the audience. Closing remarks will be offered by Gary Lawrence of Ove Arup and Partners.

Who: Sponsored by Town Hall Center for Civic Life, Northwest Environment Watch, 1000 Friends of Washington, Seattle City Council, Transportation Choices Coalition, and the People's Waterfront Coalition.

Directions, Information: Town Hall is located at 1119 Eighth Avenue, at Seneca Street. For directions and a map, visit www.townhallseattle.org. Questions call 206.652.4255 or email info@townhallseattle.org.