Pedestrian Bridge to the Water
Artist's rendition of pedestrian bridge.
Description:
The basic idea is to have a pedestrian bridge down to the waterfront. In years past there were stairs I believe in at least two different places along the bluff,.Some people feel that with all the future development down on the water North Everett residents need a way to access the waterfront
Project Manager:
Open
Volunteers:
Edwin (Ed) Peterson: erpetersen2001@msn.com
Action Taken:
a.) We learned that Drew Nielson has been the bridge champion for a number of years now.
Next Steps:
1.) We need to meet to discuss this project in more depth.
Good Contacts:
Drew Neilson DNielsen@ci.everett.wa.us
Help Needed:
Links / Background:
I’ve been actively advocating a pedestrian connection from the neighborhood to the waterfront since about 1993. I did a lengthy presentation to the Northwest Neighborhood in 2005 or 2006 about the history and status of the project, including the Port Commission’s sudden killing of the project in 1994 when preliminary design work was done and the money was set aside and available.
At this point, we have succeeded in getting the connection on the official list of City capital projects. The cost is much higher now than when the Port killed it. Preliminary estimates are $3.5 million, and the City Engineer thinks that is likely too low, and that $5 million is more likely. The design work was limited to selecting the most suitable site (Grand Avenue Park) and preparing a preliminary design.
The connection is on the Parks Department strategic plan, but that entire list totals about $180 million. The City contemplated taking a parks bond measure to a public vote last November.
My own view is that the best chance for the project is to associate it with the Port Gardner Wharf development on the waterfront. One other possibility is that the upcoming reauthorization of the federal transportation bill might include money for pedestrian and bicycle projects. The availability of grant money could change the picture quickly. However, the likelihood, in light of the desire to stimulate the economy, is that shovel-ready projects will get the money. – Drew
Photos:
