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The Urbanist
@UrbanistOrg
Ok starting this thread over since we're finally getting to the Center City Connector streetcar. SDOT Director Goran Sparrman is starting with his prepared remarks. Because of $23 million budget shortfall he calls it a "prudent pause." #SeattleStreetcar
theurbanist.org
Mayor Durkan Halts Work on Center City Streetcar Amid Budget Worries
In a surprise move, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan halted construction work on the Center City Connector streetcar today. She cited rising costs and an error estimating the cost of streetcar vehicles t…
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The Urbanist
@UrbanistOrg
City Budget Director Ben Noble said the delay on streetcar work could last up to six months but wants review to be quick so Council/Mayor can make decision. Work so far has been on First Avenue water main, which needs to happen regardless of streetcar.
theurbanist.org
Streetcar Coming to Downtown Seattle Streets, Construction Starts In January
The long-awaited Center City Connector is finally moving forward to construction. The 1.25-mile streetcar project in Downtown Seattle will get underway in January with early construction. As the na…
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The Urbanist
@UrbanistOrg
CM Juarez asked when SDOT knew streetcar costs were inaccurate and Director Sparrman indicated they can't quite answer yet due to on-going investigation and legal ramifications.
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The Urbanist
@UrbanistOrg
City Attorney Pete Holmes added the council will get the when did you know question answered in executive session (without camera rolling and live tweeters). The public will have to wait for the time being.
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The Urbanist
@UrbanistOrg
A handout indicates a potential revised schedule with the Center City Connector opening March 2021. The cost of delay is estimated between $9.9M and $13.6M. Unclear how delaying to get costs under control saves money given cost escalation. #SeattleSteeetcar
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The Urbanist
@UrbanistOrg
CM Bagshaw wants to scenario with and without streetcar for moving people Downtown. She rhetorically asked if conditions have changed in eight years given arena expansion at Seattle Center (rather than SODO) and Lander St Overpass.
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The Urbanist
@UrbanistOrg
Sparrman characterized streetcar project management as poor and said some SDOT staff have been reassigned but declined to say who, including in a follow up that asked pointblank if Transit and Mobility Director Andrew Glass-Hastings had been reassigned. #SeattleStreetcar
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