Feedback Needed for Proposed Changes on North 21 Street

Potential traffic management plans being considered by the Tacoma City Council may impact traffic flow around Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School.

“As with any major project, we have an obligation to gather community input to make informed decisions. I especially want to hear from the people whose daily lives will be affected,” said Conor McCarthy, Tacoma City Council Member, District 7.

Read the following letter from Conor McCarthy, Tacoma City Council Member District 7:

Replacing Lattice Towers and Transmission Lines Impacts Ability to Reconfiguring North 21 Street

In 2018, Tacoma Power will replace the 16 lattice towers and transmission lines located in the median of North 21st Street between North Adams and North Highland streets. The location of the new towers will impact the City’s future ability to reconfigure North 21st Street. Therefore, while the street project is not currently funded, certain street design components must be decided at this time, in order to determine placement of the new Tacoma Power towers.

Two Redesign Proposals Are Being Considered

To help make a decision, conceptual street redesign options have been proposed. At this time, there are two design proposals which are being strongly considered. Both proposals will reduce the street from 4 to 2 automobile lanes, with the “Hybrid” option maintaining flexibility for 3 automobile lanes in the future. Both options include new sidewalks, turn-lanes, bike-lanes, and streetscape improvements. And either choice will improve safety for crossing the street.

The Redesigns First Goal is Safety

I am excited, because this project will ultimately make North 21st Street safer for my kids, your kids, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Additionally, the street scape improvements will beautify this primary transportation corridor through our City.

Your Feedback is Needed

In making this decision, it is important that we take into account the demands of our growing City and the transportation needs of all our residents, both now and in the future. At this point, I am inclined to adopt the Hybrid option which preserves long term flexibility for our growing community, while increasing safety for students and pedestrians. That being said, I would like your feedback and insight in making my decision. Your feedback ensures I make the most informed decision possible.

Opportuntities to Have Your Voice Heard

In addition to providing feedback through an online survey or email, citizens can learn more at our City Council Study Session at 12:00 P.M. on December 6, 2016  at 733 St. Helens St., Rm. 16, and/or provide comment at the City Council meeting on December 13, 2016, 5:00 P.M., Tacoma Municipal Building, 1st Floor, Council Chambers, 747 Market Street.

Gratitude

I am deeply honored that the residents of Tacoma have entrusted me to be their voice. If you would like additional information or want to speak with me directly, please let me know. Thank you for everything you and the families at Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School do to help students and make our community a better place.