Sound Transit's West Seattle Link Extension Project Sparks Business Relocation Challenges

The West Seattle Link Extension Project of Sound Transit has reportedly created difficulties for relocating businesses due to the limited number of suitable commercial spaces. Therefore, Sound Transit is now assuring that these businesses are successfully relocated before the commencement of the project.

(Photo : Pexels/David Dibert )

Businesses Affected by the Demolition

Last month, at an open house, a map of the West Seattle Link Extension revealed that Delridge Station will be situated directly above Ounces Taproom. As mentioned, a daycare and an adjacent plaza that houses Uptown Espresso would be demolished, in addition to the Mode Music Studios and Skylark Cafe, a well-known music venue located right next door. Laurel Trujillo, the owner of Ounces Taproom, expressed her dismay upon learning of the plans to demolish the property to make room for the light rail. Trujillo had worked diligently to get the establishment up and operating with a small but mighty crew.

Even though business owners claim Sound Transit has provided them with a relocation help package worth fifty thousand dollars, they claim the sum needs to be factored into the overall costs they will incur to relocate their companies. According to Erin Rubin, Founder and Managing Director of Mode Music and Performing Arts and proprietor of Mode Music Studios, moving 500 pupils and music teachers appears to be an intimidating obstacle after a difficult few years. Additionally, her pupils will reportedly no longer have access to the Skylark stage adjacent to them, which hosted performances for all ages.

However, the Sound Transit Board deliberated on a resolution regarding the early acquisition of 25 adjacent properties during the final week of March. Rubin insists that her company, Ounces Taproom, and Skylark Cafe should have been included in the list. In her presentations at the two most recent sessions of the Sound Transit Board, Rubin has advocated for the early acquisition of the property on which she runs her business and an evaluation of the procedures required to relocate. Moreover, she is requesting what she views to be an assessment of the impact on her company that has been long delayed.

At the March 28 meeting, certain board members voiced concerns about the need for a well-defined strategy for the light rail operation. According to Mayor Bruce Harrell, who is also a board member, the Office of Economic Development was receiving inquiries and apprehensions regarding the proposed West Seattle light rail project. To obtain clarification on the advantages that tenants will receive in the event that they are displaced, he contacted Faith Rowland, the director of real property for Sound Transit.

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Sound Transit Ensures Business Relocation

In November 2016, lawmakers approved expanding the regional transit system, which included the West Seattle Link Extension. Accordingly, this extension increased the amount of public transportation available in the region. The initiative to extend the light rail system has been in progress for a number of years.

Thus, the complete satisfaction of enterprises is the primary objective of Sound Transit during their relocation. The transfer of a business can be filled with a great deal of difficulty and complication, and their relocation team is reportedly ready to go the extra mile to assist throughout the process. They try to minimize disruptions while prioritizing the organization's specific requirements. In addition, the company searches for methods that will make it possible for the business to continue its activities with the least amount of stress and the highest possible efficiency level.

On the other hand, Sound Transit asserted that they were concluding their environmental assessment procedures before acquiring the site. The initiation of property acquisition is anticipated to transpire in the latter part of 2024, with an approximate duration of two years.

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