It's Summer in Ballard!
Join in the Fun!

   Tuesdays In Ballard

    Every Tuesday from now until
    August 31, you find great specials
    and events happening in Ballard.
    Find out what's new. 
 

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

In addition to the lush, green Carl S. English Botanical Gardens, the fish ladder and the "parade" of boats, the Ballard Locks offers weekend events all summer long, including the
beloved Sunday music concerts.
 

   Ballard Farmers' Market

   Summer is bountiful at the
   Market! Get your pick of the
   crop and enjoy music, arts &
   crafts and Ballard's wonderful
   community flavor.

Comments on Recent
Burke-Gilman Trail Appeal Ruling

As a business advocacy group, the health of Ballard’s entire business community is the Ballard Chamber’s primary concern. Unlike many other neighborhood Chambers in Seattle, our membership is vastly diverse, as is the Ballard business community. Advocating for businesses as large as Trident Seafoods and Swedish Medical Center, to those conducted from home offices, requires a careful balance.

The Chamber’s recent involvement in a controversial appeal with other business advocacy groups, including the North Seattle Industrial Association and the Seattle Maritime Coalition, is as much a part of our mission, as is the monthly production of the Second Saturday ArtWalk. Both represent the Chamber’s efforts to promote and protect Ballard’s economy.

On April 16, 2010, King County Superior Court Judge Jim Rogers ruled on the appeal submitted by a number of Ballard business entities over the determination of non-significance with regard to further construction of the Burke Gilman Trail. Though Rogers’ ruling stated that past studies were adequate, it also called for further environmental study of the remaining trail section before any further construction can be undertaken. This will hopefully help address some of the concerns and potential impacts.

In recent years, Ballard Chamber members have participated in many study groups and projects designed to encourage alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle. In 2006, for example, the Chamber managed the Ballard In Motionproject in partnership with METRO. Chamber leaders are currently meeting as part of a stakeholders group that is working to improve service and ridership along the #44 bus corridor. We will continue to advocate for transportation solutions for the benefit of business owners, their employees and area residents. Monitoring work on the SEPA checklist for the trail will be part of these efforts.

With the completion of this study, concerned parties will have all the accurate and up-to-date information that is necessary for the creation of a trail solution that will serve the Ballard business community, local residents and cycling enthusiasts. Accurately identifying potential impacts and identifying steps to mitigate adverse impacts, including those of an economic nature, have long been the Chamber’s goals.

The Ballard Chamber hopes that this ruling and the resulting study will put all the facts on the table in an open and objective fashion, ultimately facilitating a solution whereby all Ballardians can benefit from a bicycle trail and none will be unduly harmed.

Ballard Chamber Board
Statement Regarding Appeal

After recent review, consulation, and discussion, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to join the Ballard industrial entities in their suit to overturn the recent decision made by the City's Hearing Examiner in the matter of the Burke-Gilman Trail.

The Ballard Chamber, as a participant in neighborhood planning since the late 1990s, has been supportive of a bicycle trail. We continue this support. 

After reviewing the appeal proceedings, it is our belief that the studies completed and the information provided by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) do not fully and accurately represent the conditions in the area of study. We do not believe the City has done its due diligence.

The Ballard Chamber of Commerce Board is of the opinion that the City needs to conduct a SEPA review. The same requirements made of any other business before beginning a major construction project should be applied equally to SDOT.

As a business advocacy group, it is our duty to ascertain the potential economic impacts on our vital Ballard businesses. The fishing industry alone, of which this community plays an important role, brings $2 billion into the area annually.

While the issues and concerns of the various entities filing the suit are both similar and unique, the Chamber’s goal continues to be the completion of the SEPA review and the studies it requires. With this, all concerned parties will have the information needed to create a trail that will serve both the Ballard business community and cycling enthusiasts.