Dear neighbor,

For the past six months, residents and representatives of several organizations in the University District have been meeting to discuss the need for a coordinated plan for light rail station access at the U District Station. The new station at 43rd and Brooklyn will open in 2021, and now is the time to think about how people will safely and efficiently access the station.

We would like to invite you to attend our station access walking tour on Thursday, September 7th from 4:30-6:00pm. 

The walking tour will begin at the plaza just south of UW Tower and will lead participants through the neighborhood, on foot, and stop at several locations to discuss current conditions that will impact those using the station. At each location, members of the group will share a bit about the challenges and opportunities to access the station for people coming on foot, by bike, by bus, or by other modes of transportation. When the walking tour concludes there will be an opportunity to discuss observations and how a comprehensive plan about station access would benefit the area.

The U District is the second largest business district in Seattle, and is a complex area for pedestrians, bikers, and buses. This walking tour will be the first event in creating a unified vision for access to the new station. We are hoping to bring awareness to the area and the need for a plan focused on increasing accessibility and safety in the area surrounding the station. There will be time to discuss these access issues, as well as our ideas for community engagement and moving forward with creating a plan.

As a key stakeholder about mobility, this area, or both, we hope that you or others you refer will be able to attend this event. This walking tour will kick-off creating a vision for an easily accessible light rail station so you can learn more and share your perspective and that of your organization.

Come join the conversation about station access in the U District. This is a public event, so please share this information with anyone you think might be interested. Please RSVP if you are able to make it.

This event is hosted by residents of the University District, U District Advocates, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, University Park Community Club, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, and the U District Partnership.