MI Weekly 7/10/19 | Seafair Airshow | Commuter Parking Update | Hazard Mitigation Plan

In a revision to many years of past practice, the Washington State Department of Transportation has announced that it will NOT close the Interstate 90 floating bridge for any part of the annual Seafair Airshow, slated for August 1-4, 2019.

This new protocol will be accomplished by moving the airspace used by the US Navy's Blue Angels jets further south. The old flight path triggered closures mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration for public safety and to minimize driver distractions. This year's new flight path eliminates the need for a closure.

Even with normal operations on I-90 this year, there may be unexpected slowdowns across the bridge so drivers should be cautious. The Washington State Patrol will be conducting speed and distracted driving enforcement and reminds all drivers that it is illegal to park a vehicle in a lane or on the shoulder unless for an emergency.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to access the bridge's pathway for the duration of the flights, but it cannot be used for stopping and viewing the Blue Angels airshow overhead.

The schedule for the 2019 Seafair Airshow is as follows:

Thursday, Aug. 1: 11:00am-1:00pm; 2:30-3:30pm (Practice)
Friday, Aug. 2: 3:00-4:00pm
Saturday, Aug. 3: 3:00-4:00pm
Sunday, Aug. 4: 3:00-4:00pm

Update on Commuter Parking Proposals

A map of the two sites; click for more information
about the project proposed for the Tully's site.

In May of 2018, the City announced ( press release) the exploration of two potential public-private partnership projects, one at the former Freshy's Seafood Shack location and the other at the former Tully's Coffee, which could potentially provide up to 200 new stalls of commuter parking near the East Link light rail station (opening 2023). The current Park & Ride garage on North Mercer Way, operated by Sound Transit, is at capacity, and typically fills by 7:00am on weekday mornings.

After many months of due diligence period, the private developer for the potential project at the former Freshy's location determined that it could not obtain financing under the current terms of the agreement. The developer allowed the due diligence period to expire without waiving conditions, and as a result, the agreement with the City terminated.

At this time the City's focus remains on constructing a commuter parking facility as part of a mixed-use project proposed at the location of the former Tully's Coffee shop on SE 27th Street. In June 2019, the City Council approved a MOU with Mainstreet Property Group, laying the groundwork for a future Purchase and Sale Agreement, Development Agreement, and other related agreements. Learn more about this project from the City's Let's Talk public engagement site.

Comment on Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan


	Hazard mitigation project map; click to take our survey

The City of Mercer Island and King County are updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) for this community and are seeking resident input on proposed hazard mitigation projects.

City staff have identified 10 projects aimed at reducing or eliminating the loss of life and property damage resulting from potential natural and human-caused disasters. Please take a short online survey to help prioritize the list, or share your project ideas in the online comment section - feedback will be incorporated into the updated plan the City submits to King County.

Visit the new page on the City's public engagement site, Let's Talk, to learn more about the 2020 HMP Update.

Mercer Island Goes Green

Get Rid of That Old Fridge or Freezer


	Click to learn how you can get $25 plus free pickup and recycling

Did you know you can get paid to remove old appliances from your house? By using valuable rebates from the Island's electricity supplier, Puget Sound Energy, you can also become more energy efficient and lower your bills.

For example, if you have a working fridge or freezer made in 1992 or earlier, you can schedule a FREE pickup, and also receive a $25 rebate check! PSE will safely recycle it for you - learn more here.

For personalized advice, call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

For questions and comments on the MI Weekly, contact
Sustainability & Communications Manager Ross Freeman at

[email protected] or 206.275.7662.