Dear City Representatives and Councilpersons,
We wanted to contact you as concerned business owners and community members of Pioneer Square, a historic and vibrant district within District 1. Rob Saka's mission statement emphasized the importance of common sense and thoughtful deliberation in legislation, alongside a commitment to improving public safety, ending homelessness, building affordable housing, and enhancing public infrastructure. While your words are encouraging, the reality we face in Pioneer Square starkly contrasts with the vision he has laid out.
Our community, comprised of retail businesses, restaurants, and the oldest areas of art and culture in Seattle, represents the gateway to our city. Most of us opened our businesses here one year or more ago, drawn by the area's rich history and immense potential. Like many others, Pioneer Square has the makings of a true gem for Seattle. However, we increasingly find this potential overshadowed by insurmountable challenges without a promise of support.
Despite said commitment to community-based solutions and addressing the underlying causes of our city's issues, we, the entrepreneurs and family businesses of Pioneer Square, are left feeling ignored and unsupported. We are not just waiting for change anymore. We are actively and passionately coming together, meeting regularly, and strategizing how to effect the change promised. We understand and empathize with the broader challenges. However, Pioneer Square is ignored, and left to fend for itself as we strive to revitalize this district.
Pioneer Square has and continues to face a perception problem; Pioneer Square is seen as a pass-through rather than a destination. The current plans to transform our historic art district into a transit depot exacerbate this, threatening to undo our progress and resilience, especially in the wake of the pandemic. We are steadfast and resilient, but we cannot continue to shoulder this burden and allow the city to ignore the detrimental impact of its overreach.
Councilmen Saka, you must begin to provide the tangible support and leadership needed to help us reenvision and revitalize Pioneer Square. We need actions, not just words, to address the issues plaguing our district and turn it into the vibrant, thriving area it has the potential to be. The community is not just galvanizing; different industries are coming together, and we will ensure our community's collective voice is no longer ignored and our needs addressed. We are here to thrive, not just survive.
As Chair of the Transporation Committee, Mr. Saka, we ask that you honor your commitments and work with us to transform Pioneer Square into a destination that all District 1 residents and business owners can be proud of - not a bus depot to serve FIFA plans for the 2026 World Cup, i.e. Fédération Internationale de Football Association, International Federation of Association Football.
We would greatly appreciate your immediate attention and action on this matter. The community is tired. It's time for real change and genuine support for Pioneer Square.
Updates
June 21, 2024
I truly never imagined that so many of you felt this same frustration regarding our neighborhood. It is overwhelming to see this kind of momentum building because of the time and energy you have all put in.
Reached 100 supporters
June 21, 2024
46 Comments
I have been in business in Pioneer Square since 2009. These routing and bus layover changes will put my business completely over the edge. It’s time we get the actual recognition as a neighborhood that we deserve and have worked so hard to accomplish.
This is an ill-conceived and out dated plan that will transform the historic heart of our city into a transit hub while killing small businesses and livelihoods that depend on them.
On top of this neglect of the Pioneer Square area, my bus to Tacoma no longer has a bus stop in Pioneer Square! Statistics show that art community concentrations, like this area, generate significant revenue from the local restaurants and businesses. Please restore this neighborhood to its former glory.
This proposal did not have sufficient input by the folks that it will impact. Many were unaware until recently. It is already super difficult to unload or pick up work at the galleries there. The proposed changes will make that an impossibility.
We ask that you work with ALL 3rd Ave stakeholders, including UGM, to maintain the footprint of 3rd Ave S, not narrow it. Until such time we demand you halt the 3rd Ave S and S. Main Bus Stop project.
Anything to improve this neighborhood
Your bus plan is highly flawed. You can do better than this!
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Dear City Representatives and Councilpersons,
We wanted to contact you as concerned business owners and community members of Pioneer Square, a historic and vibrant district within District 1. Rob Saka's mission statement emphasized the importance of common sense and thoughtful deliberation in legislation, alongside a commitment to improving public safety, ending homelessness, building affordable housing, and enhancing public infrastructure. While your words are encouraging, the reality we face in Pioneer Square starkly contrasts with the vision he has laid out.
Our community, comprised of retail businesses, restaurants, and the oldest areas of art and culture in Seattle, represents the gateway to our city. Most of us opened our businesses here one year or more ago, drawn by the area's rich history and immense potential. Like many others, Pioneer Square has the makings of a true gem for Seattle. However, we increasingly find this potential overshadowed by insurmountable challenges without a promise of support.
Despite said commitment to community-based solutions and addressing the underlying causes of our city's issues, we, the entrepreneurs and family businesses of Pioneer Square, are left feeling ignored and unsupported. We are not just waiting for change anymore. We are actively and passionately coming together, meeting regularly, and strategizing how to effect the change promised. We understand and empathize with the broader challenges. However, Pioneer Square is ignored, and left to fend for itself as we strive to revitalize this district.
Pioneer Square has and continues to face a perception problem; Pioneer Square is seen as a pass-through rather than a destination. The current plans to transform our historic art district into a transit depot exacerbate this, threatening to undo our progress and resilience, especially in the wake of the pandemic. We are steadfast and resilient, but we cannot continue to shoulder this burden and allow the city to ignore the detrimental impact of its overreach.
Councilmen Saka, you must begin to provide the tangible support and leadership needed to help us reenvision and revitalize Pioneer Square. We need actions, not just words, to address the issues plaguing our district and turn it into the vibrant, thriving area it has the potential to be. The community is not just galvanizing; different industries are coming together, and we will ensure our community's collective voice is no longer ignored and our needs addressed. We are here to thrive, not just survive.
As Chair of the Transporation Committee, Mr. Saka, we ask that you honor your commitments and work with us to transform Pioneer Square into a destination that all District 1 residents and business owners can be proud of - not a bus depot to serve FIFA plans for the 2026 World Cup, i.e. Fédération Internationale de Football Association, International Federation of Association Football.
We would greatly appreciate your immediate attention and action on this matter. The community is tired. It's time for real change and genuine support for Pioneer Square.
Updates
June 21, 2024
I truly never imagined that so many of you felt this same frustration regarding our neighborhood. It is overwhelming to see this kind of momentum building because of the time and energy you have all put in.
Reached 100 supporters
June 21, 2024
46 Comments
We need action by city’s lead. Plan for three years Action completion date How we achieve it. Where we bring the money from? Who in charge of each task? Plan -Do- Review If no help, we will die with big financial loss which is a waste for Pioneer Square.
I have been in business in Pioneer Square since 2009. These routing and bus layover changes will put my business completely over the edge. It’s time we get the actual recognition as a neighborhood that we deserve and have worked so hard to accomplish.
This is an ill-conceived and out dated plan that will transform the historic heart of our city into a transit hub while killing small businesses and livelihoods that depend on them.
On top of this neglect of the Pioneer Square area, my bus to Tacoma no longer has a bus stop in Pioneer Square! Statistics show that art community concentrations, like this area, generate significant revenue from the local restaurants and businesses. Please restore this neighborhood to its former glory.
This proposal did not have sufficient input by the folks that it will impact. Many were unaware until recently. It is already super difficult to unload or pick up work at the galleries there. The proposed changes will make that an impossibility.
We ask that you work with ALL 3rd Ave stakeholders, including UGM, to maintain the footprint of 3rd Ave S, not narrow it. Until such time we demand you halt the 3rd Ave S and S. Main Bus Stop project.
Anything to improve this neighborhood
Your bus plan is highly flawed. You can do better than this!
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We need action by city’s lead. Plan for three years Action completion date How we achieve it. Where we bring the money from? Who in charge of each task? Plan -Do- Review If no help, we will die with big financial loss which is a waste for Pioneer Square.