Farmers Market concerned about Ballard Ave “missing link” option

Organizers of Ballard Farmers Market have expressed concern over one of the proposed options presented in SDOT’s recently released plans to complete the Burke-Gilman Trail.

To complete the much talked about Burke Gilman trail “missing link”, SDOT has proposed four possible routes including one that runs up Ballard Ave, that, if chosen, has the potential to have a devastating effect on the Ballard Farmers Market.

“If Ballard Avenue were to become the “missing link” route, the BG Trail would run through the Ballard Avenue Landmark District. It would directly impact the small businesses along Ballard Avenue and it would threaten the future of the Ballard Farmers Market, now in its 16th year,” writes Ballard Farmers Market organizers on their blog.

On Sunday, members of the market were petitioning for locals to have their say during the public comment period that is open through August 1 and “save Ballard Farmers Market”. Members of the Cascade Bicycle Coalition were also in attendance explaining the options to people.

SMFA staff will be spreading the word again this weekend at the market from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with pamphlets and postcards addressed to SDOT Director Scott Kubly to ensure all voices are heard.

SDOT published the SEPA Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link Project which started a 45-day comment period that ends on August 1.

The four alternatives (pictured below) are addressed in the study, in addition to some connecting segments that would make it possible to mix the alternatives.

SDOT is hosting two open houses on July 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and July 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Leif Erikson Hall (2245 NW 57th St) to hear public feedback about the options.

To give your feedback on the options attend one of the Open House events, email BGT_MissingLink_Info@seattle.gov or mail a letter to :

Scott Kubly, Director
Seattle Department of Transportation
c/o Mark Mazzola, Environmental Manager
P.O. Box 34996
Seattle, WA, 98124-4996

The My Ballard team has reached out to SDOT to confirm what effect the Ballard Ave missing link route would have on the future of Ballard Farmers Market and is yet to hear back.