Upcoming summer block party to raise awareness for pedestrian safety at NW 70th St and 8th Ave NW

Next month, the Ballard-Fremont Greenways group is hosting a free block party to raise awareness of unsafe conditions at the intersection of NW 70th St and 8th Ave NW.

Eric Johnson from the Ballard-Fremont Greenways tells My Ballard that the intersection is home to several pedestrian/vehicle near-misses. He said they hope the block party will spur the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) into action to create new safety features at the intersection.

NW 70th St is a popular destination for many folks in Ballard: It’s home to over 20 small businesses. Local students also use it to travel to and from school.

The block party is planned for June 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most of the businesses along the NW 70th St corridor will be in attendance, including Take 5 Urban Market, which recently closed after a gas explosion. The Take 5 owners will be on site with an outdoor barbecue to raise funds for their rebuild.

Other businesses, such as  PortalisRosillini’s BakeryTarascoTangerine ThaiDelancyFrankie & JosEditor Consignment, will be offering day-of specials. All purchases at participating businesses act as entries into a cash-prize raffle (1st: $250, 2nd: $150, 3rd: $100).

The Ballard-Fremont Greenways group also launched an online survey to gather data about how residents and visitors use the intersection. Filling out the survey will also count as entering the raffle.

There will be live music from 2 to 6 p.m. by Woods Creek Band. The raffle winners will be announced at 5 p.m.

If you want to contribute to the block party in any way, you can contact Johnson at ericjohnson@gmail.com.