Seattle’s Waterfront Local Improvement District (LID)

     On June 14^th the Seattle City Council finalized the Special Assessments for property owners in the downtown area for the new Waterfront Local Improvement District (LID).  The $174,380,000 million dollars will pay a portion of the overall cost of $737,000,000 for;

• Waterfront Promenade
• Waterfront Overlook Walk

• Pioneer Square Street Improvements

• Union Street Pedestrian Connection

• Pike/Pine Streetscape Improvements

• Waterfront Park

     Every landowner of vacant lots, office buildings, hotels, commercial buildings, apartment buildings, condominium buildings, etc., has a new Special Assessment owed to the City of Seattle for these improvements.  The City Council’s reasoning is these property owners will be the beneficiaries of the $174,380,000 improvements.  CLICK HERE to see what the Special Assessments are for each building/property owner.

     Please help me understand what the great benefits are to;

1. Youth Care (Homeless Shelter) at 1305 Denny Way for $3,134.

• Catholic Seamans Club at 2330 1^st Avenue for $6,661.

• Edward P., Unit owner at the Pomeroy Condominiums for $2,085.

• Mark H., Unit owner at the Florentine Condominiums for $3,851.

     In my opinion, the entire $737,000,000 should be paid for by Federal, State, County and City revenue.  Why is Youth Care paying for street improvements in Pioneer Square and the Pike/Pine Corridor?  Why are condo and business owners paying for the Waterfront Promenade?