Pioneer Square businesses are suffering the impacts of a streetcar stuck in purgatory.
That’s just one way of looking at the delays associated with the Center City Connector, which has been held up by a Mayoral-led review into finances and problems with purchased cars. Mayor Jenny Durkan called for the review after it was revealed the project could be tens of millions over budget.
This week, her office acknowledged that review is taking longer than expected. Meanwhile, the construction on First Avenue between South Jackson Street and Yesler Way is continuing, leaving some business owners scratching their heads.
“There is some element of construction fatigue,” said Mike Klotz, the owner of Delicatus near the corner of First and Yesler.
His vibrant sandwich shop has been at the corner for eight years, but because of the summer construction, “We’re down, down on the year 12 percent.”
He says he’s been frustrated by the delays, which has included the construction outside his front door.
The work, which involves rerouting utility lines, was supposed to be done in July. The Seattle Department of Transportation now says that will take longer as well.
“We need to start justifying the money they’re spending and how they’re spending it,” he said, pointing at the construction.
He believes the City Council is partially to blame.
“That’s kind of their job. If it’s not, we need to look at how they’re managing these projects, because they’re not managing the way they should be,” Klotz said.
“They are more interested in making headlines, and leading the nation in policies, most of which I agree with, but when we have the problems we have on their watch, and they’re not managing them?” he continued.
He's not alone. The owner of Sovereign, a relatively new subterranean bar on First, closed his doors.
“Much of the financial hardship in Pioneer Square is directly linked to the construction,” Nathanial Bradford said in an email.
Councilmember Rob Johnson, who is a streetcar proponent, acknowledged he’s heard the complaints but said the utility work needed to happen with the Viaduct about the come down.
“We’re hopeful that technical work will give us a lot better data and information,” he said. “This streetcar has a lot of supporters, and for us that are supporters, it’s important to keep our eyes on the prize.”
The Center City Connector was designed to connect two existing streetcars in South Lake Union and First Hill.
Durkan’s office said Friday it does not have a timeline on when the study will be done or a decision made on the future of the project.
