Like many others, HistoryLink was shocked by news reports that development of the Seattle Art Museum’s proposed Olympic Sculpture Garden would necessitate demolition of the service barn for the Downtown Seattle Waterfront Streetcar and, thereby, shut down this popular transit service that has been running since 1982.

A final decision on this involves several jurisdictions and institutions: King County which operates the Waterfront Streetcar through King County Metro Transit; the City of Seattle, whose Department of Parks and Recreations owns the property occupied by the trolley barn; and, of course, the Seattle Art Museum, a non-profit organization.

HistoryLink urges concerned citizens to express their views on this matter. A standard letter is provided below, with a blank for your additional personal comment. We will collect your responses and distribute them to the addressees.

Thank you in advance for helping to Save Our Streetcar

-- Walt Crowley

The letter:

The Hon. Ron Sims, King County Executive
Hon. Members, Metropolitan King County Council

The Hon. Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle
Hon. Members, Seattle City Council

Ms. Mimi Gates, Director, Seattle Art Museum
SAM Board of Trustees

Dear Public Officials and SAM Leaders,

I was alarmed to read recent press reports that stated Seattle’s beloved Waterfront Streetcar would have to be closed to make way for the Seattle Art Museum’s planned Olympic Sculpture Garden. This would be a tragedy for the city and reflect poorly on SAM and any public officials who permitted it to happen.

The Waterfront Streetcar is not merely a wonderful recreation of Seattle’s history and a popular tourist attraction, it is a vital link in greater downtown Seattle’s transportation system. With the impending closure of the Downtown Transit Tunnel for conversion to light rail, it will become even more important.

I cannot accept that it is “necessary” to destroy this valuable and esteemed public asset to create a sculpture garden.

The late George Benson was the father of the Waterfront Streetcar, aided by hundreds of volunteers and citizen donors. Mr. Benson was an advocate of both “vintage” and modern rail transit in his long tenure as a member of the Seattle City Council and as chair of the former Metro Transit committee. Ironically, he was also one of the most reliable champions of public funding for the arts.

Creating a “choice” between Waterfront Streetcar and sculpture garden is a false dichotomy which can easily be resolved in a way that preserves both and honors the memory and legacy of one of Seattle’s most beloved public servants. We urge all parties to find a “win-win” solution quickly.

Sincerely,

To comment directly to public and SAM officials, use these Web or email links:

King County Executive Ron Sims
exec.sims@metrokc.gov

Metropolitan King County Council: http://www.metrokc.gov/mkcc/index.htm

Mayor Nickels: http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/citizen_response.htm

Seattle City Council: http://www.cityofseattle.net/council/councilcontact.htm

Seattle Art Museum:
PR@SeattleArtMuseum.org