Vote "No" on Measure 2

Vote No on Measure 2

From http://noelevated.org/


Measure 2 on Seattle's March 13 special election ballot presents a disastrously flawed option for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Its new elevated viaduct option would be:

* Bigger — up to 226% larger than the current one
* Noisier — louder traffic noise on our waterfront
* Uglier — 50% more of our downtown in shadow

Don't let this plan even get off the ground
For more than 50 years, the Alaskan Way Viaduct has put a wall between the city and the waterfront.

That used to be a good thing. At the time, the waterfront was a dirty and dangerous place, and it made sense for Seattleites to drive above it.

Since the 1950s, however, most of the shipping terminals have moved south and opened up space and views that had never been appreciated before. Parks and museums are growing where there was once only industrial activity, and people come from all over the world to enjoy our city, the Sound, and the mountains.

And right in the heart of that experience is a noisy, dirty, crumbling freeway

Bring back Seattle's waterfront
Taking the viaduct off the waterfront and returning the City's waterfront to public use is a great gift to future generations.

It will also help our economy and environment. Today Seattle's waterfront businesses are shops, restaurants and tourism, and an inviting waterfront will help bring people and jobs to Seattle and surrounding areas. More downtown green space will also encourage residents to live downtown and reduce sprawl.

We're not the first city to face this challenge. Port cities all over the globe, including San Francisco, Baltimore and Barcelona, are tearing down their elevated freeways, rediscovering their waterfronts and finding new sources of revenue and jobs.

Bigger. Noisier. Uglier. And more of downtown in permanent shadow.
There's no hope of building a better viaduct. Because of earthquake and other safety requirements, a new elevated highway will be much bigger and much wider than the existing viaduct— at least fifty percent wider with shoulders and walls that will even take away the stunning view enjoyed by motorists. This huge new double-decker highway will permanently place even more of the downtown waterfront in shadow.

We know how urgent problems can force hasty solutions. There is no doubt that the Alaskan Way Viaduct must be torn down, and soon. But if we rebuild the elevated structure, we lose so much: priceless open space, the opportunity to improve the environment of Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, and the economic benefits of a world-class waterfront.

Vote NO on Measure 2
There are alternative ways to handle our transportation needs without building a bigger, noisier viaduct on our waterfront. For economic, environmental, and quality of life reasons, vote NO on Advisory Ballot Measure Number 2, say NO to another elevated viaduct.