Highway 99 cuts our neighborhood in two
The highway divides us, makes it hard to get around, and causes asthma and many other health problems—especially for our children.
What if we reclaimed the land?
What if we were to close this segment of 99 and reclaim 40 acres of land for affordable housing, community owned businesses, parks and amenities that serve the people of South Park?
It might be possible!
This portion of 99 is underutilized
There are many alternative routes!
We need more housing, space for youth, and local businesses.
The economic and environmental benefits make this a compelling idea.
Reconnect South Park Advisory Convening Committee Meetings
Meeting Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Where’s this Highway Anyway?
The biggest question we get is “How will I get to the airport?” Yes! you can still get to the airport, because that is highway 509. The portion we are referring to is this small segment of 99 that was demoted to a State Highway merely 6 years after its construction because it is, in fact, so irrelevant.
When will the South Park community be able to provide input?
The City is currently working on a competitive process to select the contractor who will facilitate the community input and envisioning process and has formed a selection committee. Once the contract is finalized, the selected contractor will begin a two year process of community organizing and facilitate countless opportunities for community input. The goal of the contract is that the South Park Community as a whole is able to inform this initiative.
Is the highway definitely being removed?
Not necessarily. While the goal of Reconnect South Park is highway removal, WA State approved a feasibility study that will consider several alternatives such as rerouting and removal. This feasibility study will inform the community’s and government’s decision making.
Wouldn’t removing the highway increase traffic in South Park?
Not necessarily. Preliminary traffic counts indicate that the volume of traffic in this section of SR-99 wouldn’t overwhelm neighboring 509 and I-5. In addition, most traffic in this portion of SR-99 is pass-through. That said, the feasibility study will include an in-depth look at how decommissioning would affect traffic inside and around the neighborhood. Our goal is the wellbeing of South Park residents.
