March 26, 2008
Mayor Wants $75 Million for the Pike Place Market
Photo Courtesy of Seattlest Flickr Contributor, Kables
Yesterday, Mayor Greg Nickels announced his plan for a six-year, $75 million levy to renovate Seattle's historic Pike Place Market. If passed by voters, the money would go toward renovating the Market's bathrooms, electric, ventilation, and heating systems, as well as seismic upgrades and new elevators. The century-old Pike Place Market has not undergone major renovations since the 1970s.
Funding for the renovations would come from an increase in property taxes. If approved, the levy would cost the owner of a median-valued home in Seattle an extra $37 in taxes per year. If the City Council gives the okay, the measure will be put on November's ballot for Seattle voters to consider.
While our fair readers may disagree that local "landmarks" like Sunset Bowl and Archie McPhee's provide enough value to the community that they should be saved, we hope the value of the Market isn't up for debate.
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What is up for debate is whether or not the upgrades planned for the market are well thought out and if the merchants who will be affected the most are in favor.
Also, I don't think anyone is considering razing the market the way they are razing Sunset. No need to get all alarmist here.
Enough of this taxing residential property. Tax salmon!
Not technically an *extra* $37. The PI says:
Whether that parks levy also gets renewed is another question.
I don't even live in Seattle anymore (Kitsap represent!), but whether this goes through or not, I'll be donating more than $37 to the market, which is pretty much at the top of my list of things I love about this area.