City of Tacoma Washington sent this bulletin at 05/30/2024 10:44 AM PDT
Welcome to Summer!
With the passing of Memorial Day, I always feel like we have finally arrived at summer in the City of Destiny. This past Memorial Day was a special one for me as I was able to join the Tacoma Historical Society for their 17th annual Memorial Day Observance at War Memorial Park. While I have been in attendance many years, this year I was able to provide the welcome and reading of our city’s Memorial Day proclamation.
It is always a somber event, where we recognize those that have given their lives in defense of our country, but a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that many have made in order to ensure our freedoms in our country. As someone who is deeply patriotic, it reminds me of what makes our country special and what we must continue to fight to preserve.
Scenes from the City of Destiny
Pothole Palooza
Since I have joined the City Council, I have hated potholes. It is something that we have in every part of our city, and it is something I hear about from residents (and feel while driving) frequently. That is why I am excited for the start of Pothole Palooza!
During the week of June 3 through 7, the City’s Street Operations Division will be out for Pothole Palooza, featuring Phil the Pothole. Keep an eye on the City’s social media channels to get the latest updates on Pothole Palooza and learn more about how they are working to reduce the presence of Phil the Pothole on our city streets.
During Pothole Palooza, crews will focus on the maintenance and preservation of arterial roadways, which will have a large impact on the city. Crews have projects slated in each of the five council districts. Street Operations staff has planned this work prior to beginning the Tacoma Streets Initiative programs, which will continue through the summer.
You can also learn more by checking out the City’s Pothole Palooza webpage. Also, please continue to report potholes by contacting the Tacoma FIRST 311 Customer Support Center by dialing 311 within Tacoma city limits or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else. You can also visit: cityoftacoma.org/TacomaFIRST311. Help us send Phil the Pothole packing from our Tacoma streets!
Catching Up with Deputy Mayor Hines
Four Corners Conversation
The intersection of S. 19th Street and S. Mildred Street (often called the "Four Corners") is expected to see a lot of growth in future years. By 2041, Sound Transit plans to extend the Tacoma Link light rail to this intersection which will connect Tacoma Community College (TCC) to Sea-Tac International Airport and all the way up to Seattle and other King County cities. While these plans and associated development will bring exciting economic opportunities to the area, we also know that rapid growth and change can be hard on local businesses and residents.
A group of local partners, including Pierce Transit, TCC, the Tacoma Housing Authority, and the cities of Tacoma, University Place and Fircrest are coming together in 2024 to think through a vision and alternatives for equitable transit-oriented development in the area.
I will be sharing more information about this important planning work and more chances to get involved. In the meantime, please consider filling out this survey and sharing your hopes, vision, and concerns for the area: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/4CornersPC
Also, please share and encourage your neighbors to also take the time to complete the survey. As change comes to an area, it is important that everyone has a chance to be part of the conversation.
Kicking Off Proctor Blocks and Cushman-Adam Substation Public Outreach
As if there was not enough to look forward to this summer, I am excited to share that we are kicking off the new Proctor Blocks events and public outreach for the Cushman-Adams Substations Future Use Study.
As part of the booster grant for the Proctor Neighborhood Plan, the community shared an overwhelming amount of support for more open streets events and public gatherings. The Proctor Blocks event series is going to have incredible opportunities for everyone to get outside and enjoy family fun, food trucks, live entertainment, artisan and vintage goods, and so much more.
Along with Proctor Blocks, we are also looking forward to restarting the public outreach process on the Cushman-Adams Substations Future Use Study.
The public outreach process will begin on Saturday, June 22, at the Tacoma Public Library, Wheelock Branch, where you can join the City of Tacoma and consultant team Otak for a VISIONING workshop. There will be two sessions that day to choose from: 10:30 AM – 12 PM or 3 PM – 4:30 PM.
This opportunity will allow you to share your vision for the future of the Cushman and Adams Substations sites and buildings. You can also learn about the Future Use Study, discuss your ideas, and hear how community feedback will shape future scenarios.
Please be sure to check out cityoftacoma.org for City updates and resources and, as always, please feel free to share your thoughts and concerns with me directly at john.hines@cityoftacoma.org. You can also call me at (253) 312-5620 if you have questions.
I invite you to tune in to the City Council’s Study Session or Council meetings every week on Tuesdays via TV Tacoma, Facebook Live, or Zoom. Access information is available at cityoftacoma.org/councilmeetings.
Also, if you enjoy getting this newsletter and regular updates from me, please feel free to share it with others who you think might find it valuable and encourage them to subscribe.
