But the amendment introduced by Rivera as a “walk on” Thursday could add time and expense, adding a whole new framework around community engagement when it comes to Sound Transit permitting specifically.
It would require Sound Transit to submit a Community Outreach Plan (COP) before even being able to submit a permit application, of which dozens are expected. According to the text, which as of Friday morning still had not been posted to the council’s website, the COP “shall include a list of residents, businesses, and other impacted stakeholders anticipated to be targeted for public outreach; methods of communication (including print, digital, and in person); purpose and objectives for the outreach; and project information anticipated to be shared during the outreach.”
When submitting each permit application, Sound Transit would be required to document compliance with that plan, “including a list of community members and stakeholders contacted; how community feedback was incorporated; and, as applicable, an explanation of why feedback was not incorporated.” Finally, the City of Seattle would need to “summarize the outreach and explain how the decision addresses public comment, where feasible” when issuing a permit decision.
That’s not all. It would also require that the city ask for a construction management plan from Sound Transit, rather than simply allowing the city to request one where it’s warranted, and stipulate that plan should incorporate public comment incorporated by the Community Outreach Plan. It also requires that the Director of the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) specifically broadcast the fact that a permit can be appealed to King County Superior Court, a process that could delay permit issuance even further.
