http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6870+Woodlawn+Ave…

It is twice the size. An impact study of the new SHOULD try to understand not just vehicular traffic that is pushed out, but vehicular traffic that is drawn in. Presumably there will be some of that. There should also be a very clear understanding of the pedestrian impact, especially down to the lake, of something this size. That traffic would most likely pass right through the intersection of NE 71st St and East Green Lake Dr. N. – an intersection that already experiences significant backups as people and autos compete for the space. Presumably, once the condos and retail stores that surround this area are filled, this will only worsen.

The point is, regardless of what goes into the ground, we should try to have as clear an understanding as possible what the impact will be. Historically, the city has often fallen short in this regard.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6870+Woodlawn+Ave…

It is twice the size. An impact study of the new SHOULD try to understand not just vehicular traffic that is pushed out, but vehicular traffic that is drawn in. Presumably there will be some of that. There should also be a very clear understanding of the pedestrian impact, especially down to the lake, of something this size. That traffic would most likely pass right through the intersection of NE 71st St and East Green Lake Dr. N. – an intersection that already experiences significant backups as people and autos compete for the space. Presumably, once the condos and retail stores that surround this area are filled, this will only worsen.

The point is, regardless of what goes into the ground, we should try to have as clear an understanding as possible what the impact will be. Historically, the city has often fallen short in this regard.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6870+Woodlawn+Ave…

One has to ask what the impact of something that size re:traffic would be on the nearby arterials. That main intersection at NE 71st Street and East Green Lake Drive N. – which has been ground zero for development at the lake – is now a congested mess as the lake becomes the go-to spot on nice days. There are extended backups here and at other primary intersections around the lake (one a third of a mile long at the Wallingford Ave N./East Green Lake Drive N. intersection just recently) where none use to exist. This creates a dangerous brew of pedestrians and autos AND exhaust. The latter exists in a corridor all along these busy roads. The safety/health/environmental impact of these issues require greater scrutiny than the city presently gives them.