Biotechnology hub to rise in South Lake Union

SEATTLE—Mayor Greg Nickels Monday unveiled his South Lake Union Action Agenda to build a biotechnology hub in the area, create thousands of news jobs and fuel growth in the city’s economy.

"There has never been a better time to seize the moment in South Lake Union. We’re putting the pieces in place to attract more biotechnology firms and high-paying jobs to our city," Nickels said. "We’re also working to create new open space and improve transportation and neighborhood amenities."

Nickels’ South Lake Union Action Agenda goals include attracting biotechnology jobs by:

• Using the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute and ZymoGenetics as anchors;

• Developing neighborhood amenities;

• Updating the building code to accommodate unique needs of biotech facilities;

• Collaborating with industry to support biotechnology growth.

"South Lake Union will be home to thousands of good-paying jobs in biotechnology and life sciences, employing people who will cure disease and save lives," Nickels said. "Cities around the world would love to have these jobs. Let’s work to create them here."

Nickels’s agenda includes fixing the "Mercer Mess" by:

• Supporting an Alaskan Way Viaduct Alternative that reconnects the South Lake Union street grid and promotes connections with Seattle Center;

• Promoting a two-way "boulevard" design for Mercer Avenue;

• Redesigning Valley Street as pedestrian-oriented with easy connections to South Lake Union Park, waterfront restaurants and other retail;

• Advocating for funding for the Mercer Corridor Plan in the regional transportation funding package.

The plan calls for building a streetcar using Local Improvement District contributions and regional transit funding. The streetcar would connect jobs, housing, neighborhood amenities and transit links in downtown Seattle.

"The Portland streetcar led to $1 billion in investment along a line in the Pearl District, transforming the neighborhood. We can do that here," Nickels said.

Nickels’s Agenda delivers on the 100-year dream of creating a new waterfront park in South Lake Union. Using land obtained from the U.S. Navy funding from private sources and from a recent levy, the plan calls for involving the community in park planning and design.

"Seattle has talked about a South Lake Union Park since the 1903 Olmsted plan. Now we can achieve that dream," said Nickels.

In addition, the Mayor’s plan includes providing adequate water and electric utility services to new businesses and improving neighborhood amenities such as housing for people of all income levels.

"By saying yes and bringing strategic city investments together with the work by investors, non-profits and neighborhood groups, we are establishing a foundation for a healthy base of 21st century jobs," Nickels said.

Nickels said he was pleased by growing attention in South Lake Union. He cited the University of Washington’s recent announcement of its interest in building a campus there.

"We will work with the university on that exciting project. South Lake Union is the right place for the university," Nickels said.

Office of the Mayor release, March 10

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