Highlights of the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Statement)

"For all Segment D alternatives, some businesses may incur economic losses as an indirect effect of project noise, access, visual and displacement impacts along MLK Jr. Way S"
(Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Dec. 1998 pg. S-25)

"redevelopment could also result in gentrification," (Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Dec. 1998 pg. 4-44)

"Property values could be reduced if residents and businesses experience severe, unmitigatable environmental impacts (e.g. visual, noise, loss of access)."
(Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Dec. 1998 pg. 4-27)

"In most segments, neighborhoods quality-of-life impacts are expected to be low to moderate except for Segment D (Rainier Valley), where all routes have the potential for high impacts this assessment is based on the number of displacements along Segment D routes, the extent of those displacements along the length of the corridors, and the fact that many of the small businesses that would be displaced directly support, and are supported by, the neighborhoods east and west of Rainier Avenue S. and MLK Jr. Way. S."
(Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Dec. 1998 pg. 4-43)

"Install sound walls parallel to the tracks. Sound walls are considered the most effective noise control measure, and are widely used to control traffic noise. Sound walls, however, could have negative impacts on neighborhood character and urban design as well as restrict emergency vehicles access in At-grade segments where light rail is in the roadway median."
(Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Dec. 1998 pg. 4-81)

"The impact analysis indicate that there is the potential for a
disproportionate distribution of high and adverse impacts on minority and low-income populations. Impacts resulting from residential displacements, diminished neighborhood cohesion, noise, and traffic are projected to be the highest in southeast Seattle, an area where minority and low-income residents make up a substantial portion of the population."
(Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Dec. 1998 pg. 4-47)

"For all At-grade and elevated routes with tracks in the center of the street, left turns to and from existing non-signalized intersections and driveways would not be permitted. Some motorists would have to make U-turns and backtrack to reach their destination, or possibly detour through neighborhood streets to seek alternative routes."
(Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Dec. 1998 pg. 4-81)