Francia Russell Center in Way of Revised Sound Transit Route

[Helene]

Sound Transit revised its East Link route, and PNB's East Side school in Bellevue is in the path of the new route, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal.

http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/215135421.html

According to the article, the two identified solutions mean either the demolition of the building, which PNB prefers, or a set of modifications to the existing building.

I hope the company either gets the option they want or Sound Transit finds a reason to re-revise the routing. The Francia Russell Center reaches a population for whom it would be impractical to commute to Seattle, and at least two PNB dancers have come through the ranks to join the company.

[sandik]

Fiddlesticks -- it's a lovely facility, and as Helene points out, a big advantage to families living in the more suburban Eastside.

[Helene]

It's official: the Francia Russell Center building will be destroyed to accommodate light rail, but not for a couple of years. Next steps are based on what compensation PNB will get.

http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/2453891.html

[sandik]

If they have the same experience negotiating with Sound Transit that merchants in my neighborhood did when they were acquiring land for a light-rail station, it will be difficult to get enough compensation to relocate.

[Helene]

Hopefully, as one of the major arts institutions in the area, they will have strong political backing in their negotiations.

[sandik]

Fingers crossed!

[Amy Reusch]

Lets hope someone puts together a great plan for this... It is truly worth the effort.

[sandik]

They will have to work hard to replace this facility -- it was custom designed for the school, and is as functional as it is lovely. (not something you always get in dance studios!)