PUYALLUP, Wash. — Property issues in Puyallup could slow plans for a new parking garage to accommodate thousands of Sounder train and bus riders.
Reporter Jeff Dubois is showing the location for the proposed garage during our morning newscast. Watch on air through 7 a.m. and online through 8 a.m. http://kiro.tv/LiveNews
The current lot at the Sounder commuter train station downtown fills up fast, and the lack of parking has been an issue for years. Sound Transit leases a few additional parking lots, but the agency wants to build a five-story parking garage at 202 Fifth Street Northwest.
But a few problems may stall the efforts.
According to the News Tribune, the property owner, which is the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, is not anxious to sell.
In addition, troublesome soil on that property is going to be tougher to build on than expected. Because early samples show the soils aren’t stable enough to build on, a special foundation is needed that will increase the construction cost by about $13 million.
Sound Transit told the Tribune those issues can be overcome and it's important to get the 500-stall parking garage built for commuters who rely on the Sounder service.
The Eagles have told the Puyallup City Council they're reluctant to sell because they'll have to build a new headquarters, and that means they wouldn't be able to donate as much to the community. The organization has donated $300,000 over the last five years.
If negotiations for the Eagles' property stall, there are other possible locations, but it may delay building the garage by a year or two.
The Sound Transit Board could have a proposal to buy the property by fall.
Cox Media Group
