Pedestrian improvements eyed for 12th & Union

There's some unloved asphalt on Union just east of 12th Avenue. Westbound traffic isn't allowed there, leaving a block of roadway next to Pony that sees very little vehicle-oriented action.

But the Seattle Department of Transportation has a plan to use the neighborhood street fund to reclaim that part of the roadway and provide wider sidewalks, angled parking, and some improved landscaping:

Here's the official description from the design document linked above:

"Reclaim" approximately 3500 sq. ft. of roadway by narrowing Union St and providing wider sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, landscaping, angled parking, and improved bicycle connections. Reduce peestrian crossing distances along Madison and 13th St.

The recent move of Pony to the spot has been an enabling factor in the project, as the previous florist that was on the site required delivery truck access from Union. But Pony has no need for those, making room for the pedestrian amenities instead.

SDOT will present their plan at tonight's Central Area District Council meeting at 6pm at the Douglass-Truth Library.