Followup: Study under way to figure out Beach Drive slide fix

(Mid-January photo contributed by anonymous WSB’er)
We already had a request out today to SDOT for an update on the slide aftermath in the 6000 block of Beach Drive (map), when a note came in from Harold saying that crews are drilling in the road’s center line today. While SDOT’s Marybeth Turner is checking on the drilling, she has replied with information about what’s happening overall:

SDOT hired a geotechnical consulting firm to conduct a preliminary study of the slope and recommend a temporary measure that would enable us to reopen the full width of Beach Drive SW. We expect this study to be final within a week. The recommendation will help the city determine a time line for opening the road and for working toward a long term solution for the slope.

(Meantime) DPD and SDOT are working with the property owner to provide a long-term plan for slope mitigation just east of 6033 Beach Drive SW. At this point the City has not received a formal application from the owner of the sloping property, but are hoping to receive one shortly and will work to keep neighbors immediately west of the slope informed throughout the review process.

We first reported the slide early January 13th, after tips about the road closure; it happened sometime the previous evening. After some initial cleanup, the road’s been restricted to one lane at the slide spot.

cathyw February 2, 2010 (3:36 pm)

I could be way off base, but isn’t this in the area where numerous trees have been cut in recent years to clear out views for the homes above the slope? Any possible connection to the slide?

Todd February 2, 2010 (3:56 pm)

It sure is. I really hope it’s time these folks are made to follow the law instead of destroying the hillside for their own greed. There are plenty of things we’d love to do to our property for our own selfish interest that reasonable (okay, and some not-so-reasonable) city codes simply prevent. Why do these folks get away with this, and now our tax dollars have to pay for it?

4thGenWestSide February 2, 2010 (5:15 pm)

Make them pay for the research and eventual fix. Of let the walls come a tumblin’ down…

turnip truck nulu February 2, 2010 (6:26 pm)

Why are the ignorant so quick to assign blame and greed?
Why do they assume that the city’s laws are not being followed?
Do they really believe that big leaf maple trees will hold up a hillside that has been sliding for thousands of westside generations?
Ever been to Lincoln Park? Who were the greedy folks that made those hillsides slide?
These comments clothe the envious with nastiness.

donnie February 2, 2010 (6:27 pm)

bankrupt the homeowner if he’s at fault! I would love to see them maid an example of… sickning greed.

Eaglelover February 2, 2010 (6:34 pm)

was just thinking the same thing…
I think that it was the part that had the view “trimming”

Herman February 2, 2010 (6:40 pm)

You guys are right on base. This is a direct result of the homeowner at 6029 Atlas clearing the hillside for his view. WSB reported on this in 2007: https://wsb.blackfin.biz/2007/06/beach-drive-will-soon-be-a-little-less-green
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I personally went to the DPD building and reviewed the permit. The homeowner hired an arborist, whose comments in the application itself were combative and dismissive of several neighbors concerns about the potential for a slide.
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At the time, I considered submitting the $50 fee to appeal the DPD’s decision, since it was so obviously flawed.
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I invite anyone to research this and raise hell with the city, the arborist, and the homeowner over it, and the cost that Seattle’s taxpayers are being subjected to as a result. If WSB has a thing for investigative reporting, this is a great candidate for it. The first thing to verify is whether the homeowner complied with the DPD’s orders for mitigative plantings after the clearcut took place.

Kyle February 2, 2010 (8:47 pm)

This area has been sliding and sinking for years on both sides of the street. There’s a reason why the road is the worst in Seattle, yet, for many years, the city has turned a blind eye to much needed repairs and maintenance.

bridge to somewhere February 2, 2010 (9:39 pm)

If Herman’s right, that is one hell of a story.

nulu February 3, 2010 (9:59 am)

Herman — “You guys are right on base. This is a direct result of the homeowner at 6029 Atlas clearing the hillside for his view.”
That is probably a bit of libel as 6029 is not adjacent or above the current slide.