Mercer Street Gets Better and Better: 3rd eastbound lane and Adaptive Signal Control

The opening of the third lane on eastbound Mercer Street Monday morning marks a significant milestone in the continuing Mercer corridor project, which is slated for completion in summer 2015. Already this afternoon’s commute is shaping up to be much better along Mercer than what was seen in the past several weeks.

At the same time, big news for the neighborhood is the securing of Adaptive Signal Control (ASC) funding in the City Council’s 2015 budget package.

What is Adaptive Signal Control?

It’s a traffic management strategy in which traffic signal timing changes, or adapts, based on actual traffic demand. Although the East and West Mercer projects included the in-pavement hardware for future implementation of such a system, the above ground management equipment and software was left for a future install, once traffic patterns become known in the corridor alignment.

That time is fast approaching and so a concerted effort took off in the last few weeks on the part of multiple neighborhood organizations and business groups.  Community requests resulted in meetings with City Council, Mayor’s Office and SDOT staff to push for the funding to implement this system. This past Friday, November 14^th, saw success as Council added $200K in 2015 and $800k in 2016 to the city budget for ASC implementation.  Final vote on the entire budget is scheduled for Monday, November 24^th, and should be an up or down vote with no more amendments.  A hearty ‘Thank You’ to all members of the SLU Chamber and other neighbor organizations who took the time to lobby for this much needed infrastructure improvement. When fully implemented, ASC will help to smooth traffic flow on both Mercer and Denny, as well as side streets that connect with these two major east-west arterials.

Welcome Taylor Bentcover, Administrative Assistant and Events Intern

Taylor is an Edmonds resident and the newest addition to the SLU Chamber team. She recently graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations. In the past, Taylor served as the public relations intern and volunteered as a wish granter at the Spokane Make-A-Wish Foundation. She joined the South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce team as the administrative assistant and events intern in November 2014. Taylor has a passion for being active in her community and looks forward to meeting members when she is out and about in South Lake Union!

#2HoursinSLU - Shine, a department of the SCCA

Carrie Jacobsen and Eileen Hood are the managers of Shine, a retail department of the SCCA.

The name “Shine” is so appropriate for this wonderful SLU mercantile. Managers Eileen and Carrie are beaming as they talk about this gem that they created, where customers can get more than just gifts and retail therapy.  Eileen and Carrie “live, eat and breathe Shine,” with complete devotion to the store and the way it supports the SCCA and SLU communities.

Shine is not your typical general store. Shop proceeds support patient and family programs at the SCCA, and much of their inventory and services cater to the special needs of cancer patients and survivors. They carry a wide variety of inventory, from oncology products to apparel and gifts. The store also offers special services to help their customers beat cancer and take their life back. They offer mastectomy and compression fittings, complimentary head shaves and wig trims by high-end, licensed cosmetologists and a surprising, discrete section focused on sexual intimacy. Customers walk in overwhelmed and exhausted by their battle with cancer, and leave feeling self-confident and empowered.

Carrie and Eileen are self-proclaimed “Seattle girls” and love being part of the SLU community. The store is located at the corner of Pontius Ave. N. and John St., sitting at the very edge of the neighborhood, but right in the middle of where prosperous new developments meet vulnerable, underserved communities in need. Carrie and Eileen’s favorite spots in SLU highlight places near the store that contribute something special to the neighborhood.

Favorite Spots

For a “mean cup of coffee,” along with wonderful tea and pastries, the duo enjoys a quick trip to the nearby Carabiner Coffee Company food truck. Mary’s Kitchen at El Corazon is a fantastic spot to grab some lunch to-go – the fried chicken is to die for.

For serious dog- and people-watching they head to Cascade Playground, which offers many activities for all kinds of humans and canines. Immanuel Community Services at Immanuel Lutheran Church provides a food bank and community-based social services for those in need, bringing to light the disparity in the neighborhood in what Eileen and Carrie feel is a healthy way.

There is a special place in Carrie and Eileen’s hearts for Nollie’s Café, who takes amazing care of their customers, providing special attention to the SCCA patients from the SCCA House and the Pete Gross House. These are people in cancer treatment, often far from home and in an intimidating and unfamiliar place. Nollie’s gets to know them, serves them delicious food, and even offers blankets in their seating area for patients who might get chilled.

Make a Visit to Shine!

Eileen and Carrie are excited to spread the word about their store, and their favorite places. Visit Shine every Friday in December for Fa La La La Fridays, with 20% off for neighbors who come to shop. Please join us as well at the SLU Chamber Holiday Celebration & Shopathon @ Shine on 12/4 from 5-7 p.m. Guests can celebrate the season and shop with a 25% off discount.