Seattle’s $700M ‘woke’ waterfront could backfire, critics warn

For 66 years, Seattle’s city center was separated from its waterfront by a huge double-decker viaduct. When it was blown up in 2019 for earthquake security, the possibilities seemed endless. Construction of a 26-block, $ 700 million waterfront park is now in full swing. It promises to be an open space with breathtaking views of Puget Sound and an agenda to reduce racism.

WASHINGTON’S KING COUNTY DIRECTORATE $ 100 MILLION CORONAVIRUS BREAKFAST FOR THE HOMELESS

Friends of Waterfront Park is a nonprofit that raised $ 100 million to build it and then manage the park’s entertainment and safety. On its website it advertises that “Friends of Waterfront Seattle recognizes that historical and existing systemic racism is anchored in our city”. It also says: “The aim is to create integrative spaces for community-oriented cultural events … in which all people … especially black, indigenous and colored people (BIPOC) and underserved communities feel welcome and safe.”

Freelance writer Liz Economou submitted her resume for the job of Marketing Director. But when she asked about current examples of embedded racism, she never heard anything. Economou then looked at the descriptions of all the jobs at Friends of Waterfront Seattle and was surprised. Responsibilities included “regular discussions about race and justice through staff meetings, training and a DEI (Diversity Equity Inclusion) book club”.

“I didn’t want it at all,” said Economou. “I want a job that is based on an achievement society, based on what I can contribute and not on whether I’m awake enough.”

WHAT DOES ‘WACHT’ MEAN?

Friends of Waterfront Seattle replied, “We hire candidates based on their skills, experience and qualifications.”

But the “alertness” of Friends can already be seen. In front of the beautiful view at Pier 62, park visitors are greeted by a huge fence sign that talks about past discrimination against dock workers in Seattle. There are small signs with hand-picked artists around the railing. One photographer says his images reflect the “ongoing history of the interactions between colonizers and colonized”. Another artist says he sees “a serious future strengthened by the grief and loss of our natural world”.

Mike Sotello, who represents minority business owners, fears the embassies will drive tourists away and fill the resulting open spaces with homeless people who already inhabit several city parks.

“Nobody likes to go on a Saturday afternoon to spend time with their family and feel guilty and tell all these negative things about something they have no control over,” said Sotelo, president of the Ethnic Chambers of Commerce Coalition .

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The $ 1.3 million no-offer agreement signed with the city by Friends of Waterfront Seattle provides that 35% of all park programs will target “underserved communities”. Seattle residents and tourists alike will see exactly what that means when construction on the waterfront park is completed in 2024.