The King County Public Health Department announced Thursday (Aug. 26) that it had closed Asian Bubble Tea, located 9835 16th Ave SW in White Center, for “improper preparation and service of foods under their current Risk 2 permit classification.”

According to the statement, “the Person in Charge of the establishment has not upgraded facility nor obtained a Risk 3 permit classification to accommodate new menu items including preparation of raw foods and cooking equipment. The food establishment will be reopened when the inspector confirms that all issues have been resolved.”

King County Health has varying “risk levels” for food vendors, and says “the more complex the menu and preparation of foods, the higher the risk level, which in turn relates to more frequent inspection of your establishment.”

It classifies “Risk 2″ as:

This risk level is assigned to a permit that allows food processing steps such as receiving, storing, preparing, cold holding, and serving potentially hazardous foods. It does not include hot holding of food. It includes limited preparation steps, such as baking bread, frying donuts, and grilling or toasting sandwiches for immediate service. Examples of this type of operation include on-site baking, making smoothies with raw ingredients (fruit, eggs, etc.), opening ready to eat prepackaged foods for heating or service, cooking waffle cones or cake mixes. Grocery stores with pre-packaged raw meat, poultry, or seafood are also included. These operations receive one routine inspection and one educational visit each year with the exception of schools which receive two routine inspections.

Here’s the full news release:

Asian Bubble Tea located at 9835 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106 was closed by a Public Health food inspector on August 26, 2010 at 1:15 pm for improper preparation and service of foods under their current Risk 2 permit classification.  The Person in Charge of the establishment has not upgraded facility nor obtained a Risk 3 permit classification to accommodate new menu items including preparation of raw foods and cooking equipment.  The food establishment will be reopened when the inspector confirms that all issues have been resolved.

Risk levels and permit classifications are explained at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/foodsafety/FoodBusiness

The Food Establishment Closures homepage is online at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/foodsafety/inspections/closures

King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks announced Friday (Aug. 13th) that, due to serious vandalism that caused unsafe conditions, they’ve closed the recently-opened SW 98th Street corridor, which runs between the Greenbridge community and the Central Business District.

The county says that vandals have ripped out the stainless steel railing and knocked out lights along the corridor, which was just opened in mid-July. The corridor’s steep stairway is unsafe for use at night without the lights and handrails, however the ADA-accessible ramp that runs through the corridor remains open. The area was also vandalized with graffiti.

Here’s the county’s full announcement:

A recently completed pedestrian corridor connecting new homes and a growing commercial area in the White Center neighborhood has been so badly vandalized that King County must close it for safety reasons.

Vandals ripped out the stainless steel railing and knocked out lights along the 98th Street Corridor, which was just opened in mid July. The corridor’s steep stairway is unsafe for use at night without the lights and handrails, however the ADA-accessible ramp that runs through the corridor remains open. The area was also vandalized with graffiti.

The 98th Street Corridor sits between the new Greenbridge community and the Central Business District along Southwest 98th Street. The corridor was developed as a result of the Land Use, Transportation, Air Quality and Health Study, which found that people who live in walkable communities are healthier.

King County collaborated with the White Center Community Development Association on the project. More information is available at http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/whitecenter.aspx.

by Ralph Nichols

The long-dreaded day of reckoning for commuters who used South Park Bridge across the Duwamish Waterway – many of them for decades – arrived on June 30 when it was closed forever to vehicle traffic at the end of the afternoon commute.

And with another $61 million still needed for the project to demolish the 79-year-old draw span and build a new bridge connecting 14th Ave. S. and 16th Ave. S., efforts by King County officials continue to cobble together a funding package totaling $131 million.

King County, which owns the bridge, is expected to apply in August for a federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant for the rest of the money.

Only a fraction of the funds needed was available until recently. An 11th-hour flurry of pledges from state and local sources generated $70 million in recent weeks for the demolition/construction project.

But even if the county had all the money in the bank right now, it would take about three and a half years before a new drawbridge could be completed and open to traffic.

King County, faced with a multi-million-dollar revenue shortfall, has pledged $30 million for construction of a new South Park Bridge.

The State of Washington, faced with an estimated $3 billion shortfall, has pledged another $20 million.

And the city of Seattle, also facing major budget problems, has pledged $15 million.

The Port of Seattle has pledged an additional $5 million.

Gov. Chris Gregoire, announcing the state’s participation in replacing the bridge, said, “The South Park Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for the region’s ability to move freight, but it’s also the primary physical and symbolic connection to one of King County’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.

“The efforts by the region to find a way to replace this aging bridge is an example of how government and the community can work together to make a difference. I’m proud that the state is going to be a part of this partnership with our $20 million commitment.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine thanked the state along with the city and the port, “for all stepping up and making significant contributions toward the replacement of this transportation lifeline for King County and the broader region.

“This shows that regional cooperation and strong partnerships can create success where the old way of going it alone has failed,” added Constantine, who has been working with governments and businesses to put together a funding package for a new bridge.

District 8 King County Councilwoman Jan Drago, who represents the South Park area as well as Burien, has noted that additional funding partners locally increase the chances of getting federal funding for the project.

The city of Tukwila already has pledged $1.3 toward construction and another $1.7 million for maintenance of a new bridge.

Contributions of land for the right-of-way to build it, which total $5.4 million, have been made by the Puget Sound Regional Council, The Boeing Company, the Port of Seattle, and the King County road fund.

Those most affected by the closure are emergency responders and commuters – including riders on Metro routes 60, 131 and 134 – who travel between Burien or Des Moines and the Boeing facilities in Georgetown or downtown Seattle.

The long-term impact of the closure is not yet clear, but traffic is more crowded on the alternate routes – SR-509 and Highway 99 over the 1st Ave. S. Bridge, and Tukwila International Blvd./E. Marginal Way S. – during morning and afternoon commutes.

South Park Bridge carried 20,000 vehicles across the Duwamish Waterway daily.

Local and state officials have long known that South Park Bridge needed to be replaced due to structural problems that imperiled public safety, and to unreliable mechanical and electrical systems that threatened to interrupt both street and marine traffic.

Built in 1931, the bridge served as a vital link in an important freight corridor for manufacturing and industrial centers in south Seattle, and a regional connector to Sea-Tac International Airport, Boeing Field and the Port of Seattle.

For more information courtesy King County, click here (PDF file).

Story and photos by Michael Brunk

Dating back to 1931, on Wednesday June 30, 2010 at a little after 8:00 PM the South Park Bridge opened its spans one last time. In the process a vital link across the Duwamish River was severed, causing bitter feelings for many local residents and great concern for South Park businesses.

Time and the 2001 earthquake have taken their toll on the bridge. A host of problems, including structural damage and issues with electrical and mechanical systems have led officials to deem the bridge unrepairable but funds for a new bridge have been slow in coming.

State and local politicians continue to beat the bushes looking for funding but as the bridge permanently closes, they remain some $50 million shy of the projected cost of a replacement. Even if funds were available to begin building immediately, it is estimated that the project would take nearly three years to complete.

Until then, approximately 20,000 vehicles a day and three Metro bus routes will have to drive a little further if they want to get to the heart of South Park.

Local residents turned out in droves Wednesday night to say farewell to the faithful bridge in grand style. As the final hour approached pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles packed the bridge to cross one last time.

Finally, as the mournful skirl of bagpipes echoed across the Duwamish River, the bells sounded, the gates lowered and the leaves of the bridge lifted towards the sky. There to remain until the bridge is eventually demolished by King County.

Photographer Michael Brunk attended the event and created this slideshow set to music by the Northwest Junior Pipe Band. Be sure to check your volume before clicking!

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

The King County Road Services Divison will be replacing a culvert underneath SW 100th Street in White Center that will result in one block being closed to traffic from Monday, June 21 at 7 a.m. to Friday, June 25 at 4:30 p.m.

The road will be closed between 13th Avenue SW and 12th Avenue SW while crews excavate and replace the old culvert.

Motorists can detour via 11th Avenue SW, SW 102nd Street, and 13th Avenue SW.
View Larger Map road

by Ralph Nichols

The scheduled June 30 closure of the aging South Park Bridge means big changes are looming for motorists – and Metro bus riders – who regularly cross over it.

Among those most affected will be commuters, including riders on Metro routes 60, 131 and 134, who travel between White Center, Burien or Des Moines and the Boeing facilities in Georgetown or downtown Seattle.

Jack Lattemann, from the Metro Transit Division of the King County Department of Transportation, updated the Burien City Council on May 24 about Metro’s plans for rerouting bus schedules to accommodate traffic disruptions caused by the permanent bridge closure.

Lattemann, a senior transportation planner, said the South Park Bridge is “at the end of its useful life,” and must be closed by King County, which owns and operates the draw span, “to protect public safety.”

The bridge will close to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, on Wednesday, June 30, at 7 p.m.

Traffic will be rerouted on SR-509 and Highway 99 over the 1st Ave. S. Bridge, and on Tukwila International Blvd./E. Marginal Way S.

He said the county transportation department will monitor the impact of additional traffic on SR-509 and the 1st Ave. S. Bridge. The primary concern, however, is not higher traffic volumes but the impact the bridge closure could have on emergency response times.

King County lacks funding at this time to pay for an estimated $130 million replacement for the bridge, including demolition of the current structure, which carries about 20,000 vehicles a day on 14th Ave. S./16th Ave. S. across the Duwamish Waterway.

Even if the money were available now, Lattemann said building a new span would take about three and a half years. A study determined it is impractical to build a temporary bridge until funding becomes available.

Built in 1931, the South Park Bridge is an important freight corridor for manufacturing and industrial centers in Seattle, and a regional connector to Sea-Tac International Airport, Boeing Field and the Port of Seattle.

It also provides a convenient commuter route for many residents of Burien, Des Moines, Boulevard Park and White Center.

Compounding structural problems, which imperil public safety, are unreliable mechanical and electrical systems that open and close the bridge, Lattemann told the council.

The faulty systems frequently cause delays in draw span operations, resulting in delays for both vehicles on the street and marine traffic – and should be bridge not be able to operate south of the bridge.

A current update by county transportation department notes that concrete in the bridge support structure, which has withstood three major earthquakes, “is undergoing a self-destructive process that cannot be reversed or repaired. The heavily cracked piers are not stable and shift on their foundations.”

Lattemann said in selecting alternative routes for the affected bus service, Metro Transit considered maintaining neighborhood coverage, minimizing travel time for riders, and minimizing increases in operating costs.

Here are some route info maps as created by King County’s DOT – click on images to view larger versions:

For more information, click here to download a summary doc (as a PDF file), which includes maps and other details.

While not quite a memorial, there will be an Open House public meeting about the closure of the South Park Bridge and its impact on the local community on Tuesday, May 25th from 6pm – 8pn at the Machinists Hall at 9125 15th Place South in Seattle.

The meeting will also include a formal presentation and Q&A session starting at 6:30pm.

During the open house and presentation, the King County DOT, representatives from the city of Seattle and other service providers will provide an overview of key actions that will be taken in response to input from residents and businesses in the area. With the June 30 closure of the bridge just weeks away, several actions have been identified to help keep traffic moving while supporting local business needs. Those steps include:

• Adding a signal at the southbound onramp to SR-509 at South Cloverdale Street and 1st Ave. South to relieve traffic congestion;
• The installation of signage to help channel motorists through the area and around the bridge after it closes;
• Working with the South Park community to develop ongoing strategies to support neighborhood business and commerce; and
• Making channelization improvements to key arterials such as 14th/16th Ave. South and East Marginal Way.

Impacts to King County Metro Transit service have also been a major concern for bus riders in South Park and Georgetown. In response to comments from the public, Metro will present revised options for continued service once the bridge is closed. Based on extensive research and input from riders and coordination with the city of Seattle, the reroutes represent the best short-term option for continued service to the South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, King County Executive Dow Constantine continues to lead a broad-based coalition of public and private stakeholders to secure critical funding for eventual construction of a new bridge. Recently, the executive traveled to Washington D.C. to seek support for federal funding to help pay for construction of a new South Park Bridge.

The South Park Bridge suffers from widespread steel corrosion, crumbling concrete piers and an outdated electrical control system. The main drawbridge piers are also unstable. The condition of the bridge is so poor it now has an engineering sufficiency rating of 4 out of a possible 100, making it the worst heavily traveled bridge in the state of Washington.

And a recently released independent engineering report has additionally confirmed that the bridge must be closed on June 30.

“While closure of the South Park Bridge is necessary, we all recognize the difficult challenges and adjustments that lie ahead,” King County Road Services Division Director Linda Dougherty said. “But thanks to the many constructive and thoughtful comments we have received from citizens and the dedicated involvement of community leaders, we have identified several actions we hope will ease the burden on this vibrant community.”

For more information about the meeting, call the South Park Bridge Closure Line at (206) 263-9979. You can also learn more about the meeting and planning for the upcoming closure of the South Park Bridge by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/southparkbridge.

WCB Reader William Pease tells us that a local group called “Friends of the South Park Bridge” will be holding a rally they’re calling “Hands Across the Duwamish,” Saturday around 1:30pm, where participants will hold hands and (hopefully) span the distance of the South Park Bridge as a show of support for the structure, which is scheduled to close at the end of June.

They’re projecting that it will take about 332 people to make the connection, and are spreading the word to get folks to show up.

The hand-holding rally will be Saturday, April 17th, at 1:30pm, right after the “Duwamish Alive” activities.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Hands Across the Duwamish.” In an effort to raise awareness of the imminent closure of the South Park Bridge we will be forming a line on the sidewalk holding hands and hopefully spanning the distance between where Seattle ends on the North side and where Seattle begins again on the South side. It should take about 332 people to make the connection.

WHEN: Saturday April 17th at 1:30 PM (After the Duwamish Alive activities).

WHO: Friends of the South Park Bridge.

INFO: The South Park Bridge is scheduled to be closed permanently on June 30th at 7:00 PM. There is no current funding plan to replace it. King County is the owner of the bridge, but it is well known to most that it is a bridge that goes from Seattle and to Seattle. Most people in Seattle are unaware of the plight of the bridge, and (too) many are even unaware that there is a river in Seattle. We hope to make use of the one time a year when the residents North of the river come down and work on clean-up projects.

There will be a rally at the South Park Bridge on Sunday, March 28th from 2pm – 3pm, and people are encouraged to bring signs and show up to support efforts to save this bridge, which is slated to be closed at the end of June.

Ralliers will meet at 2pm in the parking lot of the former County Line Restaurant, which is located at the south end of the South Park Bridge, at 8456 Dallas Ave South.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Rally at South Park Bridge.

WHEN: Sunday, March 28th from 2:00pm – 3:30pm.

WHERE: Meet at the parking lot of the former County Line Restaurant, which is located at the south foot of the South Park Bridge, located at 8456 Dallas Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108.

INFO: From a Facebook Event Page:

Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are visiting the The Boeing Machinist’s Hall this Sunday in South Park at 3 p.m. to celebrate the Health Care Reform Victory. This is a perfect opportunity for a friendly demonstration/rally to bring attention to the South Park Bridge’s eminent closure and the importance of garnering funding.

We are meeting at the parking lot of the former County Line Restaurant (address above) which is located at the south foot of the South Park Bridge.

We plan to meet and group at 2 p.m. and then proceed from there. We are not planning on blocking traffic or creating any problems, just a friendly showing of support and a plea for help. We will hopefully also garner some “sloppy seconds” media attention from the meeting at the the Boeing Machinist’s Hall.

Please bring signs if possible, the bigger and brighter the better!

After the “rally” we will all meet at Loretta’s in South Park to celebrate our positive showing of civic expression.

From Bill Pease:

As the impending closure date creeps up on us, there will be plenty of opportunities to come out and honor, and plead, and mourn for the bridge.

This is a window of opportunity for us get the message out again and again. When the bridge closes we won’t be able to get the same traction.

The first opportunity is going to be this coming Sunday; Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell will be coming into South Park to celebrate the Health Care Reform victory and I plan on being on the bridge with a sign.

Of course a GROUP of people would garner more attention.

Who is with me?

On Friday afternoon (Mar. 12), Public Health – Seattle and King County closed the Del Rio Food Store, located at 10230 16th Ave SW in White Center, for the following reasons:

Establishment: Del Rio Food Store

Address: 10230 16th SW, Seattle 98146

Date closed: March 12, 2010, 2:30 pm

Reasons:

• Inadequate handwashing facilities
• Hands not washed
• Handling ready-to-eat foods with bare hands
• Cross contamination not prevented with raw meat storage
• Inadequate hot holding temperatures
• Potentially hazardous foods at room temperature
• Inadequate cold holding temperatures
• Toxic chemicals improperly stored

Status: CLOSED

According to the county website:

Closure information remains online for a period of 7 days after establishment is reopened. To ensure you are viewing the most current information, click the Refresh or Reload button on your Internet browser.

Public Health lists the reason the establishment was closed, whether it has been reopened, and the date it reopened. Reasons for closing a food establishment can vary and include such issues as failure to follow the permit process and unsafe food handling.

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Friday afternoon  (4/24) at 2:45pm, King County’s Public Health Department shut down a second establishment on 16th in White Center, this time a place called Bilisee, located at 9829 16th Ave SW.

Previously, we reported on the closing of Asian Bubble Tea, which is located just next door at 9835 16th Ave SW.

According to the county’s website, Bilisee was “Operating without a valid food business permit” as well.

Here’s the closure notice:

Updated: Monday, April 27, 2009

Establishment: Bilisee

Address: 9829 16th Ave SW, Seattle 98106

Date closed: April 24, 2009, 2:45 pm

Reason: Operating without a valid food business permit

Status: CLOSED

On Tuesday afternoon (Mar. 3rd), King County’s Public Health Department closed Taqueria El Rincon, located at 11066 16th Ave SW (we think this is the taco truck across from McMurphy’s, where we’ve eaten before – street view below),  for the violation of “Wastewater draining to the ground.”

According to the King County website:

Public Health – Seattle & King County helps the food establishment keep the risk of food borne illness low through education and inspections. There are 2 basic causes of food borne illness we want to protect against with safe food handling practices.

1. Contamination of food by food workers’ hands, other foods, or food preparation surfaces. This is why hand washing, no bare hand contact with ready to eat foods and the washing, rinsing and sanitizing of food preparation surfaces is vitally important.
2. Temperature control: Foods that provide a good environment for the growth of the bacteria that cause food borne illness are called potentially hazardous foods. The bacteria grow quickly in “the danger zone,” 41°F to 140°F of these foods. Therefore, these foods must be cooked to temperatures that will kill the bacteria, then kept hot (over 140°) until served, or kept cold (under 41°) until served.

There are some safe food handling practices that, if not done properly, are more likely to lead to food borne illnesses. The inspector specifically observes and documents these food handling practices during the inspection. If any of these most risky practices are not done properly, the establishment is given a red critical violation on the inspection, the risk is taken care of immediately, and the manager is taught the correct procedure or method. Based on the risk caused by the violation, a return inspection and education will be done. Finally, if a food establishment hasn’t improved its practices after additional education and direction, the establishment will be closed.

Reasons for immediate closure of a food service establishment:

• High score on the routine inspection*
• Sewage backing up in kitchen &/or bathroom
• No hot water/running water
• Electricity goes out
• Other imminent health hazards: broken refrigeration, damage caused by accidents or natural disasters, or when establishment is linked to a food borne illness outbreak
• Other: No permit to be operating (The permit assures that they have met all of the structural & equipment requirements for the menu items they are going to serve); the owner/manager interferes with the inspector’s ability to do her/his duties.

*The inspection is based on a 400 point system. The violations are added up between red and blue violations. If the total red critical violations is 90 or more, or the total of red and blue is 120 or more, then the establishment will be closed.

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