Residents urge Seattle officials to address ongoing landslide crisis near Jefferson Park

The Seattle Transportation Committee meeting on December 17, 2024, highlighted ongoing concerns regarding an active landslide affecting a neighborhood near Jefferson Park. Residents reported that the landslide, which has been a problem for the past two years, continues to erode land and poses safety risks.

During the public comment segment, a local resident presented a slide deck illustrating the severity of the issue. The landslide has caused significant changes to the area, including the deterioration of a street and the displacement of a guardrail. Although the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) responded in early 2022 by erecting concrete barriers and placing plastic sheeting to mitigate erosion, residents expressed that these measures have not effectively resolved the problem. The barriers have led to water pooling behind them, and the protective plastic and sandbags have largely eroded away.

The resident emphasized the safety hazards posed by the current situation, particularly for children, as the barriers are easy to climb over and a large hole remains unaddressed. The committee acknowledged the resident's concerns and noted the potential for collaboration between SDOT and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to address drainage issues related to the landslide.

The meeting underscored the importance of community feedback in addressing infrastructure challenges and the need for a coordinated response to ensure public safety and environmental stability in the affected area. The committee plans to follow up on the matter, indicating that further discussions and actions may be forthcoming.