The Seattle City Council Transportation Committee on April 1 recommended adoption of Resolution 32,166, granting conceptual approval for a pedestrian skybridge over Eighth Avenue south of Cherry Street to connect two senior living towers owned by FH LLC dba Skyline in the First Hill neighborhood.

Lish Whitson of Council Central Staff summarized the item and said the resolution would authorize SDOT to negotiate final approval documents with the applicant and that the department will return an ordinance for council consideration. “This resolution would approve an application for a skybridge over Eighth Avenue south of Columbia Street, for the Skyline retirement community,” Whitson said.

Committee members emphasized neighborhood and safety benefits. Vice Chair Hollingsworth said the skybridge is important for residents’ safety and access, recounting meeting a resident whose husband lives in the memory care unit. “Having the sky bridge would just help with the safety of that,” Hollingsworth said. Councilmember Kettle highlighted health‑care and memory‑care access as a unique justification for the bridge and thanked parks staff for their role in public‑benefit planning.

A motion to recommend adoption of Resolution 32,166 was moved by Councilmember Kettle, seconded by Vice Chair Hollingsworth, and carried on a roll‑call vote: Kettle — aye; Vice Chair Hollingsworth — aye; Chair Rob Sacca — aye. The clerk recorded three votes in favor and zero opposed. The committee recommended that council adopt Resolution 32,166 at the April 8, 2025 City Council meeting.

What the resolution does
- Grants conceptual approval for a pedestrian skybridge connecting two Skyline retirement towers over Eighth Avenue south of Cherry Street in First Hill.
- Directs SDOT to negotiate final agreement documents with the applicant; a subsequent ordinance will be presented to the full council for final approval and any conditions.

Next steps and context
- SDOT negotiation: If the council adopts the resolution at full council, SDOT will finalize legal and construction agreements and then the council will consider an implementing ordinance.
- Public benefits: Councilmembers noted neighborhood enhancements and public‑benefit elements discussed during the application process; Whitson said SDOT will work on final public‑benefit terms as part of the agreement.

Ending note
The committee’s recommendation advances the project to the April 8 council agenda; final approval and any required legal documents will follow SDOT negotiations and council ordinance action.