Dear Tom,

The city’s new plan to complete the Burke-Gilman Missing Link has reached its first milestone: a permit to build part of the trail in a common industrial area.

But deep-pocketed special interests take every opportunity to delay completion of the trail along the preferred route of Shilshole Ave.

The city’s new design narrows the footprint of the trail to sidestep legal challenges. Their permit to build a part of the trail in a Shoreline Industrial Zone is a common strategy used on Alki, Elliott Bay, and other trails. It shouldn’t be controversial – but opponents are gearing up.

It’s time for all of us to speak out and let the city know we support moving forward to complete the Burke-Gilman Missing Link, once and for all.

This kind of permit isn’t new – the city has received the Shoreline Industrial Zone permit before, for many prior trail designs. 

But opposition sees this permit as a chance to delay the trail’s completion along the most safe, simple, and direct trail route with yet another legal challenge. We can’t give opponents free rein to write the narrative that the BGT doesn't belong on Shilshole. 

It’s beyond time to connect the Burke-Gilman Missing Link. We have until May 20 to give feedback on our support of this permit, a first step in the process to finally complete this beloved trail. Add your voice now.

P.S. We don’t have the deep pockets of the businesses opposing the Missing Link -- we rely on supporters like you to continue advocating for the safety of people biking and walking. Chip in $5 now to complete the Missing Link once and for all.