Seattle Proposition 1
Status: Passed
Opening for business on August 17, 1907, Seattle's Pike Place Market is our nation's oldest continuously operating farmers market, attracting approximately 10 million visitors annually. However, because the market was last renovated in the 1970s, time, heavy use and the elements have taken their toll on the 14 publicly-owned buildings that compose most of the historical district.
Proposition 1 would approve a six-year, $73 million property tax increase to renovate the Pike Place Market. The measure would pay for improvements, such as plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, roofs, elevators, windows, floors, building facades, restrooms, and seismic and fire safety systems. It would increase taxes levied in 2008 through 2013 and collected in 2009 through 2014.
"These are for basic life-extending improvements," Gerry Johnson, co-chair of the task force that developed the levy package, was quoted as saying in an October 10, 2008, Seattle Times pre-election article. "They are no-frills."
Local Commentary
The Controversies of Pike Place Market
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 25, 2008
Sue Manzo arrives at Pike Place Market soon after 7 a.m. to start unpacking crates of oranges, apples, pears and apricots.
Approve Pike Place Market Upgrade; Reject Seattle Parks Levy
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 7, 2008
After the Seattle City Council punted on making tough decisions on taxes in a sour economy, voters should say yes to the $73 million upgrade for the Pike Place Market and no to the ill-considered $145 million Seattle Parks levy.
Pike Place Market Supporters Want $73M for Infrastructure
Seattle Times, October 10, 2008
Pike Place Market is 101 years old, and it's showing its age. A window fell off the Fairley Building and landed on Western Avenue a few weeks ago.
Fix Pike Market, Where Flying Fish are Fresh but Pipes & Concrete Rot
Examiner.com, October 16, 2008
Now that we've endured the third and final presidential debate, and now that the polls seem to indicate a sizeable lead for Barack Obama, perhaps we the people of Seattle can go back to more local matters of pressing interest and concern.
Market Levy Raises Managerial Questions
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 19, 2008
Commercial real estate experts in Seattle say it's stunning that Pike Place Market, with nearly full occupancy, a prime location and 10 million visitors a year, has fallen into such disrepair that it needs a $73 million infusion from taxpayers for seismic upgrades and to replace things such as basic plumbing, wiring and ventilation systems.
Pike Place Market Levy: What Would Tourists Do?
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 23, 2008
It's a landmark. A haven. A source of pride. But is it really our market?
City of Seattle Prop 1
Eat Local Northwest, October 31, 2008
As a voter I don’t appreciate being backed into a corner and being made to feel I’m somehow at fault if we have to turn out the lights on an old Seattle landmark. And that’s a big part of why I’m still undecided on this particular ballot issue.
Updates & Results
On November 4, 2008, voters approved Seattle Proposition 1, also known as the "Pike Place Market Levy," by a margin of approximately 63%.
Homeowners in Seattle will pay about $42 per year for six years with funds going to systems upgrades at the 101-year-old historic landmark. The renovation project is planned in phases and will begin in Spring 2009.
