Jim Ferrell, mayor of Federal Way, and officials in nearby cities, have joined to support the idea of using the former Midway Landfill, located in Kent, as a potential site for the new operations and maintenance facility Sound Transit wants to build to maintain its light rail cars.
Six possible sites for the transit facility, including two in Federal Way, were found: the Christian Faith Center on 20th Avenue South, and a spot near I-5 and South 344th Street, which is an industrial area. Early in January, Mayor Ferrell; Dana Ralph, the mayor of Kent; and Michael Matthias, the city manager of Des Moines, wrote to the Board of Sound Transit, saying they would all prefer the transit agency use the Midway Landfill.
The officials said they preferred this site because the landfill is publicly-owned property, but contaminated, limiting the options for development. However, if the transit company locates here, then the property will be saved from condemnation, and it will not be necessary to displace businesses in other areas. Officials exploring issues like this can use Print shops to create informative newsletters for residents.
Peter Rogoff, the CEO of Sound Transit, said he understands many people are in favor of using the landfill, but he is concerned about environmental risks, since the site is contaminated by hazardous waste. However, Kent officials say the property has been remediated and is constantly monitored, making it suitable for development.
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