MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash. — Violet Turner has lived on the Cul de Sac just off 59th Place and 236th Street Southwest in Mountlake Terrace since 1970 and was planning to live here for the rest of her life.
But early last year, she got word that Sound Transit plans to buy all eight homes in the block and that she and her neighbors would have to sell their properties and move.
“These are all fairly old homes and I guess that’s what you have to do if you want to improve and grow your city,” said Turner.
KIRO 7 reached out to Sound Transit and they confirmed negotiations are underway to acquire the homes in order to demolish them and use the land as a temporary parking facility.
It would replace the 230 parking spaces that would be eliminated next year once construction begins there for a new light rail station.
It would be part of a light rail extension project that would run from Seattle to Lynnwood.
Commuters we talked to say it's something the city needs.
“I think in the long run the light rail would make it worth it, but it would be a pain for a little while,” said Erin Tesh who lives in Mountlake Terrace.
But for Turner, she said she has felt the growing pain for years with increased traffic and less parking.
She just sold her home six weeks ago and plans to move in with her son in Sultan.
“The fella next to me here isn’t quite ready to retire,” said Turner. “So what do you do for two or three years. Where do you re-invest? Where do you go?"
The construction of the new Lynnwood light rail extension is expected to begin next year and be completed in 2024.
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