Another appeal filed over Burke-Gilman Trail expansion in Ballard

Another appeal has been filed over expansion of the Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard.

This time, marine and trade interests have joined to form Ballard Business Appellants, which is asking the Seattle Hearing Examiner to review a decision issued last month by the Seattle Department of Transportation.

The Transportation Department found that the trail extension through Ballard is unlikely to have a significant impact on the environment.

The review leading to the Transportation Department's decision was ordered last year by King County Superior Court Judge Jim Rogers, who upheld most of the proposed trail through Ballard but said one section, from 17th Avenue Northwest to Northwest Vernon Place, must undergo an environmental review.

The city decided not to appeal that ruling, did the review and released it last month. Rogers' ruling delayed the $14 million project that would complete the popular trail through Seattle.

The dispute was over the so-called "missing link," which stretches along Shilshole Avenue Northwest from 11th Avenue Northwest near the Ballard Fred Meyer store to the Ballard Locks.

In its appeal, the newly formed trade group said it wants a trail that is safe and does not undermine the viability of the marine and industrial businesses in Ballard.

"This is about safety," said Josh Brower, an attorney representing the trade group. "My clients ... are asking the city to study this issue and prove this trail design and location are safe, not just continue saying the trail is safe."

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com