Seattle council puts $146 million parks measure on Nov. 4 ballot

The Seattle City Council today added a $146 million parks measure to the Nov. 4 ballot.

If voters approve, the money would fund the acquisition of land for new parks and open spaces, playground upgrades and improvements to historic buildings such as the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

The owner of an average home, assessed at $479,100 this year, would pay about $86 a year in property taxes for six years, or $18 per $100,000 assessed value.

The City Council had appointed a 28-member citizen advisory committee, which put together and recommended a package of projects that would receive funds.

The current Pro Parks levy, which raised close to $200 million over eight years, expires in December.

Mayor Greg Nickels has opposed adding the levy to the ballot this year.

Last week, the council also added a $73 million levy to fund basic repairs to Pike Place Market, such as a new heating and cooling system. That measure would cost the average homeowner $43 annually for six years.

Council President Richard Conlin and members Tim Burgess, Jan Drago, Jean Godden, Bruce Harrell, Nick Licata and Tom Rasmussen voted to add the measure to the ballot. Councilmembers Richard McIver and Sally Clark were absent.

Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958 or schan@seattletimes.com