Last week the city held what Real Change called a “sneaky public hearing” on the Mercer West Project, without giving a fair opportunity for the public to weigh in on the proposal, according to many. In response, the Seattle Displacement Coalition, a group made up of low-income organizations and residents, homeless, civil rights organizations, social service organizations and community-based neighborhood groups, including the Queen Anne Community Council and Magnolia Community Club, sent a letter to City Council urging them to allow the public a chance to speak on the project before “fast-tracking” it through.

“We urge the Council to postpone this hearing until the public receives proper notice, can review materials, and make informed comments,” wrote Coalition member John V. Fox, on behalf of over 20 community organizations and 150 community leaders.

There are a few more chances to weigh in on the project for those who can. According to Tom Van Bronkhorst from the Office of Councilmember Jean Godden, there will public opportunity to speak prior to two budget hearings this week, tomorrow and Tuesday. The first meeting will take place on Monday, November 2 at 10:30 a.m. (following a Council briefing) and the second on Tuesday, November 3 at 9:30 a.m. Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers. For more information, check the City Council website.

According to Bronkhorst, the public will have a chance to speak on all budget related issues at the beginning of both meetings. “Typically the chair limits public comment to 10 minutes total. However, there hasn’t been that many people testifying at these meetings so everyone has been heard,” he wrote in an email to Queen Anne Community Council Neighbors’ Advisory Committee representative Kirk Robbins.

“I don’t think these mini-hearings are enough, but it’s what we have now,” Robbins said, urging those who can and have an opinion on the project to attend.