Council approves Skyline pedestrian skybridge over 8th Avenue

Council member Saka presented an ordinance granting FH LLC permission to construct, maintain and operate a private pedestrian SkyBridge over 8th Avenue between Columbia and Cherry to link two residential properties (Cascade Tower and Olympic Tower).

Saka said the bridge would occupy about 726 square feet of right-of-way and be permitted for a 15-year term with one renewable 15-year term. Public benefits offered by the petitioner include open space improvements, integrated public art, enhanced streetscape along 8th Avenue and pedestrian improvements at 8th and Marion.

Council members from both adjacent districts described the project as an important connection for elders and residents with mobility needs and thanked community members for engagement. The ordinance passed unanimously on a roll-call vote.

The council noted the project had moved through committee with public input and emphasized the localized nature of the decision; the project team is expected to carry out the specified public-benefit improvements as a condition of the permit.