Maple Leaf artist Rachel Marcotte sent us the above video to better illustrate intersection painting projects.
By Katie Melton
In our last post discussing the possibility of painting the intersection at Northeast 96th Street and 12th Avenue Northeast, nearby neighbors commented in support of the project.
And since then, Maple Leaf artist Rachel Marcotte, who orchestrated the Wallingford turtle painting, received approval from the Seattle Department of Transportation to create a street mural at that intersection.
“Yes, a painted intersection would be possible at this intersection,” wrote Christina Legazpi with SDOT’s Neighborhood Traffic Operations. “Next step is to work with your neighbors on a design. Once the design is submitted to me and approved, I can put together a petition for you to distribute around the neighborhood to show there is at least 60% approval for the project.”
Some neighbors also expressed concern regarding the toxicity of the paint and traction on the road. The paint used in Seattle intersection paintings is nontoxic, and SDOT mandates the exact paint that can be used.
It’s called DriveLine, and exact ingredients in the product can be found from SDOT or Rodda, the supplier. The paint dries within minutes, so runoff is not an issue. Also, the clean-up is done with water, and Marcotte explained that the painters mix a lot of grit into the paint to ensure good traction.
Neighbors in the vicinity of Northeast 96th Street and 12th Avenue Northeast who would like a role in the project should email Rachel Marcotte at rchlmarcotte@gmail.com.
Katie Melton is the intern for Maple Leaf Life. She is a journalism student at the University of Washington.
FYI, the turtle painting in Wallingford has been vandalized recently, with writing spray painted on it, including “f**k you.” A lot of paint has already chipped off. You might also want to consider this before you decide to paint in Maple Leaf.
In addition to NOT slowing down traffic, these types of paintings do not necessarily “create a more cohesive community” and “pride and fellowship.” In fact, it had the exact opposite effect for residents of Wallingford who live on the corner of the ladybug painting. The following comment is from the Wallingford neighborhood blog last summer:
“I am concerned that others who want to undertake this type of project are not getting the full story on the down sides of the painting. It is presented as being “outstandingly successful in bringing neighbors together.” This could not be further from the truth. Neighbors who have expressed opposition to the bug have been met with negative responses, ranging from dismissal to outright hostility. When it was proposed that the neighborhood engage in a consensus building process to resolve differences, the painting supporters refused. So for some of us, the painting has been anything but “community building.”
As someone who lives on the bug, I can tell you that it does not slow traffic, has brought increased car and pedestrian traffic that affects my privacy, garbage and cigarette butts in my yard, vandalism and purposeful efforts to “mess up” the painting at night and an increase in children and adults walking, biking and playing in the middle of the intersection. While some find it “cute,” others don’t, especially when the paint is fresh and glaring. In addition, while the supporters claim the effect of the paint on the environment is “negligible,” those of us who recycle, compost, use reusable bags, drive hybrid cars, walk when we could drive, etc. know that it is the efforts of each individual that make a difference for the whole. As I see one reader has commented on your blog, to dismiss the effects of the paint is hypocritical.
I hope this information is helpful to anyone considering this type of project.”
Dear 12th Ave
Just FYI, intersection paintings don’t impede traffic like a traffic circle does. The point of a project like this is to create a more cohesive community, to show the world that the people of this neighborhood have pride and fellowship in Maple Leaf. You would still be able to drive through the intersection at 30 miles per hour or whatever.
Go Rachel!
Nope, not thrilled with it. I don’t mind it in other areas, but don’t want it down my block. It’s just as bad as all these darn traffic circles in my opinion.
Great idea (can we paint it on a big ROUND ABOUT, to slow down traffic?!)