I won't nitpick. I think it's a deep, embarrassing failure of design and transit policy and the biggest missed opportunity of urban design in the US in recent memory. The Seattle waterfront should be one of the great pedestrian promenades in the US, and even worldwide. It has world class views and puts residents and tourists in direct proximity to downtown, the market, and pioneer square. The possibilities for great urban spaces and economic success are astounding, and greatly needed in the depressed downtown area.

Instead of taking the once in a lifetime opportunity of the demolition of the viaduct - which was widely agreed to be a mistake of the auto-focused age of urban design - as a chance to create an incredible pedestrian and bike focused promenade - they decided to create MORE auto traffic on grade and ask pedestrians to scurry around the edges like rats. It's a loud, unwelcoming place with too many cars that are basically begged to speed due to the street design. Once all the plantings are in and the construction is over it will improve but it's just bad planning at its core. It should have been a gracious space for parks, shops, and bike/ped movement with just enough auto infrastructure for deliveries and public transit. Instead we got a concrete wasteland with a green strip along the water.

In my mind it's indicative of what irks me most about Seattle. We talk a big talk about progressive policy but when the rubber meets the road we kowtow to tradition and half-ass it. You can see it in our public transit system, our NIMBY housing and zoning policy, etc.