Public Safety issues move to 23rd & Union
After the closure of Club Chocolate City, we were all concerned that the problems might resurface elsewhere in the area. A first snoop around seemed to suggest that they'd just vanished, though there was a report of some of the Madison Street regulars being seen at 2nd & Pike (they'd previously commuted there by #11 bus). However, there are increasing numbers of reports of a disturbing increase in drug activity and violence around the 23rd & Union area.
3/28/07: This evening there was a drive-by shooting across the street from Thompson's Point of View. Two of the bullet entered the Casey Foundation building across the street. This organization supports the needs of foster children.
3/30/07 (very early AM) : Drive-by shooting and car chase: CHS blog, KING TV, Seattle P-I reports.
Neighbors' reports:
incident_type = drug deal drug consumption public alcohol consumption rowdy behavior excessive noise gunfire
description = Here's some feedback about increased activity in other neighborhoods. We live near Thompson's on Union. Last night, about 6 shots were fired. They sounded like they came from 24th ave just north of Pike. (Shots were also fired the previous day in the liquor store parking lot across the street from Thompson's.) There's been a huge increase in drug activity etc around Thompsons since CCC closed. (received via the MPNA web report page).
So, what's to be done? I'll contact the neighbors there, and tell them what we did, and offer what help we can offer. And I await your suggestions...
I have some friends over near 23rd and Pike, who are taking the brunt of the purge of the nasties (nice for us on this side of Madison). I told them that part of our effectiveness was having such a good neighborhood liaison. Are you the liaison for them, or can you refer them to another who can help them keep their family safe? They have small kids.
Yes, yes, yes, I know that we're only treating the symptoms here, and that the BIG issues are racism, poverty, jobs, empowerment, etc, etc. However, we are doing what we can, by supporting Lt. Hayes' GOTS program (which brings support, treatment and housing opportunities to those on the streets) and by lobbying for more effective affordable/mid-level housing programs from the City of Seattle. At the risk of reducing issues to catchphrases:
And don't forget, one bullet can change your whole life.
5 comments:
Thank you, Andrew, you're doing a great job. Keep it up please!
I'm the one who contacted you about my friends Bob and Shirley, in case that's not obvious. The contacts and outpouring have been very helpful. I'm only worried it may be too much... but err on the side of too much info, in my opinion.
Another shooting on 23rd! This via E-mail :
As I'm sure you all know by now, there has been another shooting--again involving the house next door to us. A car was shot multiple times but the bullets didn't penetrate and no one was hurt. Shirley and I spoke to 3 separate officers, one of whom asserts this is gang-related (and related to last week's shooting), another who blames Thompson's Point of View being the new hot-spot after the closure of Deano's and Chocolate City, and one who thinks it's drug-related. It may be a combination of all 3.
I'm a total stranger here, but my wife and I are looking for a place to live for the summer and I came across this blog on a Google search about this area. We found something is located at E Pine St & 23rd Ave
Seattle, WA 98122.
It looks like this might be a dangerous area, and I'm looking for something where my wife will be safe since she will be home alone quite often. Would you recommend we stay away from here? If so, what areas do you recommend instead?
Thanks for your help!
Kelly Layland
Kelly: E-mail me at tayles@jps.net and I can send you a private reply. In brief, it's a city but really pretty safe. The 23rd & Pine area is racially and economically diverse (yes, it's "gentrifying"). The spate of shootings is unusual.
Easy link to crime trends:
http://capitolhillseattle.blogspot.com/2007/04/first-look-inside-capitol-hills-crime.html
In the City, Capitol Hill, Broadway, or most places north of the ship canal (look at a map!) would _appear_ safer (though the Central Area is really pretty safe) but you'll pay more for the privilege.
Andrew
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