You may recall us quoting an article by the PI's Robert Jameson last week which voiced his concerns about Belltown's ever increasing crime and drug problem. Today he touched on the subject again, announcing that Mayor Greg Nickels "ignores problems as obvious as a hand slammed in a door." Who is to blame for these shootouts, beatings, and drugs in Belltown? Yuppie revelers? Drug dealers? Hostile panhandlers? People high on drugs? Gangbangers? Invisible cops? Belltowner Constance Rodman's answer is, "It's a combo. Everyone knows they can come here and get a free pass, for driving drunk, for disturbing the peace, for dealing."
I've been a little torn on the subject. I've found myself questioning whether the problems in Belltown are all that bad, and if open air drug use and aggressive homeless people are expected when living in a downtown area. My doubts were diminished when over the weekend I was enjoying a dinner near 2nd and Bell. A little girl and her Dad were skipping around playfully on the sidewalk when a man approached them with a cloth in one hand which he was "huffing" (probably paint thinner or something that has similar effects) and a can of alcohol in the other. He started aggressively mumbling jibberish to them, and fell to his knees blocking their path.
Now that's just not cool. A parent shouldn't have to worry about his kids getting confronted by people with eyes rolling in the back of their head. It was a disturbing scene. I think more police attention is definitely called for. Belltown should have the reputation of being a place where people come to experience nightlife, fine dining, art, and culture, rather than a reputation of being a dangerous "wild wild west" where anything goes.
Belltowner Katie wrote me an email today which suggested Belltown residents come together and take action towards catching Mayor Nickels attention.
"Has anyone thought about doing a "Take back our Streets" march in Belltown? Maybe if we shout loud enough and more news reporters in the area were able to see how serious residents are about getting rid of the crime in the area, Mayor Nickels might hear us. We could all wear plastic bags on our heads so we could get his attention.
I think you should use your blog to start a dialog on this.
Katie
Resident of Belltown"
The plastic bags idea is rather clever. What do you think about this idea of a march?
Yes, we should do something! Nothing will be fixed if we just sit around. If there is a march, I for one will be there.
What goes on in belltown is absolutely ridiculous. I live and work here. Im from seattle and this is the worst i've seen it. From the alley of the restaurant i work at where bums and crack heads shoot up or decide to use it as their private bathroom, to my apartment where i found a bum passed out in my courtyard last night. I have a two block commute and really have to think about which route is safest to walk. I've seen a police presence but don't notice it getting better. I don't know what the answer is but its not to do nothing. As a community we need to get together and change it because no one else will. I would like to see some more neighborhood meetings take place.
Hell yes, lets march!! This city council and mayor are a joke. No way they address this issue unless we light a fire under it!
Hey everyone,
I am Katie, the one who suggested a march. I am glad I got some feedback about this, and I am also not surprised. I know that for people or live and/or work in Belltown, the current situation is a disgrace. I have lived in Belltown for almost 5 years and up until the last 6 months, have never felt unsafe. I walk to work in pioneer square every day, and even at 8am, I see some scary stuff. I feel more safe in Pioneer Square then I do on my own block. I, too, have to go out of my way to avoid certain blocks (and we all know where that is). Even walking my 70 lbs dog, I feel nervous.
I am just sick and tired of it. As much as I enjoyed the Night Out last night, it didn't make a difference. All it did was allow for us neighbors to discuss our frustrations with each other, not the people who matter, city council.
I have never planned an event like this but would be willing to help out as much as I can. Does anyone know how to start? Anyone know if we need some sort of permitting? We need to make this big. I started an email address for this reason. If anyone is interested in heading up some sort of committee, email me at safebelltown@gmail.com.
close down the clubs that attract the bridge and tunnel crowd, and the problem will go away. drugs have nothing to do with it. the example you gave about the guy that fell down in front of the father and daughter is unfortunate, but really how traumatizing will that experience be in the long run? the dip shit frat boy types that come from the burbs and try to start fights with people in belltown actually are dangerous.
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