The Mayor has mentioned major support for businesses. The newly elected mayor ran on being tough on crime. Businesses are not allowing the mayor to forget. Some business owners have closed up shop in downtown Seattle and more are threatening to leave due to criminal activity. Mayor Bruce Harrell stated himself that the city was unsafe.
On the corner of Third Avenue and Pine Street there has been rampant open-air drug dealing, retail theft and assaults.
Some are already talking about an intersection of failed policies. There is a police emphasis in the corridor. On and around Third Avenue has been a criminal hotspot for years. Last we the Seattle Medium reported on the flared up of a series of shootings and stabbings. Business owners have threatened to close or have done so because of the unchecked activity in the heart of downtown.
Responding to criticism, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) parked a mobile precinct in the middle of the street across from Century Square. The effect was evident. Visible criminal activity dissipated.
Police leaders say that the department is understaffed. They state that 27% of its force has reduced in the last two years.
Lewis takes exception when asked about the fact that he was on the council that voted to cut SPD jobs and reallocate resources in 2020. Parking officers were moved to the Seattle Department of Transportation. In addition, council members said that they are ready to rebuild and remodel Third Avenue.
There is a will that was put forth in 2019 by the Downtown Seattle Association to revitalize and brighten the transit corridor with trees and improved pedestrian thoroughfares. This may be brought back to the front as the pandemic subsides.
“Law enforcement presence is necessary. It’s not sufficient in and of itself. These are systemic issues we’ve had on Third Avenue whether the police department is at 1,300 or 1,000,” said Lewis.
