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The Junction is really a gross place

Started 2 years ago by Jiggers
Latest reply from Jiggers

Jiggers
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Has City workers ever come out to clean up the rubbish and mess between Key Bank and the Hamm Building lately? I don't think so. Cigarrett butts are a permanent sidewalk fixture, It smells like urine and the seats to wait for the bus have all kind of doodoo on them. How depressing it is.

Posted 2 years ago #
pigeonmom
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Just drove by there the other day, I know what you mean. Was harassed in that alley too by some creepazoid demanding I give them money.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
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If there is a particular spot you are concerned about, you can certainly flag the Junction Association. They recently arranged to have the breezeway on the west side of the Edmunds-Alaska block cleaned after receiving complaints, even though it was an individual property owner's accountability. And I think being harassed by a panhandler may be a police-worthy issue, too.

Posted 2 years ago #
Mayor Quimby
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I feel the same about that area. There seems to be an increase in lewd conduct and behavior. Just lots of sketchy activity. (Not just emo-girls with big sunglasses either)

Last week for me was especially nasty as I saw a man passed out, inebriated next to and covered in his own excrement at the bus stop on Fauntleroy down from Rocksport. He was sitting at the bust stop with his head on his knees wearing a basketball jersey.

In the alley adjacent to Rocksport was another man urinating against the wall while he stumbled into his own puddle sliding against the wall while continuing to urinate. (No style points for him though)

Then a man and woman in the lower plaza next to the clock that read -50 degrees for a while were sitting and, at least showing each other their crack or meth rocks, b/c they didn't exchange anything. They only conversed about the items they acquired, with great enthusiasm too.

This was all in the same trip too, within moments of each other actually. It was also 2 or 3pm last Saturday.

Posted 2 years ago #
ellenater
Member Profile

That sucks! And it is depressing. It can be subtle but I have noticed it, too. Not sure what to do about it other than fight for the Junction by continuing to go often and patronize the stores. The panhandlers up there are way too aggressive. The vibe isn't so good.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSratsinacage
Member Profile

Lovely. This is why I am so against turning West Seattle into Belltown. There are good things about development, population increases, etc, but IMO the examples listed above illustrate that there are more cons than pros.

I've gotten involved over the last 5 years or so but there isn't anything the average Joe can do. It's all politics and money. Clear example of how "you can't fight city hall."

Enjoy!

Posted 2 years ago #
maplesyrup
Member Profile

This will happen as the neighborhood develops and more people get wind of how nice it is over here.

Welcome to the big city!

Hate to say it but imagine what it would have been like if the monorail project went through.

Posted 2 years ago #
Yardvark
Member Profile

Sorry, maplesyrup. I miss the logic there.

The monorail was telling druggy public urinators that West Seattle is a really nice place?

Or is this the old theory that public transportation brings the undesirables to town?

Posted 2 years ago #
maplesyrup
Member Profile

They're two unrelated points.

But yes, I am certain that if you give people easier access to the neighborhood, more people will come. That includes some people you don't want here.

Btw I supported the monorail and still wish we had it, but you take the good with the bad.

Posted 2 years ago #
Yardvark
Member Profile

Thanks for clarifying.

Definitely in favor of taking the good with the bad when it comes to the development of public transportation. Way the heck more good involved!

Posted 2 years ago #
The Junction Association
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The Junction Association has been actively working to address these issues. Last week, I stressed concerns with Lt. Paulsen regarding the panhandlers and other derelict behavior and the police will be patrolling the Junction regularly. There are several problem trash/recycling cans in the Junction and we have been asking the city on a weekly basis to increase street can pick up to include a weekend day. We will continue working on this until it is solved. I will talk to the city about cleaning up the bus stop. The Junction Association works hard to maintain a clean, safe and attractive district and please don't hesitate to contact me directly with comments. Thank you. susan@wsjunction.org

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
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Just this morning, I went to eat breakfast at Easy Street and saw around 7 bums hanging out with their backpacks and all in front across from Edie's Shoes. I thought it was a labor ready stop and pick up spot like they have in Belltown.

Posted 2 years ago #
CMP
Member Profile

I've seen a lot of questionable people south of the Alaska Junction too lately. I swear, they're probably all squatting in those two homes that were slated for that Spring Hill condo/apt project. There's also a green house on the east side of California south of Rite Aid that looks abandoned too.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
Member Profile

The house across from Rite-Aid is being used as a squattiers nest because I've walked by and seen them. There are actually two property's right there that have become overgrown with tall bushes so you can't easily see them from the street. It is what it is.

Posted 2 years ago #
mom2soren
Member Profile

Jiggers, don't knock on labor ready. Those are people willing to work, some laid off from prior jobs & working instead of collecting unemployment. Please don't call them bums.

Posted 2 years ago #
grr
Member Profile

an increased police presence would be a godsend.
-
and, I for one, am VERY glad the monorail isn't there. Nothing but a nightmare.
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took a quick visit to Mural. Know I know where the crack dealers are hanging out. In the rental office. $2k+ for RENT for an 1100sq ft apt?? Enjoy the empty building.

Posted 2 years ago #
cathyw
Member Profile

When I drove by around eight o'clock this morning, a maintenance man was washing the bus stops down with a pressure washer! It looked like he had hosed down everything. I don't think his van had a City logo on it though. I figured someone must have been reading the WSB Forum discussion. Pretty fast service. I did a double take as I went by. :)

Posted 2 years ago #
pigeonmom
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Grr RE: Mural- LOLZ!

Posted 2 years ago #
Mayor Quimby
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Is there something that certain citizens could do on their own to deter and maybe "make fun" of this type of behavior?

Could we, or a rather "they", perform certain tasks which could violate someone's civil space or private space but still be below the full regards of vigilante justice?

Examples...

-dousing or spraying a crack head or drunkard with water or a beverage, then acting like it wasn't you. And repeat.
-yelling at them very loudly whatever may come to mind (Lets Party!!!, Dad is that you?!?!?, Stop that...I work for "state your business"!!!)
-asking them for money over and over and over again
-stacking trash on anyone who sleeps at a bus stop during the daytime.
-or just standing as close as you can next to the sketchies when they are obviously trying to dabble in narcotics.

Some of these examples may be against the "law". But ultimately, who gives a *@%# they are breaking the law too.

Its nonviolent, and makes the deviants think.

and funny

Posted 2 years ago #
rico
Member Profile

There is no doubt about the truth of this thread. There were some scary looking dudes tonight, scared the crap out of my daughter. And this is coming from someone who works in Pioneer Square and brings kids downtown regularly. It was worse than downtown, just may have to bring my business to downtown - who needs this crap in their life?

Posted 2 years ago #
FullTilt
Member Profile

This is not to excuse anything: I just want to make that clear.

The junction is over run with homeless people the same reason it is over run with families. It is safe. Most people want to be just left alone to do what they do with out being harassed. That could be sleeping outside or walking the dog. Everyone wants the chance to wander around with out having to worry about being mugged, stabbed, or attacked. The homeless are the same way.

The additional reasons are, there is a low police presence, and easy accesses to cheap liquor. 7-11, gas stations, and Safeway. Think the QFC in Wallingford sells malt liquor for 99 cents a can? If I stilled lived in the junction, I would work on getting an AIA (alcohol improvement area), implemented as soon as possible. Takes about two years for it to kick in.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
Member Profile

Full Tilt.. are you combining homelessness and cheap liquor? Because there are homeless folks who don't drink liquor. Homeless people are immediately "stereotyped" as chronic drug addicts, alcoholic or mentally unstable. People in this city just love to profile but actually don't really know how to "profile correctly". But in anysense, the Junction is becoming more of a homeless rest stop lately as I've seen the problem go on the rise since the warm weather started. Also, with the area between Key Bank and the Hamm building looking run down and like a cesspool, it makes it easier for homeless bums to hang there and be part of the scenery. Go to Bellevue, they have much nicer streets and popular area's that the West Seattle Junction could look like.

Posted 2 years ago #
FullTilt
Member Profile

Correct jiggers. The vast majority of people that are homeless are not drug addicts or street drunks. The problem is you don't normally see those people. The problems that people, including you, are complaining about on this forum, are street drunks, and drug addicts. That is who is urinating in the breeze way and defecating at bus stops. You are not noticing the homeless that are working, sleeping in cars, and trying their hardest to keep it together.

Belleavue is harder to get to by bus, has a massive police presence, and has fewer stores that specialize in fine malt liquors. It also has a city and commercial district that pay to clean the heavily trafficked areas. Seattle has a bit of both of those for the down town core, but little to nothing for outer hoods. I think it should fall on the tenants and landlords of the buildings were the filth is. That rarely happens though.

So is profiling correctly referring them as "bums"? I just want to get my vernacular straight here.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
Member Profile

The working homeless do keep themselves clean looking and respectable and are harder to detect because it is very embarrissing to be labled as someone who doesn't have a permanent roof over their head. I give them credit for trying to keep it together because it easier to just give up than keep it going. You have to make at least two and half times the rent to live somewhat decent, but if you're only making $1000 a month, it is almost impossible to rent anywhere, living in a car is the only other option until they can save enough. And then some people don't even have cars and are even in a more threatening situation just to stay safe when night falls.Ok, digressing here too much. How can we get more money to beautificate the area I talked about? Comon Junction Association the ball is in your court now.

Posted 2 years ago #
ellenater
Member Profile

I appreciate the fact that this conversation has stayed civil. It makes me want to cry happy tears. Seriously.

Morgan Junction is the same. There are dudes passed out down there all the time. It makes me uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. I don't want to just get rid of the guys (relocate) but I also don't want to step over passed out bodies. But I'm am not surprised due to the economy. No idea what to do. Glad to know there is a Junction Association, though. Thanks, Susan!

Actually the main smell culprit in the Junction is Husky's back entrance. Dang!

Posted 2 years ago #
rockhills
Member Profile

I live above one of the bus stops on California (near Than Bros) and have loooovely entertainment at least four nights a week: screaming, cursing, fighting, playing chicken with cars (who understandably blare their horns in response), listening to the musical splash of vomit hitting the sidewalk... Thank goodness it usually ends by around 2:30--unless the individuals involved were drunk enough to miss the last bus. Then we get to share in their confusion until they either pass out or the buses start up in the morning. Need I describe the smell of our doorway on a Sunday morning?

Posted 2 years ago #
celeste17
Member Profile

Please don't. I have seen and Smelled it often enough. I worked downtown for many years and witnessed it first hand. Can a private security firm be contracted to deal with the problem?

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
Member Profile

Can the Junction Association find out here when the rubbish pickup days are for the area's I specifically talked about here? I noticed it is a real mess the day after Farmers Market, but nothings done until mid-week. So that's a few days for the area to look depressing. The trash can by bus stop 128 is always the worst. Oh yeah..and Husky Deli (Jack) PLEASE CLEAN THE BACK SIDE IT IS ATROCIOUS. Walking in to grab some ice cream made me wonder if the food was also rotten like the back entrance.

Posted 2 years ago #
geneseehill
Member Profile

The West Seattle Junction is reflective of big city ills. However, after saying that I prefer the Junction over almost any other neighborhood business center, except for possibly Ballard and that's because I haven't been back there for awhile. It's certainly better then the U-District, Alki, SODO, CD, Pioneer Square, Seattle Center, Belltown, Aurora Avenue-you get the picture.

Concerning the poster who mentioned the monorail. I recall reading a report a few years ago, that when the Bus drivers went on strike in Minneapolis Metro area crime dropped (by 1/3)in the neighborhood's at or near the main route to the MegaMall near the airport. The theory was/is that public transportation gave crime element access to their neighborhoods and without that there was no opportunity. Not a whole lot of publicizing of this as it was not politically correct.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
Member Profile

Jiggers, did you call attention to Husky Deli to your complaint in the second-to-last post? If not, it breaks our rule of not complaining about a business without saying what steps you took to bring it to management/ownership's attention, and how they responded.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
Member Profile

I was a customer that evening and walked thru the back entrance to buy some ice cream. It's not only in the back but in the front as well were the chairs are. You can see the place littered with paper under the chairs and on the sidewalk on occassions ( but not only at Husky). A businesses onwers responsibilty is also to make sure that its common place is also to be kept clean thru out the business day. I don't just want to nit pick on Husky becuase you can see it all over the Junction. This is nothing new. I will call them to let them know about it because It really isn't that hard to keep clean. A quick sweep and spot check every few hours or so isn't hard. Boxes should also be kept stacked nicely if in public view as well. I wouldn't want my own establishment to look a mess.

Posted 2 years ago #