FOLLOWUP: Two Junction bus shelters to be removed as part of ‘problem-solving plan’

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips about the new signs announcing Metro‘s plan to remove two bus shelters on the west end of the south side of SW Alaska in The Junction’s transit hub.

(WSB photo)

This is part of the “problem-solving project” we first told you about back on October 6th, after a walking tour involving reps from Metro, Metro Transit Police, Seattle Police, the city Department of Human Services (HSD), the West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) and some of its merchants, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, and the WS Chamber of Commerce.

The major complaint involved loitering in those shelters and in the nearby parking lot, with multiple police calls resulting from fights, disorderly conduct by intoxicated people, and maintenance issues. According to a preliminary follow-up report from Metro planner Dale Cummings that was sent to walking-tour participants, a Metro ridership study showed removal of those shelters was feasible because the RapidRide shelters on the east end of the block – which are NOT proposed for removal – get most of the use. Cummings wrote, “Since the RapidRide bus stop was added at The Junction, ridership at this bus stop that serves Rts. 37, 50, 55, 128 has dropped to around 400 boardings per day.”

The Junction had already taken steps to try to reduce the problems through changing the environment, including removing some of the vegetation and seating areas on the southeast corner of Alaska and 44th. The organization also planned to evaluate lighting in the parking lot, and to look at how to remove access to electrical outlets that have been in place by the SW Alaska bus shelter dating back to the Farmers’ Market use of the parking lot.

According to the Metro notices that just appeared in the shelters, they are to be removed in mid-November. We’ll be following up with the Junction Association about any other impending steps from the “problem-solving plan.” Meantime, if you have a comment for Metro about the impending removal, the notices point you to its Customer Service division – contact info is on this page of the Metro website.

MONDAY AFTERNOON NOTE: We’ve spoken this afternoon with Junction Association director Lora Swift and, as noted in comments, she confirms that despite Metro’s posting of all four structures west of the parking-lot driveway behind KeyBank, the two on the west are the only two slated for removal. We also talked about the other area challenges discussed during the October 6th walking tour and will have updates in our upcoming followup – we’ve been waiting all day for Metro to answer some questions before finishing the story.

Community Member October 22, 2016 (11:06 pm)

I’ll say straight out that I do not know what the solution is to problems at bus stops.

I will say that it has always seemed unfortunate that middle school students ( children!) are expected to catch busses at sites that are filled with drug dealing and drug usage, I think that Seattle Public Schools needs to either be involved in making sure that this is a safe space for adolescents, or they should go back to using yellow busses.

mark47n October 23, 2016 (2:21 pm)

Middle school students get district provided bussing if they live outside of 2 miles from their assigned school. If its a choice school they may be eligible for an ORCA card. The point being that middle school students aren’t compelled to use public transportation, unlike high school students.

pmc October 22, 2016 (11:14 pm)

This is a good “problem solving plan ” for a small part of the problem. That being said, the shelters for the C are nicer, but are crowded in the AM and not much protection from the rain. If all the buses pull up to the intersection on a first come basis then we could all take turns running in the NW rain :-)

Z2718099 October 22, 2016 (11:14 pm)

This is too bad. I used to live in those King County METRO Transit bus shelters over there in West Seattle, WA — the very ones that they are talking about in this article! Between those two bus shelters, I saved about 16 years’ worth of what otherwise would have been rent money and utility bills money that I would have otherwise had to pay, over all of those years, to some landlord and also to the City of Seattle and so-forth. Thank you, anyway, King County METRO Transit, for helping me to save a bundle of dough for all of those years, anyway!!! You have been so kind!!!

Kadoo October 23, 2016 (6:10 am)

I’m relieved that the shelter will be removed. I hope the port a potty is next. This bus stop has been a problem for years and it started once the port a potty arrived.

WSB October 23, 2016 (8:36 am)

According to the city Human Services Department, which pays for the portapotty here and in three other areas of the city (Ballard, Lower Queen Anne, Lake City), it has been there since 1994, and was installed at the Junction Association’s request.
West Seattle since 1979 October 23, 2016 (12:32 pm)

What about people who use that bus stop to wait for actual buses, and can’t stand for very long due to physical problems?
- M.B. October 23, 2016 (9:11 pm)
  
  There is constantly talk about making the area more walkable/bikeable, and getting cars off the street – but really, just about everything done to make the city more walkable/bikeable seems to just make it more difficult for people with limited mobility who may not be able to walk long distances to bus stops or to stand for long periods of time while waiting on a bus.

Laurence October 23, 2016 (6:25 am)

It’s unfortunate the Metro is like a giant dog with ticks and fleas that jump on and off at every stop…

i live near the C line and there are constantly folks smoking crxk or whatever in the alley at the 35th and Roxbury stop…

anonyme October 23, 2016 (6:29 am)

This is typical Seattle “problem solving”. The problem are the transients and drug users using the shelter and nearby Porta-potty as a flophouse and drug exchange. No one catches the bus over there unless they have no choice. A reasonable person might think that the solution would be to kick out the troublemakers, but NOOO – not in Seattle. Instead, let’s remove the only shelter from the rain available to law-abiding, taxpaying bus riders. This is the same thinking that resulted in the garbage can being removed on Alki due to “too much use”. Is there something in the water here that disables the rational thought part of the brain?

Mark schletty October 24, 2016 (8:57 am)

Anonyme– totally agree. You said it for me perfectly.

BrianD October 23, 2016 (6:48 am)

Unfortunately, I think that the intoxicated people are just going to move over to the Rapid Ride shelter. I also see these people smoking/drinking hanging around in the shrubbery (!) on the 44th side of that parking lot.

Joe Szilagyi October 23, 2016 (8:02 am)

The major complaint involved loitering in those shelters and in the nearby parking lot, with multiple police calls resulting from fights

How often, relative to similar transit centers? This is all woefully short on public evidence.

Mike October 23, 2016 (10:27 am)

Every time I drove by the Junction bus shelters, somebody was fighting verbally or shouting to a wall by themselves. I drive by about 3-4 times a week after 6pm. There, I give you a few legitimate stats.

Seattlite October 23, 2016 (8:12 am)

I don’t use metro but I do need to walk past these shelters or through the parking lot. This is a start to controlling loitering and bringing safety to that particular area. I will also might note that the jaywalking on that street is out of control and very dangerous.

jhoff October 23, 2016 (8:17 am)

Maybe more police presence?

Mike October 23, 2016 (10:28 am)

Would love that, if they had resources to allocate. We need to pressure our government officials to bump up headcount for SPD and get them adequate training for current times and dealing with a variety of people.

Joe Szilagyi October 23, 2016 (8:26 am)

If you are on the District 1 Facebook Page, obligatory poll to try to get some transparent public feedback on this:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/seattledistrict1/permalink/1159850237385299/

And the previous discussion there:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/seattledistrict1/permalink/1157066690996987/

Early signs point to this not being a popular decision. It will be interesting to see what public support exists for this beyond the Junction Association and nearby businesses.

WSB October 23, 2016 (8:30 am)

If you’re looking for publicly visible feedback, the open Web is more visible than anything behind social-media walls. Our original story had a 40+-comment discussion. However, neither is a formal means of feedback, so anyone who feels strongly either way should be sure to use the Metro feedback form/number linked at the end of our story above, and mention here that you did. – TR

socialenterprise October 23, 2016 (8:36 am)

Over the last six months, my children and I have transitioned from primarily auto-oriented to primarily transit-oriented. I am selling my car. I am proud that my 5th grader is mastering navigation. Seattle transit isn’t perfect, nor the best, but I know that smart, dedicated planners are always making it more effective. ST3 promised to be a new great investment.

While the shelters are sometimes used inappropriately (as are the free parking for auto drivers and a number of business locations), they are used primarily by transit riders who as shelter while they wait. Removing the shelters is a giant step backward. What else could have been done with the $ used to install them originally, to remove them afterward, to redesign and reconstruct the new space without shelters, and the ultimate re-installation of shelters (as I anticipate)?

Did the city engage the Pomegranate Center, Environmental Works, or any of dozens of community-oriented architects and designers to engage the community and create a more appropriate space?

RJB October 25, 2016 (12:24 pm)

yes, this ^^^^ all of us should appreciate our transit system more- from the planners to the drivers to the riders, thank you socialenterprise.

flimflam October 23, 2016 (8:42 am)

so the big answer is to remove the shelters rather than have regular enforcement of laws? gotcha.

WSB October 23, 2016 (8:53 am)

Metro Transit Police are responsible for what happens at Metro bus stops and inside Metro buses. They are a division of the King County Sheriff’s Office and spread fairly thin. One of their captains was part of the October 6th walking tour. This is not to say that SPD doesn’t respond to what happens there – for example, you might recall the death investigation at this shelter right about this time on a Sunday morning eight weeks ago. Six days before that, we had reported briefly on a large contingent from both departments after a report of trouble on a bus. Not stats, just datapoints. – TR

(added) Took a few minutes to look this up but we have covered several guest appearances by Metro Transit Police at local community-group meetings. Most recently, almost a year ago at the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council – second half of this story. The chief said they have 39 uniformed officers covering the entirety of the Metro and Sound Transit systems. That’s a little over half what it was pre-recession, he said.
- JVP October 24, 2016 (8:07 am)
  
  Wait, what? Seattle police aren’t allowed to patrol here? What kind of genius came up with that one? I bet every crackhead and junky in the city knows that metro shelters are police-free (or almost free) zones.
  
  Abolish Metro police NOW and allocate the funding to local police!

KT October 23, 2016 (8:52 am)

Ya, let’s not have the Metro Transit Police do their job.

Gorillita October 23, 2016 (8:59 am)

I am appalled at this decision. I catch several buses at this shelter during the week. I am a disabled senior, and if I cannot sit down at the bus stop and be sheltered from the rain, I won’t be able to go about my business by bus (including volunteer work). It is almost impossible to even get by all the people at the Rapid Ride stop and just as impossible to sit down as the seats are always taken (often by young people). Plus, the 50, 128 and water taxi shuttle stop at the west end of the block. If I were sitting in a Rapid Ride shelter, I don’t think I could get up and make it to the other end of the block in time when I saw one of those buses pull in. The problem is the transients – they’ve just won by causing those of us who need the shelters to alter our lives.

CanDo October 23, 2016 (9:46 am)

What anonyme said…. Really? The bus shelters are the problem? Let riders stand in the rain. That will solve the problem. Maybe create more rain – surely that will drive the homeless transients away. The problem isn’t shelter. The problem is the transient and homeless population! Remove the toilets if you must. I rode the bus for years from the junction with its shelters and didn’t see the need for a porta-potty. But the rain shelters? C’mon Metro! Are you going to insist that all buildings take down awnings and overhangs as well?

Kardinal October 23, 2016 (9:50 am)

This is why we cannot have nice things.

Mike October 23, 2016 (10:29 am)

“We” can, “They” can’t. I’m not included in the group of transients fighting and dealing drugs.
- Maria October 23, 2016 (11:36 pm)
  
  Kardinal is using this saying correctly. Because of that “group”, we as a whole can’t have this nice thing (shelter) anymore.

C October 23, 2016 (9:59 am)

Homeless people in the jungle? Sweep ’em out! People sleeping/loitering at a bus stop? Take their shelter away! A passive aggressive stance to a WAY larger problem. Sorry everyone is subjected to seeing homeless people every day. THE HORROR!

Mike Mahanay October 23, 2016 (10:02 am)

Once again the answer does not address the problem! This is similar to removing the trash can because there is trash. Of course the kids and blind lady don’t need a shelter to wait for the 55 or 50 to come along. The problem is indeed the transient, criminal population!. The stop at West Village has similar problems and only has a Rapid Ridge shelter. I have never ever seen transit police at either of these two stops!

wetone October 23, 2016 (10:30 am)

And they wonder why people continue or go back to driving their own cars. Once again instead of Seattle and Metro dealing with people causing the problem, they penalize everyone else. Sooooo Seattle and all to common these days. True signs of a city with very bad leadership. Only way to fix problem is vote current leadership and counsel out……… don’t complain if you don’t vote ;)

HC October 23, 2016 (10:40 am)

If you’re going to grow mass transit, then you must increase the transit police, which I very rarely see as it is now. I see more fare enforcement officers than I do transit police.

WSEd October 23, 2016 (10:49 am)

I tried to ride Metro to commute to work for about 4 years. After having children I finally gave up. My spouse used to be 100% public transport with no car. For a huge chunk of society the buses just don’t work well with family and dynamic work demands.

To add to it the unsavory elements at rider stations and on the buses keep me from riding often with the kids. We have two problems, the small problem is access to transportation. That is easy to fix with enough resources.

The big problem is culture. We just don’t have the culture of Tokyo even though city leaders seem to look at that as an ideal. We tolerate degenerates, drug use, petty theft at a level that would be unacceptable in most of the western world. Not to mention lack of respect for elders and basic social order.

Unfortunately many like myself have essentially given up on public transport for at least the child rearing portion of our lives.

SeattleGrrl October 23, 2016 (10:50 am)

I am appalled at this because they are punishing the disabled, seniors, and those with limited mobility with a ‘problem solving’ solution that solves nothing. The people loitering and fighting will keep doing exactly that, they will just do it at the Rapid Ride shelters instead, where everyone will be crammed into too small a space with barely any seats for those who need them or room to stand when it is pouring how many months out of the year? I myself have limited mobility and cannot stand waiting for a bus, and the Rapid Ride seats ARE always taken, and they ARE too far from the other stops to catch a bus when you see it coming as Gorillita said.

West Seattle since 1979 October 23, 2016 (12:36 pm)

Not to mention that if the people causing problems move to the Rapid Ride stops, those seats and shelters will probably be removed too.

North Admiral Commuter October 23, 2016 (11:01 am)

I’ve no problem with the shelters being removed if it improves safety. However, since I frequently use that bus stop to connect to the C line: will that corner remain a metro stop, albeit unsheltered?

The article mentions the Junction Association taking steps to remove benches and vegetation on the southeast side, but that the sheltered bus stops being removed are on the southwest side. Just to be clear: they are removing shelters at 44th & Alaska on the south-west of Alaska, meaning the corner that shares with the porta-potty and is adjacent to one of the 3-hour lots?

For what it’s worth, I’ve never been uncomfortable commuting through these metro stops. Maybe I am in the minority, but I was surprised to learn that this corner is s hotbed for loitering and violence.

Tammi October 23, 2016 (12:02 pm)

Police need to arrest anyone who is hassling riders. I don’t understand why taking out a bus shelter will change anything.

West Seattle since 1979 October 23, 2016 (12:34 pm)

Yes, they’ll just move to the Rapid Ride stops. Then I’m sure Metro will remove those too.

Tony October 23, 2016 (12:05 pm)

I am appalled that they are punishing us seniors who have done nothing wrong.

Never mind that they eliminated bus service from Alki to downtown

and make everybody go through the junction with ONE #50 BUS PER HOUR on Sundays.

And the #50 won’t wait for any C-bus just pulling up with people who would

like to transfer, so those will have to wait a full hour for the next #50

rather than #50 waiting another 6 seconds.

All indications are that anytime Metro can think up another step to make things worse they will.

West Seattle since 1979 October 23, 2016 (12:37 pm)

It really seems like Metro thinks that everyone who rides the buses has perfect mobility.

j October 23, 2016 (12:41 pm)

This just in…Seattle to remove all bridges and underpasses due to loitering, peeing and pooping, drugs, thieves, graffiti etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc

Eddie October 23, 2016 (1:02 pm)

If you’ve ever looked at “bay 2”, there actually are 5 distinct structures serving the “non-rapid ride” buses. From west to east, they are a roof structure over the portapotty, two connected overhead roof structures with seating, and two additional roof structures with seating just west of the alley, right where the bus actually stops. Wonder which “two” are being proposed for removal? Lots of complaining about losing shelter for users, but my observation would say there should remain plenty of shelter and seating for real users waiting for metro transportation.

WSB October 23, 2016 (1:53 pm)

The two westernmost structures that are over bus benches. I believe both have notices posted, from when we went by yesterday after somebody texted us to say they’d seen the notice.
- Eddie October 23, 2016 (2:15 pm)
  
  Look carefully and you’ll see that there are 4 total covered structures with seating at the Bay 2 stop. Removing 2 would not seriously impact legitimate Metro Patrons waiting for service at Bay 2.
  - WSB October 23, 2016 (5:17 pm)
    
    Technically they are four but I would be surprised if Metro considers them to be – I will be of course following up tomorrow, since this erupted over the weekend. Whether you consider them four or two, they all have notices (we just went by to look, as I just photographed one representative sign yesterday).

RayK October 23, 2016 (1:59 pm)

As a mobility-challenged senior, I’m appalled by Metro’s callous disregard for riders. I often transfer between C-line and the 50 or 128 to Admiral and I can’t stand long while waiting for a bus and welcome the seats. Especially in rainy weather. Since the Junction Association is spearheading this action, I’m boycotting the Junction merchants. SPD has a reserved parking spot 1/2 block away. They should use that more frequently and have officers drop by the Metro stops to “police” the area.

Michelle C October 23, 2016 (5:38 pm)

Hi RayK – I agree with you about the need for shelter and seating while waiting for the bus.

I work for a business that is a member of the Junction Association, and I don’t think my boss knows about this – I don’t know how many businesses actually were involved in the decision. Maybe try contacting some businesses first and let them know you might have to change your shopping patterns due to this decision.

karen October 23, 2016 (3:08 pm)

I am really sad to see such a shortsighted answer to our homeless population. I get it- it makes people uncomfortable to see drunks and homeless people, but unless they are physically harming someone, they have every right to be there. Come on Seattle – people are homeless, and you can’t hide from it. No one is forcing you to house them in your home, but they have a right to be on public property, with kids, seniors, and everyone. The majority of people using the bus really appreciate the shelters and removing them will discourage more bus riding and force people into their sheltered cars…..

I makes me crazy that people cannot accept the reality — you cannot sweep people who make you uncomfortable away… they are here.

Sparkles October 24, 2016 (9:58 am)

Karen, its not just about being uncomfortable, the problem is the fighting which gets out of hand & spills into other people & onto the street.

I think the best way to combat this is for more people use the space the troublemakers occupy- I’ve notice that when I don’t walk around them, but go straight through their mini-camp making direct eye-contact, they tend to tone it down. But I know many people aren’t inclined to do that.

René October 23, 2016 (3:25 pm)

I’m a mobility challenged senior too. I’ve e-mailed metro disability compliance to see if that person is aware what their more fragile riders are losing. It’s appalling that metro is accommodating businesses at the expense of their riders.

dsa October 23, 2016 (6:12 pm)

You will be told to use Access. Good luck with that.

Sami October 23, 2016 (3:39 pm)

They should also remove the bus stop on SW Barton across the street from Westwood Village. Major homeless encampment in Roxbury Park. There has been nothing but trouble since that bus stop was installed and still the line of busses parked on Barton.

WSobserver October 23, 2016 (4:35 pm)

What an idiot solution! Trouble with homeless in the bus shelters? Remove the shelter and damn the bus riders.

Only municipal deities who have never stood out in a cold rain for half an hour waiting for the bus would consider removing the shelters. No doubt people who have never waited for a bus in their lives are issuing these ridiculous edicts. Utter morons.

Punish the bus riders. Fail to address the homeless issue. Problem solved!

Michelle C October 23, 2016 (5:47 pm)

I’m really disappointed that this is seen as a solution – like it or not, the people who hang out in the bus shelters are part of our community. Does anyone know if there are any WS specific organizations that work to end homelessness?

This also makes me wonder about how the money my workplace pays as a mandatory tax for the WS Business Improvement Area is spent. We pay quarterly a percentage of revenue plus a flat parking assessment, even though most of our clients cannot find parking in the free parking lots and sometimes have to park blocks away, which is another burden on people with limited mobility. Is that money administered by the Junction Association? I haven’t been motivated as an employee to learn more about the Junction Association, but I’m wondering if some of that money can go to public safety issues.

Jon Wright October 23, 2016 (10:04 pm)

What’size next? The Junction Association drops any pretense of civility and just hires some goons with truncheons to roust any ne’ers-do-well lingering about?

JVP October 24, 2016 (8:24 am)

To be honest, I’d be supportive of that – within reason. Not sure why in Seattle we so strongly support the “rights” of others to behave in ways that make others feel unsafe or threatened.

Jim October 23, 2016 (10:17 pm)

On one hand, Metro has goals to increase ridership. On the other, they actively delete infrastructure that promotes ridership.

The strategic thinkers at metro are neither.

Wsres October 23, 2016 (10:19 pm)

A better solution would have been to increase the SPD or metro police. Why does the shelter need to be removed? The transients that are fighting, loitering, and drug dealing need to be removed. I wish I could vote out city officials in this upcoming election.

WestCake October 24, 2016 (12:10 am)

Remove shelter from the weather…….cause it doesn’t rain here much……..
People need a place to sit. It’s nice to keep your groceries out of the rain if you rely on the bus.
It’s political poison to raise the tax rate – even in the name of better security, this attitude needs to change in order for us to see some police lingering around at peak hours of the day. A police state is not what I’m envisioning; just some cops on the corner to make the children feel safe enough after school to catch a bus.

pmc October 24, 2016 (12:52 am)

What ever happened to the study that was being done about having the C-line coming up California and turning right on Alaska and stopping on the SE side?

d October 24, 2016 (7:08 am)

If the police do their jobs them shelters could stay there forever

old timer October 24, 2016 (8:13 am)

Gotta admit, ripping the shelters out of West Seattle’s primo transit center/hub, serving many who have no choices about their transportation methods, is just plain dumb and totally not worth the money paid to the blockheads who made this “plan”. That includes the sacred WS Junction ASSociation.

West Seattle since 1979 October 24, 2016 (9:05 am)

I wonder if it’d help if a lot of people contacted the West Seattle Junction Association and Metro if they have objections to this.

WSB October 24, 2016 (9:07 am)

As part of the followup I’m working on for today, I’m asking Metro if there is an official comment process beyond the “call the customer-service number” on the notices.

Sad and Mad October 24, 2016 (9:28 am)

Homelessness in Seattle is a complex issue. Dangerous fallout includes increased compassion fatigue among even the most caring and progressive folks. Without apology, provide real consequences to those who continue with poor choices that put all of our community, including themselves, at risk. Increase funding for both mental health and for police. Redirect homeless people from bus stops to homeless shelters where there are necessary services.

No offense intended here: Stop feeding the bears.

Sparkles October 24, 2016 (10:05 am)

Well said, Sad and Mad, perfectly put.

René October 24, 2016 (10:52 am)

A lot of people posted about the shelters being of benefit to mobility challenged riders and the elders. I wrote the ADA compliance officer at metro. I don’t know if it will help in the long run but it’s being followed up on. Here is the ADA officer’s response

Rene – Thank you for letting us know about your situation and concern
for other riders with disabilities using Metro’s bus service at the
Alaska Junction. I’ve asked Paige Burdick Blazei to follow up on these
concerns. Please feel free to contact her directly at 206-477-2896 or
the email address in the cc. Otherwise, expect to hear from Paige in the
next couple of days. Thanks, Rene. Melony

Melony Joyce, MSW
ADA Compliance Officer
King County Metro Transit
P 206-477-2805 | F 206-205-6490
TTY Relay 711

seaopgal October 24, 2016 (11:31 am)

Nature abhors a vacuum. In other words, it is natural that people have taken this otherwise empty space for their use. So, remove the westernmost 1/2 or 2/3 or even 3/4 of the shelter and fill it with something else. Set aside space in the Junction lot for a “permanent” food truck, facing the sidewalk. Make the necessary infrastructure changes to integrate the tree & flagpole “mini-park” and encourage active use of this corner by all segments of the population. Leave the eastern part of the existing structure for use by riders, including overflow C-liners, and attach the porta-potty on the west side. Being closer to activity, the shelter will be much less likely to be occupied by non-riders, especially if riders make a conscious effort to use it, rain or shine, rather than milling around in a clot at the Rapid Ride stop (which btw I find much more annoying to navigate than the folks at the west end).

WSB October 24, 2016 (1:31 pm)

Full followup still to come but one important point that we have clarified with Lora Swift at the Junction Association:

Though the notices were posted on all the bus shelter structures west of the driveway into the parking lot behind KeyBank … it is indeed only the two west of the Honey Bucket that will be removed. (Thanks to Eddie for pointing out the “two” structures were really four.)

The two non-RapidRide structures east of the Honey Bucket are staying.

Those two should NOT have had notices on them, she says, and also, they weren’t supposed to be posted at all until there had been some kind of public announcement.

I’m still waiting for Metro to answer some related questions that I posed first thing this morning.

-TR

anonyme November 8, 2016 (5:53 am)

I had to catch a #128 in the Junction mid-morning yesterday. Had to go stand in the alley because the shelters were occupied by a group of 5-6 individuals, all drunk , all smoking, with open containers. An hour later, I witnessed a drug exchange at the door of the porta-potty. The shelters are not the problem; the drunks, drug addicts, and lack of enforcement are the problem. Metro has it’s own police. Where the hell are they?

Sorry, comment time is over.