Now hear this: Build Back Better ideas from the front line
Over the decades Downtown Seattle has survived economic downturns, social unrest and disasters--even a previous pandemic. However, this time they’ve arrived at once, permanently shuttering familiar retail, restaurants and businesses and exposing the gaping hole in our safety and social service net.
But when the going gets tough, the tough get thinking. Recently DRA called for ideas on reviving downtown to bring it back better. Here are thoughts on livability and safety from urban pioneers…
Jacky Randall, Fischer Studio Building:
“Let's make the area west of Fourth Ave and close to the Pike Place Market a Special Enterprise Zone for small businesses wanting to adapt and reuse our historic buildings. Such an effort could be shaped to encourage minority owned business in particular, and in general would encourage a more mixed bag of downtown enterprise than the current model which emphasizes big businesses in big buildings (now empty). The foot traffic drawn to these small businesses would also help keep the Market rooted in Seattle rather than gradually morphing into a tourist trap.”
Resident, Waterfront Place:
“I suggest that we offer tax breaks to locally-owned businesses in the Downtown core as an incentive for them to remain downtown. In particular, businesses that serve residents rather than primarily tourists should be incentivized. They contribute to a healthy neighborhood which will keep Seattle an attractive place for people to visit. If downtown devolves into a day-time only place where business is conducted, it will ultimately die out like many other US cities.”
Resident, 1521 2nd Ave.:
“Make a push for downtown residents to commit to at least a weekly dinner out in local restaurants. Have restaurants participate in a weekly diner’s club and ask residents to sign up. It becomes an event for people.”
Resident 1521 2nd Ave.:
“Let’s try free parking downtown for a while to help bring back shoppers.”
Resident, Royal Crest:
“We need a healthy visual contrast to the boarded establishments and concrete. We already are fortunate to have trees on many streets. If there were more plants and flowers to soften the atmosphere and suggest evidence of nature, downtown would be more welcoming. Sure, there would be maintenance and sanitary challenges, but it could work with smart design and possibly volunteers to do maintenance.”
Resident, 1521 2nd Ave.:
“We need increased patrols; increased cleaning of sidewalks and increased police presence at Third and Pike, perhaps a precinct in the former Starbucks at that corner.”
Resident, West Edge Apartments:
“We cannot walk our streets after dark, especially near the 3rd & Pike bus stops. In the late 80’s and early 90’s panhandlers were rampant. The City passed laws not to be stopped or confronted by anyone. Why can’t there be a law prohibiting this, along with tents and trash on our sidewalks?”
Resident, 1521 2nd Ave.:
“How about weekly evening walks by residents to “take back the streets.” Not a demonstration per se but an act that shows we live here and aren’t going to give up our streets.”
Keep your ideas for a better downtown coming and we’ll feature them in future posts.
