Emotions ran high last Thurs., June 26 at a public forum on four possible sites for a new Seattle Municipal Jail. The event was held at the Machinist's Union Hall in South Park.
The four proposed sites are located at 11762 Aurora Ave. N., 1600 W. Armory Way in Interbay, Highland Park Way W. and Marginal Way, and 9501 Myers Way S.
Residents from Highland Park, South Park, White Center, Georgetown, and Riverview presented their views about the proposed plan. Using the Regional Justice Center in Kent as a model for a new facility, the city has narrowed the options to four from 35 proposed sites around Seattle.
Opponents accused the city of trying to put a jail in economically depressed areas that have been working very hard to improve their communities. Putting a jail there, they said, would work against everything the people there have been trying to do.
The need for a new jail arose after King County announced it will no longer be accepting jail inmates from any of its cities beginning Jan. 1, 2013. This decision has forced the city of Seattle and surrounding cities to consider alternative arrangements for their inmates. King County has also refused to extend the 2013 deadline when requested to do so by cities earlier this year, according to a packet of information provided by the city at the forum.
While Seattle's jail population has decreased by 38 percent over the last decade, according to a city of Seattle report, state law does require jail time for certain offenses such as repeated DUI convictions and domestic violence charges. Most jail inmates are generally held for a minimum of 48 hours to a maximum of one year.
Among many of the concerns residents discussed was safety and increase in crime with the building of a jail in a residential neighborhood. Doug Carey, a representative from the city, said it's very difficult with a city like Seattle to place such a facility away from all of the schools and parks.
"The problem with a densely populated city is that it's hard to avoid being at some distance from residences," Carey said. There are several factors to consider when deciding on a site. He assured community members that "we are here to listen to your concerns, and your concerns will be [heard]. We welcome input from neighborhoods on all of the siting factors we are considering."
Geraldine Schwarz, a citizen, said she feels the community was left out of the decision-making process. "The city has been operating with no transparency. There's a lack of disclosure, a lack of community involvement," Schwarz said. "It's created a negative tone of trust."
Rebecca Chu, a member of the Highland Park Action Committee, said she's concerned about the impact the new jail facility will have on the environment. "The sites in Seattle are terrible," said Chu. "The city's own ordinances for preserving habitat are being contradicted by this action."
Chu, an expectant mother, said she's concerned about the future of schools. "School safety is a big issue. I don't want to have my daughter going to a school next to jail," she said. "I think the city seriously needs to evaluate whether or not it needs a jail in the city."
The city will hold three more public forums in July and two additional meetings in August to allow community members to give further input on the scope of work. Residents are also encouraged to post their comments and questions on this city of Seattle web site: http://www.seattle.gov/municipaljail/questions.htm