Tony Overman/The Olympian
Joshua Roberts (right) of South Puget Sound Com-munity College's Project Warmth makes a point to (from left) Sam Cruz, The Salvation Army's Charles Gillies Jr. and Nyatni during his discussion group at Thursday night's downtown Olympia safety forum at Olympia High School.

Godfrey

Biles

Downtown safety issues not easily defined, solved

More than 300 share ideas at Olympia High

MICHAEL BURNHAM THE OLYMPIAN

"I've been panhandled increasingly in the past two years. I actually avoid walking through certain parts of downtown because I want to avoid being panhandled."

-- Rebecca Christie, Olympia

"The stories we choose to tell create the myth we choose to live by. I think there are as many refreshing stories" as there are negative stories about downtown.

-- Chris Carson, Olympia

OLYMPIA -- More than 300 people gathered Thursday at Olympia High School to discuss ways to improve downtown safety. And after more than two hours of intimate discussion among small groups scattered across the cafeteria, it became clear that many solutions are desired.

"There is no one magic-bullet solution," Olympia resident Fox Godfrey said. "Problems are only easily solved on 30-minute sitcoms on the Fox network."

But Thursday's dialogue -- generally frank and amicable, but at times contentious -- was very much grounded in the real world.

Participants were asked to address why so-called offensive behavior is occurring downtown, what needs to be done to correct the situation, and who needs to be a part of the solution.

Mayor Stan Biles opened the forum by citing police statistics that showed increasing crime and anti-social behavior downtown.

"I am concerned there is a problem, and I don't like those trends," Biles said.

"Human problems have human solutions," Biles added. "Please consider that City Hall is only part of the approach."

Perhaps the crowd -- a broad mix of ages, races and incomes -- took Biles' request to heart.

Many speakers initially focused on the source of downtown's perceived ills. Issues that appeared to draw heavy discussion included public urination and aggressive panhandling.

"I've been panhandled increasingly in the past two years," Olympia resident Rebecca Christie said. "I actually avoid walking through certain parts of downtown because I want to avoid being panhandled."

Others cautioned that the night's focus on safety and behavior problems perpetuates a negative image of downtown -- accurately or not.

"The stories we choose to tell create the myth we choose to live by," Olympia's Chris Carson said. "I think there are as many refreshing stories" as there are negative stories.

Speakers disagreed on whether downtown's homeless population and public safety are inseparable issues.

"Graffiti on the walls and scratching windows -- that's anger" and not just a homeless issue, said Olympia Union Gospel Mission Chaplain Pat Feeney.

"A lot of abrasive behavior is happening from what (homeless) see as high-school-aged people," Ed Brownell said.

Sitting two seats away with his arms crossed, Ron Major disagreed.

"To me, this behavior seems to be occurring because of a large influx of transient men," he said.

Proposed ordinances

About 60 people gathered last week to strategize how to express opposition at Thursday's forum to three proposed city ordinances that would affect homeless activity. However, the proposed car-camping and panhandling bans and an ordinance that would restrict the sale of fortified alcohol downtown was just part of the night's discussion.

"The majority of the people in my group were not for them," said Joe Mailhot. "They felt that the ordinances were more of a punishment than a solution."

In a separate interview after the forum, City Councilman Doug Mah said he heard ample support and opposition to the trio of laws, which are supported by the Olympia Downtown Association.

"I'm not sure if the outcome of the discussions necessarily makes it easier for (the council) to make decisions," Mah added.

Speakers offered myriad solutions to perceived safety problems.

Godfrey called for the city to abolish an ordinance that prohibits vehicle cruising. The law spurs youths to gather on downtown blocks and engage in illegal and anti-social behavior, Godfrey said.

"We don't need more regulations; if anything, we need ... fair enforcement of existing regulations," Godfrey said.

That sentiment echoed loudly.

Carol Welch, owner of Tea Lady, advocated the creation of a downtown taxing district where businesses would voluntarily pay to clean and monitor the area.

Other suggestions involving both the public and private sectors included:

- Installing more video cameras.

- Creating all-hours public bathrooms.

- Inspiring greater civic accountability.

- Creating more night jobs and activities for young adults.

- Creating more homeless shelters and transitional housing.

- Creating temporary labor businesses that allow homeless people to work for downtown businesses.

- Putting more police on the streets.

- Creating civic safety patrols.

Perhaps the forum's waning moments signaled what might happen next. Council members, business owners, homeless advocates and suburban moms helped each other pile chairs into common stacks and lingered for final discussions.

"This was really beneficial, and the city should have more of these conversations," said Chelsea Bunn of Olympia. "It allowed a large number of people to express their opinions and at the same time build a community."

Michael Burnham covers Olympia for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-704-6869.

On the Web:

- City of Olympia

The Olympian Copyright 2002

back to main Home Page Stories index