Squire Park

the community council general meeting is this saturday from 10 to noon at langston hughes.

The troublemaking residents of the ground floor apartment of 909 18th Avenue were evicted at the end of December 2006. I wanted to let people know that a couple of the former residents of that apartment broke into their old apartment tonight “to pick up their stuff” and we called the police on them. The police responded quickly. I just wanted to alert the surrounding neighbors to be on the lookout—apparently we’re not through with these people yet.

I recently moved into a house/triplex that’s about a block from Seattle U. It has a basement door on the side of the house, but because it’s a corner lot – it’s only about five steps from the sidewalk. Sometime Sunday night or Monday day someone tried to break into the basement though a window next to the door. The window has bars, but they cut out the screen and then opened the window (a slider). What they didn’t know is that there’s a sheet rock wall between that window and the basement door. I’m sure they thought they could just reach over and unlock the door – but the wall prevented them.

It seems kind of crazy the extent to which people are going to break in not even knowing what’s inside [they could have stolen lots of detergent a very old washer and dryer and a dusty old rug!].

Fairly quiet residential neighborhood close to a lot of great things to do and places to see. I’m near the southwest corner of the neighborhood and therefore very close to the International District and Capitol Hill (lots of favorite haunts here). Plus the half-hour walk to and from work (Downtown) gives me an automatic cardio workout every day!

Last night I ran into a couple neighbors hanging outside—the police had just left. Turns out that after my laptop theft on Sat 8/26, another neighbor in a townhouse (4 doors down) was burglarized. They ripped off a bunch of computer gear from him. He then witnessed 2 kids from across the street trying to break into another townhouse yesterday afternoon—called the police and identified the kids. I think there were 2 kids (around 11 or 12 years old)—the police arrested them and took fingerprints.

Hopefully this will shut down or at least hamper the recent spike in computer thefts around 18th & Marion. Props to SP neighors for looking out for each other!

Thought I’d let Squire Park residents know about a theft at my house this weekend—I figure if we all post crime activity it may be helpful.

This Saturday 8/26 around noon someone entered my house through the back door (I’m pretty sure) and stole my laptop, laptop bag and my house keys. I believe the door was unlocked as there didn’t appear to be any signs of forced entry. They also pre-emptively unlocked my basement windows with the hopes of coming back for more goods later. Laptop is a 12” Apple Powerbook G4 (serial #UV3065H9NP4).

The cops came over, I filed a report and had the locks all re-keyed and the ADT alarm hooked-up. My house came with an alarm system, but I had it offline for a few months.

That’s about it. Insurance is helping me out with a new laptop. If anyone has any information (you can email me directly) or other crimes to report in Squire Park I’d be interested in hearing about it. Thanks, neighbors!

Did anyone get the SPCC newsletter? This one seemed more thorough than past newsletters that have been left on my front step.

Looks like the new owners are making good progress on making this place suitable for human habitation. Heck, if they really did manage to do a thorough detox on the place and the rent is reasonable, I may just move in myself!

Just glad that old eyesore is gone.

This is all from Alex Zankich, the Squire Park Community Council President:

History of the Central District, which is very applicable to Squire Park.

A wonderful article on historic preservation in Squire Park.

The Squire Park neighborhood community website.

ACTION ON JACKSON
From the waterfront to Frink Park
Pioneer Square, Chinatown, Little Saigon and the Central Area

THE JACKSON STREET STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE INVITES YOU TO JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS IN HELPING TO SHAPE DEVELOPMENT

MEET AT: Saigon Bistro, Asian Plaza
1023 S. Jackson, Suite 202,(206) 329-4939
June 12 – The 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 PM (6:00 PM for dinner)

Next meetings: June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13

Meeting changed to 2nd Mondays so Judkins Park CC and other interested neighbors can attend. Please let me know if this causes you a scheduling issue.

• Wonder Bread site back on the market
• Plan Tree Bench Celebration Saturday, May 27th 11:00 am (New Art in Pratt Park)
• Pratt Park as Pedestrian Gallery – Edwin T Pratt Statue
• Jackson Place Sculpture Park
• CADA Development on 17th and Jackson
• Mixed Income Housing – Affordable Housing on Jackson Street
• Property FOR SALE on Jackson east of 20th
• Downtown Zoning Changes for Jackson Street – 12 Stories
• Wonder Bread Site Development – Demolition in April
• Wonder Bread Sign in Pratt Park – Community as Stewards
• Jackson Street Pedestrian Overlay
• Jackson Street to be repaved and other street improvements
• CRF Funding Request for Eastbound Left Turn from Boren to Jackson

Bring your own agenda…