King County councilmember pushes to condemn Seattle park with large homeless population

The park was overrun by tents in the wake of the pandemic and has been a hotspot for years. A 31-year-old man was recently killed there.

SEATTLE – A local lawmaker plans to condemn City Hall Park in Seattle, next to the King County Courthouse, which is home to a large homeless camp, and declare the area a public safety hazard or disruptive property.

The Seattle Times reported that King County would acquire the park from the city of Seattle, following the proposal of King County Councilor Reagan Dunn.

It would require Executive Dow Constantine relocate the park’s dozens of residents to temporary or permanent homes, provide additional security, and clean up damage to the park. The proposal follows the fatal stabbing of a 31-year-old man in the park earlier this month.

The park was overrun by tents in the wake of the pandemic and, with its proximity to the Downtown Emergency Service Center and people in need, has been a hotspot for years. Dunn suggested that the property could be acquired and converted.

“I think what we need to do is get the park back so that people can use it and focus on the solutions, not the slogans,” said Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on Wednesday at the announcement that the city will spend millions inviting people back to downtown Seattle this summer.

“If Councilor Reagan wants the park, we’ll lease it for $ 1 a year if he takes responsibility and opens a shelter in his district. Just one, ”she said.