3rd and Columbia in a Spiral

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Nightmare Morning Commute

Massive mess on 3rd Ave.& Columbia St. in downtown #Seattle. Biz owners sending me vids of fist fight, open air drug use, tents out of control, and mental illness on full display. I’m tracking situation.

Already Warned the City

Earlier this month, biz owners at 3rd Ave. & Columbia St. begged @MayorofSeattle @KC_RHA @CMAndrewJLewis to do something about this corner before it spiraled out of control. At the time, there were only 2 tents.

JUST HAPPENED: @PegasusCoffee is one of few remaining biz’s open near 3rd Ave and Cherry, block away from #Seattle City Hall. But now, tents and drugs becoming too much. Customer struggled to leave store because of drug user blocking entrance. @MayorofSeattle @SeattleCouncil pic.twitter.com/jNq8bad9C9
— Jonathan Choe Journalist (@choeshow) August 9, 2022

This Remains the Challenge

What’s the plan to get in front of these encampments before they spiral out of control, not after the fact? It was only 2 tents earlier this month.

PROBLEM SPOT: Tents pop up almost daily on 3rd Ave. between Cherry St. and Columbia St. near #Seattle City Hall. Turning into a game of "whack a mole" for @MayorofSeattle. Remaining biz's in area say they're getting crushed by this cycle. @SeattleCouncil @KCRHA @CMAndrewJLewis pic.twitter.com/wTShdEVwCc
— Jonathan Choe Journalist (@choeshow) August 10, 2022

I’m Only One Guy

There have been so many other incidents at this corner since the encampment started to form. Let’s not forget at least 3 drug overdose calls nearby.

#BREAKING: New tent blocking entrance to SEIU on 3rd Ave. & Columbia St. @SeattlePD responded. Homeless man agitated. Listen to crackle of TASER. Guy finally moved. No force used. Officers showed tremendous patience. #Seattle @MayorofSeattle @KC_RHA @CMAndrewJLewis send help NOW. pic.twitter.com/LPeJiV8Sfv
— Jonathan Choe Journalist (@choeshow) August 29, 2022