Breaking
We knew it would eventually happen! @CMDanStrauss says Ballard Commons Park is re-opening weekend of March 11-12. But it is still unclear what the game plan is to prevent homeless people from setting up again on this #Seattle Parks property. @MayorofSeattle
Not so Memorable Moments
If you recall, the park’s been closed since December 2021 after the city allowed a massive homeless encampment to take over for months. It was blamed for deaths, fires, shootings, uptick in thefts, and even Hep-A outbreak. #Seattle
Fall Through Winter 2021
Numerous fires raged out of control in Ballard Commons Park. Some were accidental, others were intentionally set. Too many to count. #Seattle
Fire City
During Fall 2021, it seemed like I was going to Ballard Commons Park multiple times each week for a fire or death. #Seattle
Smokey Scene
Plumes of smoke rising from Ballard Commons Park was a regular occurrence. @CMDanStrauss#Seattle
Ballard Commons Challenges June through December 2021
-Seattle Fire Dept. responded to 42 incidents.
-Seattle Police sent units to general area more than 100 times.
-Responses included tent fires, assaults, and other public safety incidents.
*Stats provided by Councilmember Dan Strauss
Massive Drain
#Seattle Fire responded to Ballard Commons Park so many times for tents on fire and propane tank explosions.
Fire Balls
One neighbor would send me videos showing the Ballard Commons Park insanity and concerned that one day, the flames would reach the balcony and burn down the apartment. #Seattle
December 2021 Sweep
Crews finally moved in to clear Ballard Commons Park. It was relatively quiet and uneventful. #Seattle
Reminder on the Ground
This is what it looked like the day before the sweep in December 2021. #Seattle
RVs Gone
It wasn’t just tents and structures set up in Ballard Commons Park, it was also the RV’s parked around the perimeter. #Seattle
Fencing
It worked up until this point. But when the fencing goes down next month, how soon until the tents start popping up again? And how quickly will this be enforced? #Seattle @CMDanStrauss
When all Was Said and Done
Day after sweep at Ballard Commons Park, some neighbors were still taking shots at city leaders for allowing this situation to flourish. Here’s how Dan Strauss(@CMDanStrauss) responded. #Seattle
Relationships
Pastor Britt Olson leads St. Luke’s Episcopal Church across from Ballard Commons. They’re also part of the Ballard Alliance, a coalition primarily made up of businesses that funded a city outreach worker focused on the park, helping homeless.