January 28

Tonight’s community meeting is live

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Seattle Police Officers M. Rios and Nic Plemel address the meeting.

More than 70 neighbors are at this evening’s meeting of the Maple Leaf Community Council.

The agenda includes briefings on the old Waldo Hospital site, traffic on Lake City Way, crime in the neighborhood, and new apartments near Northgate Mall.

Questions were raised over homeless camps in Thornton Creek, drug use and squatters in  vacant buildings.

“A common problem with vacant buildings is determining who has the actual (legal) authority over the building,” said Officer M. Rios. Otherwise, “our legal authority to move somebody out is very limited,” she said.

Also, who responds to off-leash dog complaints at Maple Leaf Reservoir Park?

“We would try to de-escalate the situation first,” said Officer Nic Plemel, adding: “I have not personally responded once to an off-leash dog call.” (Which would normally be handled by the city’s animal control department.)

The officers and audience members seemed to agree that communication between neighbors is key. “Your neighbors are the best defense you have” against property crimes such as car prowls and burglaries, said Rios.

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Sara W

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  1. I am curious about the Thorton Creek situation. Twice now I’ve been approached by individuals that I was later told are part of the encampment, while at Thorton Plaza. Both times in the parking garage. One individual was not very lucid anehe followed me from a distance away before I made for the stairs. This was after he had been staring at me for an extended period of time while I got out of the car The other was panhandling. The Jewel Box employees noted to me that people being stopped in the parking garage is occurring more and more. Security responds when it’s on duty but otherwise you have to call SPD, who won’t come unless a threat is made.

    Panhandling isn’t that big of a deal but when you stop people in a closed environment like a parking garage, this ads a claustrophobic layer to things that will make it feel more threatening and that may become confrontational or violent if the person being stopped perceives it badly. Being followed wasn’t okay and I’m more reticient to be there prior to 11 a.m. alone.

  2. Unless one’s neighbor are dutifully armed, then Officer Rios is stretching credulity when he claims one’s neighbor’s are the best defense you have.”

    This is not a call to arms, only a reminder that discretion is indeed the better part of valor.

  3. “Your neighbors are the best defense you have” against property crimes such as car prowls and burglaries, said Rios.

    HAHAHA

    No kidding, with SPD you HAVE to rely on something else

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