By land and by sea, Seattle police are keeping their word regarding increased visibility along the Emma Schmitz Memorial Park. This cruiser was spotted off the park Monday afternoon…
Is this show of force making you feel safer? According to Captain Paulsen of the SPD during his report to concerned residents on March 20, he stated:
One of the things I have done is thrown some extra patrol cars down in the area, it’s not so much going to catch somebody or anything, but … this type of crime causes a lot of fear and we want to subside that fear by having this presence down there for you all. … Trying to think what else I’d like to say in regards to that. (watch video on West Seattle Blog)
According to many of the neighbors within a stones throw of Emma Schmitz, shedding some light on the park would help the nerves a whole lot more. A little digging has uncovered a successful attempt to light up a nearby park just north named Cormorant Cove (just so happens that Greggettes body was recovered at this park).
When asking Seattle City Light what needs to happen to get the same treatment for Emma Schmitz, a representative responded…
The flood light on the pole by Cormorant Cove Park is being paid for by HARBOR WEST CONDO HOA which is the condominiums right next door. The light is actually angled toward the condo's although it is illuminating the park area too. If you'd like a flood light at Emma Schmitz Park my advice is to contact and get approval from Sea. Parks & Recreation at (206)684-4075. The monthly fee for a 400 W flood is $17.64.
Well, I can tell you that this particular light is squarely focused on the park. There's another light on the pole just to the south that illuminates the condos parking lot. Less than $20 bucks a month?… I'll bet 2 months of park lighting that other Beach Drive neighbors would kick into a fund for lighting the lower section of Emma Schmitz for years to come.
Scupper for Beach Drive Blog
About Scupper
More lighting in the parks on Beach Drive is imperative for the safety of the residents and our community. Spending less than $18.00 per month on a single light might help, but what about all the other dark spots along this stretch of roadway. A multiple light purchase could become very costly over time. Perhaps a solar lighting system could be adopted by the community. It would be effective and efficient. @tylerstratton
You make a great point Tyler. I’ll see what city light has available in the form of solar lighting during my scheduled call this morning. I’m thinking that this is just the beginning of an uphill battle to get anything done at all for increased safety. The SPD has been pretty steadfast on declaring this strip “safe” thus heading off any public support.
We also face some residents that may oppose any lighting due to it’s effect on beach sea-life. The area just around the southern stairs has been where I’ve personally noticed the most drug use/dealing and where the ’93 slaying took place. Figured that would be a good place to start. We’ll see what are options are!
Talked to helpful rep from Seattle City Light and found that they would have no problem installing lights over both sets of stairs (using the existing poles) at no cost as long as the SPD tells them it would benefit the community and or the police when patrolling.
Next call is to SW Precinct!
That was great and it will lessen the crime rate in that place.
Andy