Council News Release

Councilmember Sally J. Clark

SALLY CLARK'S STATEMENT ON NEIGHBORHOODS & NIGHTLIFE

SEATTLE —“The challenges relating to our city’s nightlife, specifically safety and noise, are the most urgent issues facing the Council’s Economic Development and Neighborhoods Committee, which I chair. Working with my colleagues I’m creating a package of legislation aimed at improving the safety of our neighborhoods, maintaining a vibrant nightlife, and resolving disputes about noise. The intent of the legislation is to balance the rights and responsibilities of club owners with that of patrons while recognizing the concerns of neighbors.

The Council has done its homework. Now it's time for resolution and solutions.

We are building a city where safe, vibrant, and dense urban neighborhoods are the future. That future will not succeed under the threat of violence. I toured Western Avenue in Belltown with residents at 2:00 a.m. last March and saw firsthand the need for increased police patrols and new nightlife policies that send a message that the city is serious about safety for club patrons and neighborhood residents.

Though no city or society can stop all random, tragic acts, we can learn from them and implement policies that make them less likely in the future. The steps we are taking are meant to address the real concerns of the community.

I am asking my colleagues and the Mayor to work together now to reach resolution and pass the night club reforms before us. Further delay only sends the message that we aren't listening and that there is no urgency.”

The Economic Development and Neighborhoods Committee will address neighborhoods and nightlife related legislation this Thursday, July 5 at 9:30 a.m. At that meeting the committee will also receive a report from the Seattle Police Department regarding the shooting in Belltown that occurred early Monday morning and hear from the Belltown Community Council about their perspectives of the incident and violence in their neighborhood. The meeting will take place in Council Chambers.

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City Council