Overflowing trash bins at Little Saigon Bus Station (Photo courtesy of Patricia Fong)
I am writing to protest against the sad situation at No. 12 and Jackson in Seattle’s Little Saigon business district.
There is no doubt that most of us have witnessed rogues, promoters and users, sellers of suspicious goods, and incredible filth and garbage.
There is a Jinxian Metro Bus Station in this area, but you won’t know it because it has been absorbed by many unfortunate street activities.
Not only the subway customers, but the small businesses here—the herbal shop and the businesses in Dinghao Plaza—have been adversely affected. The small commercial plaza across the street had to erect a safety fence to prevent drug sales and the spread of rubbish.
Pedestrians are also hindered-the sidewalks are crowded, there are rubbish everywhere, and the trash bins are full of rubbish, otherwise the subway station will not be available.
The night here is also completely dark. How should subway passengers use this station at night?
I attribute this situation to the DESC Navigation Center located at the corner of 606 12th Avenue South.
I heard that small businesses near the navigation center complained about theft, vandalism, and illegal camping.
I suspect that people who use the center will be attracted to and participate in this event of 12th and Jackson.
A Jinxian sheriff told me that the Chinese noodle shop in Dinghao Square was buying stolen meat, and the money was used to buy or sell drugs in this corner.
I doubt that the navigation center of the city will do any good. I remember when I went to a community meeting, neighbors and parents (a school near the center) met out of great concern-based on a lack of trust and belief in the city government’s capabilities or commitments-rather than just setting up temporary low barrier shelters So, but make sure it actually works. It seems that our worries are well-founded.
Regardless of whether the navigation center is the source of the 12th and Jackson problems, the city and county/subway must take immediate action to correct this intolerable situation. This area is a serious problem that is affecting people and businesses in Little Saigon, and ultimately the Chinatown International District (CID).
I call on councillors Kshama Sawant, Tammy Morales, and county councillor Girmay Zahilay to pay attention and take action immediately.
I often think that CID and Little Saigon can easily become the targets of politically unpopular social experiments. No other community will accept them, but when they fail, the people responsible for placing them in the CID (city) suddenly become cold and indifferent.
We can see that for a long time, dating back to the previous government, New York City has not cared about or cared about the international zone until today.
The problem is not just on the 12th and Jackson-the problem is also the increasing violence involving shootings and property damage. Tent and rubbish appeared again in Jackson under the highway. Many buildings are filled with graffiti. There is no street cleaning service in the city center.
This historic neglect and inaction in New York City amounts to outright racism, and I protest.
Part of the area is an immigration historic district, but you will never know it, despite the “social progress” comments made by council members about protecting (recent) immigrants.
It is time for New York City, counties, and subway stations to act in good faith to solve problems for businesses, bus customers, pedestrians, and senior citizens who have been intimidated and forced to leave their communities.
Sincerely,
— Patricia Fang
Seattle, Washington
