Various disruptions of tenants inhabiting Section 8 homes around 30th and Genesse in Delridge has led surrounding neighbors to take action. The situation and possible solutions were discussed at the Delridge neighborhood council meeting last Wednesday, July 1.

A neighbor, who requested to remain anonymous due to previous threats and acts of vandalism said, “the problem is always domestic violence or drugs.”

Although this woman and another neighbor are fed up with the situation, they are nervous to take action.

“You can tell there is legitimate fear and anger," Mike Dady, neighborhood co-chair, said.

Police officer Kevin McDaniel from the Southwest precinct confirmed there had been neighbor complaints of domestic violence, but he did not have any knowledge of drug use or dealing.

McDaniel said that action was being taken.

“I’m working with the owner of the building and at this point were making progress as far as possibly getting them out of the units," said McDaniel.

However, no dramatic changes have been seen yet.

The issues include chronic dumping in the yard and the street corner, continuous loud noise, perceived drug issues and suspected domestic violence.

The same landlords, Felix and Consuela Samson, own these and other problem properties in the area, according to Dady. Some at the council meeting felt they are the ones to blame for not having a stricter screening process in selecting their tenants

Attempts to contact the property owners were unsuccessful.

“Half the people in the city are renters," said Dady. "It’s about being a decent neighbor and decent property owner."

Others felt it was unfair to point the finger at the landlords. Karl Derrick, a landlord himself noted that the property owner can only do so much preliminary screening and has limited power over monitoring tenant behaviors.

“Landlord-tenant law is complex, convoluted set of laws," Derrick added.

Other homes in the area have been left vacant, making it difficult for these individuals to sell their homes.

“A lot of people off of Nevada street [one over from Genessee] have given up and moved, it ruins your quality of life,” Dady commented.

According to residents nearby, current efforts to stem the problems have found little success. When the police are called about an issue, the people involved clear out almost immediately, and the police do not get there in time. When the landlord is contacted, promises to help the situation are made, but never followed through.

After debating whether it is best to approach the landlords, tenants or city government, it was decided city government was the best to approach.

The community is now looking for support from other neighbors who can band together and lay out some specifics for how to solve this problem before going to a council member.

“I’m big on getting city government to do what they need to do,” said Dady. “If it was in Queen Ann or Laurelhurst it would not still be going on. Neighborhoods less well connected shouldn’t be less served, it’s an equity thing.”

Dealing with the situation has been “physically emotionally and mentally exhausting” for the community and the neighbors, Dady explained. Andthe community is getting ready to take the next step.

Meanwhile, McDaniel assured, “It’s work in progress at this point.”