The North Highline Unincorporated Council met on April 5 to discuss crime and safety, a new alcohol initiative, the new Technology Access Foundation building in Lakewood Park and the latest in annexation from the City of Burien's perspective.
Public Safety in White Center
White Center Storefront Deputy BJ Myers presented the latest in crime and public safety for the region.
Concerning crime statistics over the past year, Myers said “part one” crimes (including homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, rape, burglary, larceny, vehicle theft and arson) have dropped. Part one incidents spiked to 131 in October, 2011, but have dropped from that time to 64 incidents last month.
Part two crimes, including fights, vandalism, drug use/sales, lesser assaults, etc, have pretty much remained level over the last year, ranging from 78 to 98 offenses reported on a monthly basis.
With Papa’s Pub closing recently, Myers said some problems associated with the bar have moved to other locations, “specifically DK Café and McMurphy’s (Bar and Grill).” He said most issues (including fights, drug use/sales, etc) have arisen at McMurphy’s, so the Sheriff’s Office is shifting their focus to that area. He said both bar owners have been helpful in working with police to reduce public safety issues at their establishments.
Regarding the beating of a White Center local on March 31, Myers said the victim is in serious but stable condition. The victim, who lives in a trailer with his dogs in the area, was unable to provide a suspect description of his attackers and Myers encouraged anyone with information to contact police. After the incident deputies went to the man’s trailer and ensured the safety of his dogs.
Providing an update on the recently implemented White Center Alcohol Initiative (where stores are being asked by alcohol distributors to hold off on selling high-octane, single serve alcohol for off-premise use from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Myers said a few retailers are already on board with the voluntary ban. Signs detailing the initiative are being distributed to stores now. The flyer is attached for viewing at the top of the story.
“Reports are there is now a line at 1 p.m.,” he said. “I’m really pleased with how quickly this came together, and that is thanks to the willingness of these alcohol distributor companies … (and) the partnership of the CDA, NHUAC and Chamber of Commerce that have all made this a really smooth process getting this going.”
Going forward, Myers said he will take a monitoring role and encouraged residents to contact him with feedback on if and how the initiative is helping with chronic inebriate issues in the area. For stores that are resistant to the ban, Myers said he will engage citizens and community organizations to encourage those businesses “to jump on board.”
TAF building at Lakewood Park
Technology Access Foundation Deputy Director Sherry Williams gave an introduction to the new TAF building coming next fall. She said reused materials from Greenbridge are being used to create the $16 million, 22,500 square foot facility with three floors to house TAF staff, computer labs for low-income students of color, and community rooms that will be open for rental purposes at a low rate.
She said the focus will be on middle school children with science, technology, engineering and technology clasees from 2:30 to 8 p.m., particularly targeting students at Cascade, although children from other schools can get involved as well.
She said the multi-purpose room looks out onto the park with large windows, and she envisions it as a great place for wedding receptions, anniversaries and other gatherings.
TAF hopes to start moving into the building in August with programs beginning in October.
Anyone interested in having their name etched into pavers can do so at $300 a pop. Williams can be contacted at sherryw@techaccess.org.
TAF brings STEM subject training to students of color through after-school and school-day programs. More information at www.techaccess.org.
Burien and annexation updates
Captain Brad Thompson introduced himself as the new Captain of Burien Police (second in command to Chief Scott Kimerer). Thompson is in his 35th year with the King County Sheriff’s Office and has worked in Burien in the past in addition to having family roots in the area. He replaces Captain Carl Cole, who has been reassigned to southeast King County.
Burien City Manager Mike Martin briefly discussed the recent city council vote (4-3) to hold an annexation election for North Highline residents in November.
“That vote is a very important milestone … because it finally shifts the ball to the residents of White Center,” he said. “We are in the course of putting together our game plan for outreach (to North Highline residents to explain how annexation will effect the area).”
Martin added the outreach will be factual and not a campaign to sway opinion in favor of annexation.
When asked if there is any way the council could change their mind on holding the vote in November, Martin said it is unlikely as “I don’t think the council is anxious to go through this process twice.”
“We are ready to do this if the residents are ready to do this,” he said. “If the vote is successful, you know those are good people down there too (speaking of Burien residents opposed to annexation), and they are going to get comfortable and part of this is about change and uncertainty and where the control is …”
Martin also said funding is coming in for the Burien Auto Mall concept, which is getting closer to reality.
Meeting notes
NHUAC will hold their second Public Safety Forum on May 10th and topics to be covered will likely include tips on crime prevention through environmental design (landscaping to avoid becoming a property crime target), tips on calling 911 and providing suspect descriptions, Metro Transit police information and continued details on how to join or form a block watch program.
The NHUAC has secured a flag from Washington D.C. to fly at Steve Cox Memorial Park in honor of the fallen deputy and his family. They plan to have a dedication ceremony during the high school baseball season, although a specific date has not been set yet.
The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meets on the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the North Highline Fire District Building located at 1243 S.W. 112th St.
