Local News

GOTTA GO? There's a new portable restroom on the south side of 2000 block of Market Street. The community has been asking for one and the city has accommodated that request. Photo by Dean Wong

Portable restroom installed

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

A new portable restroom has been installed on Market Street by the city of Seattle to serve customers of the business district and the homeless.

The restroom is on the west side of the 2300 block of Market Street.

"The city got a lot of inquiries about a public restroom," said Rob Mattson, director of the Ballard Neighborhood Service Center.

Mattson said people ask businesses to use their bathroom but are refused access.

Sandra Kraus, senior planning and development specialist for Seattle Public Utilities said the restroom is the result of a series of meetings with the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, property owners, business owners and residents.

"Everyone likes the concept of a public restroom, but not directly in front of their business," said Kraus. The restroom can be moved elsewhere.

The location chosen has a wide sidewalk and is well lit.

"There are a lot of eyes on it. There are a lot of people driving by. Pedestrians are not hidden," said Kraus.

Mattson said if the restroom is highly visible and safe, more people may use it.

The city has had portable restrooms for years in other neighborhoods like West Seattle, University District, lower Queen Anne and Lake City.

Kraus said the restrooms get used and they help clean up the areas.

The Ballard restroom will be serviced every morning. It will have a hand sanitizer dispenser and wheelchair access.

Kraus said she will personally inspect it once a week. Customers in Ballard can use the restrooms and stay in the area longer to shop said Kraus.

The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department had installed a temporary portable toilet in the Ballard Commons Park but did not have the budget to keep it there permanently. Businessess nearby had complained about people using their restrooms on sunny days during peak park user hours.

Please share your point of view on this story. Comments posted with First and Last names will be considered for publication in the print edition. You may request that your name not be published. You may also send your comment directly to the editor at bnteditor@robinsonnews.com.