As street activity increases at Bergen Place it is important to differentiate between the types of activity. People engaged in drug activity are in all likelihood not homeless, but are using Ballard's growing popularity as a market for drugs. People who are homeless are usually too busy trying to survive to engage in drug activity. While it's possible there is some overlap (some homeless folks may be drug customers, although not likely drug dealers), the issues should be addressed separately. Illegal drugs are a law enforcement issue and should be treated as such. Growing homelessness is a symptom of a society that lacks affordable housing, good paying jobs, treatment for those who do have addictions, etc. There are no easy answers, but some kind of community task force to address the issues is needed, involving community leaders, the police, social services, churches, business, the affected homeless, etc.

This is truly a complicated issue. The homeless that are frequenting our parks are in most cases the late stage alcoholics who refuse help. They are using the parks as a drinking and drugging refuse, tossing empty cans and food container over their shoulder when their finished. They are urinating and defecating all around the park, spitting everywhere and sometimes they just stand up, turn around, and pee over the bench. A true health concern for any park user.
There IS a tremendous amount of crossover into drugs, yes, both in selling and in using. There are daily drug deals that happen in Bergen Place and Marvin Gardens, and there is a lot of drug peddling down the B avenue and Market street, and it's 24 hour business.
The "homelessness" in Ballard is growing because it's a safe haven for drunken and drug behavior. Plus the fact that other communities have cleaned up their neighborhoods and all the crap is flushing into Ballard. It is true that economic troubles are effecting us all and this will be putting more people into the streets. I truly believe the majority of our problem is not homelessness, which is a serious problem that we all need to address with sincere compassion. But, Free showers and free lockers would only attract more of the same.
A respectful attitude is a necessary prerequisite to creating a healthy community. Most of these drunks won't even walk a half block to a provided honey bucket. Why should we have to live with such negative growing impact. The crime and break ins go hand in hand with the growing drug environment as well as creating an aggressive street attitude and not feeling too safe to be in Ballard. It's now become scary to walk out of a restaurant with your take home food, you become an instant target, and your next day lunch becomes a demanded "free" handover.
Please folks when you're in Ballard do know those generous cash handouts we Ballardites are known for are used for drug and alcohol purchases. Let's all work together to try and stop the aggressive panhandling.
There are many soup kitchens and a needy food bank that needs support to reach the right folks, and there are available showers at some of the churches.

I have been a resident and business owner on Ballard Avenue for over ten years. I am privy to most of what is happening in this area.

While I can agree with some of what the first commentator posted regarding the differentiation of activity among the street community, I think it is important to stress that most of the true homeless, that is, those who, for financial or health reasons, find themselves needing the available public services are not the problem in Ballard. The problem lies with the traditional crowd of late stage alcoholics, which has grown exponentially over the last three years, and more importantly, the drug crowd - users and distributors, which has invaded the area most aggressively in the last two years.

Contrary to the last poster's remark about crossover between the two groups, there is a tremendous amount of interactivity. Many of the old timers who were formerly content to sit on a bench drinking all night have slimmed up, lost teeth, and now have a bounce in their step. Two of our prominent regulars are actively engaged in drug distribution. I've seen the transactions with the users and with the outside sources on many occasions. In addition to this, there are business owners who unwittingly (or otherwise) hire and occasionally finance some of these ventures.

The Ballard Avenue community has grappled with this problem for a long time, pursuing many of the avenues suggested by the first commentator, but we are terribly frustrated. The police department has responded quite reluctantly and with great apathy, their primary excuses being that our problem is a low priority or that our problem would just relocate somewhere else. It is believed by some that the Police feel we have a mere "lifestyle conflict"( Never mind that one of those lifestyles is crime.).
We have had some success with the parks department who experience the problem firsthand, and we have begun to reach out to public officials.

At the moment, Ballard is considered by the street crowd to be an "Easy Street" for all of the above reasons and because it is more comfortable than most other areas of the city. However, the increase of hard drugs and the associated crimes of car prowling, knifings, muggings, break ins, aggressive panhandling and public urination and defecation are a signal that something must be done immediately.

One last point I feel strongly compelled to discuss is the issue of the truly homeless population and its need for services. When discussing our street problem with the various city agencies and community groups we encounter some misunderstanding of our position by people who are more interested in establishing services than in crime prevention. It is important to note that these two positions are not mutually exclusive. That we are not also supportive of the homeless is baseless. We give to local food banks regularly and we support the local church soup kitchens (some offer shower facilities). There will always be a need for services, but it is important to locate them away from criminal activity where they would be abused.

When all those who are homeless and willing to be good neighbors and to follow basic rules of conduct are sheltered and have basic services, we are still left with the issue of the bad behavior of the remaining individuals who populate our public spaces.

There are programs that came into existence to address just such problems. Programs like Clean Dreams and Village of Hope are essential to reduce crime in our communities. Village of Hope helps jailed men and women transfer back into society, and Clean Dreams helps potential drug-law violators get off the streets before they are arrested. Unfortunately the County cut funding for Clean Dreams in July.

Why not work to fund a Clean Dreams program right here in Ballard?

The Chai House and Bergen park have always been about exploring alternative lifestyles outside of mainstream society. If you don't care for those things, don't go over to that side of the street. That is the last cool area of Ballard, and cracking down and those who use the area such as artists, and free thinkers is unfair. There is nothing so beautiful as someones doing a magnificant chalk drawing in the park on a summer day, or freeing themselves enough to sing and dance openly without judgment from mainstream people. This is close family we have built, and outsiders tend to judge us harshly. We don't want to be part of your society, but ask nothing from you. The drug war is the problem. Not those who are looking for spiritual enlightment and a feeling of family.

We don’t owe the bums anything. They aren’t contributing to the greater good like a schoolteacher or many other worker bees. These people dropped out and don’t want to play by simple rules of good conduct. It’s time for the taxpayers to just say no to enabling the street people. Ballard isn’t India and doesn’t need professional beggars.

post #3 is quite well stated. I wish these sorts of issues were raised and discussed in this fashion more over at myballard.com. The comment section of this site just hasn't gotten up and running yet (editor note: captcha kinda discourages a good comment section).

I have lived in other parts of the city that may have had higher crime in terms of theft (Fremont for example), but often felt safer on the street. Clearly, Ballard both invites increased problem homeless through low enforcement and has been targeted for outreach programs by SHARE/WHEEL. Certainly the high number of churches and sustainable Ballard are working to increase the number of programs offered in Ballard. This is not inherently a bad thing, but one result is that the neighborhood becomes understood, as post 3 indicates, as "easy street." So, I don't think more homeless programs will necessary lead to a better Ballard. A common refrain I hear is, "Ballard has done its share; other neighborhoods need to do theirs." I don't want to be unsympathetic, but its hard to disagree with this argument.

Perhaps opening a shelter in Ballard might help, a hygiene center and maybe some community outreach folks talking with the homeless about available resources too. Addressing any illegal activity that may be flourishing is important.

It is extremely important not to cloud the issue of crime on our streets with the plight of the homeless. Several of the above posters have attempted to point out that the homeless and the criminal elements are two very different entities, requiring two separate approaches to the solution. I agree with them.

At this moment, free meals and groceries are offered to the homeless seven days a week from the Ballard Food Bank and various churches in the area. At least one church offers some sleeping facilities and bathrooms. In addition to this, it was recently announced in the Ballard News Tribune that one local church now supports RV and trailer camping. There are resources in place for the homeless - not perfect, perhaps, but there nevertheless.

Now, back to the crime issue. A shelter and hygiene center in the midst of this growing problem is a support mechanism, not a deterrent. The crime issue needs to be addressed with diligent police work - plain and simple. So far, this has not happened because the police, themselves, are as guilty of confusing the issues as any of the rest of us. "Homeless" is an umbrella term used to describe criminal and noncriminal homelessness. These need to be viewed separately.

I strongly urge those of you who are interested in seeing some improvement on our streets to log on to Seattle City Councilman Tim Burgess' website to read his Seattle Safer Streets Initiative. He outlines twelve significant steps addressing the deterioration of neighborhoods caused by street crime and social disorder. Much of what he proposes addresses crime, but some of it has to do with safe housing, mental illness, and drug dependency. Councilman Burgess is fighting an uphill battle to implement this initiative in the face of necessary budget cut this spring, but if he gets our support, we might see some changes.

Dealing with a politicians website is not what we need. We need direct action now, before this place turns into Pioneer Square. Ballard is saturated with Crystal Meth and Crack suddenly, which is 99% of why this neighborhood has suddenly gone down the tubes. It's beyond serious at this point. The city and the politicians will yes you to death, day and night. The problem is they will not drive these Meth and Crack Dealers away. Try calling the cops on a crack or meth dealer and see how you are treated and if anyone responds to the call. It's never going to happen. We are totally on our own folks. A simple thing like forcing the owner of 7 11 to keep dealers off that block is what we need. There are very few problem areas, but this thing is spreading fast.

Please explain your plan.

The plan is to find out who is being paid off to let Ballard turn into Meth Central. I mean...

Theres an open Meth/Heroin House right behind Ballard Sip and Ship, the cops won’t even shut down for good. The Ballard News Tribune talks about a woman screaming rape inside this week, which was THE ONLY reason the cops showed up and the Meth Heads were asked to leave for a day or two. The building is condemned, but the owner allows Meth Heads to live there. I suppose to punish the city. Ballard gets more absurd by the day. Even after a rape, we have Meth heads in and out all day and night to sell drugs on the corner of 7 11 in the open. The Meth House was up and running again yesterday…. We are on our owns folks. The cops are letting Ballard fall apart, for what reason. Meth houses right in downtown with dozens of dealers and users in and out, and they cops give it a wink? 7 11 allows an open air crack market to exist every night? Hello? Maybe we should put pressure on Ballard Sip and Ship to deal with it. Why do I assume someone is paying off the cops?

Is it possible to call an investigative tv reporter, we're having it all big time on Ballard Ave too, and we thought about investigative reporting. The cops wink at everything involving the drug scene, or should I say close their eyes!!!!

The Chai House scene and Bergen Park scene should be preserved. I agree with the person who said it's the last cool place. Before the yuppies took over, Bergen Park was about letting loose and exploring ones mental, spiritual, and in some cases sexual limits. Many cities maintain a park for the counter culture to explore themselves. I agree with the post above. Just stay away from That block and leave us artists to do what we do best. Plant trees around the edges, and turn it over to the people rather than take it away. Allow them to plant things and create beauty.

The underlying theme of the newspaper article and the many posts, so far, is that designated public spaces, such as Bergen Place and the Chai House, are being used by one segment of the public at the great expense of the majority of the public. My wife and I are both artists in Ballard and have no trouble being creative in this community. The crime, however, does crimp our lifestyle as it does for almost everyone who fears violence, theft, and crack addicts or who simply doesn't wish to walk through random cesspools.

Perhaps you would be more comfortable exploring yourselves in the privacy of your bathroom or bedroom - or perhaps a commune. Have you tried that?

Where are all you entitled little sex fiend thrill seekers when it comes time to clean up your playpens? Or shall I shall public parks.
Even playing has its responsibilities.

The Chai House is all ages. If drug deals and open sex in park are going on, should that be addressed? I mean, I assume The Chai House owns Bergen Park, but they need to keep control of the property.

Thursday nights in that park are a drug orgy. Not to mention, 50 panhandlers with acoustic guitars, drinking, smoking pot, howling at everyone walking by. I am not from here, but when the person says Bergen Park has always about exploring sexuality or what have you... remember, we don't want to pick up used condoms, which is the case now. It's a health risk. This is not 1966 Chai House. It's 2009 and a family neighborhood....

I mean, the frount page Ballard News Tribune has a guy on the frount page today named Kline. He states the drug dealer use the Chai House phone... At an all ages night club? My daughter is staying away from the sewer from now on.

How can they sell beer at an all ages club? Could someone answer that for me? I am lost....

Chai House is great. The drug war is the problem. Bergen Park could be used for a needle exchange program for teens. Rather than complain, maybe help them play safe like they do in other major cities like Amsterdam. Just an idea

Chai House? moar like crack house, amirite?

try not to trip over any needles on the street.

Heilsa,all you lyin Pettittes Bourgeoise out here in "Little Snoosahoovia"!!
I've been around the street here in Ballard pretty regularly,mostly at night.
I look like your basic indigent.
I carry a couple of digital cameras.
I see a lot of the problems.
I have been working on it.
Number One problem:
No.75 bus ends here.
(so does #48)
Many drug dealers are liveing in section-8 apts.in Northgate Area.
Every day,they commute,either to the "U"district,or Ballard.
I see them arrive in the afternoon,usually.
They don't use street phones,or other methods.
They use Black-berries.
They don't stand out.
They sell various drugs to high-schoolers and drop-outs.
Then,they leave.
Number Two Problem:
Ritchie-Ritch "Slummers"from beyond the Slurbs.
They drive nice cars,bikes.
They wear "Work-Uniforms"that are immaculate.
Every night,they boil out of dive-ey bars like Balmar,Hazle-wood,and many others.
They rampage through ballard,kicking in windows and breaking up street furniture like hyper-thyroid monkeys.
Then,they drive back to the slurbs,often blacked out.
Next day,it's never remembered.
There's more,but I'm tired,now.
"Phantom Blut"