Concerned Alki Beach neighbors seek safety measures seen in other Seattle neighborhoods

SEATTLE — As Seattle heads into the warmer months, growing safety concerns are surfacing along one of the city’s most popular destinations.

Neighbors around Alki Beach said they’re already seeing an increase in loud, late-night parties that in the past have been followed by crime, reckless driving, and even gun violence. They also question why enhanced safety measures seen in other parts of the city have yet to make their way to West Seattle.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Alki residents push for beach patrols to curb violent crime as summer season approaches

Members of Harbor-Alki-Neighbors said many people who live along Alki Avenue SW and Harbor Avenue SW simply don’t feel safe. They point to incidents involving bullets hitting homes and cars, businesses being broken into multiple times, and hit-and-run crashes that can involve impaired drivers.

Street racing is also a major concern, as some drivers use the waterfront roads as a high-speed circuit.

With the Southwest Precinct already facing staffing shortages, residents said police response times aren’t where they need to be, especially with summer crowds on the way.

Residents are also at a loss over city priorities. They point to new efforts at Golden Gardens, where private security will patrol overnight this summer, as well as Magnuson Park, where three officers will be permanently assigned.

Neighbors along Alki said similar or worse problems exist in their neighborhood, but there is no comparable security presence.

City leaders have taken some steps, such as installing additional lighting along Alki Avenue after a series of business break-ins. In the past, both the beach and Don Armeni boat ramp have been closed and cleared an hour early to help deter trouble. Still, after two shootings in the area this year, many said it’s not enough.

Neighbors are now calling for a stronger, long-term safety plan before the busiest months of summer arrive.