The Seattle Police Department has partnered with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for a community improvement project to address illegal vending in the public right-of-way in the Chinatown- International District. Stakeholders from both organizations identified illegal vending on sidewalks as a major issue facing business owners, residents, pedestrians, and people who use public transit in the area of 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street.
Individuals block pedestrian access to the public right-of-way by selling predominantly stolen goods on the sidewalk and at bus stops in this area. The project aims to deter crime, through public education on illegal activities, improve safety and accessibility on sidewalk routes for all ages and abilities, as well as ensure access to public transportation.
SDOT in coordination with SPD will be placing 19 “No Buying or Selling Merchandise” signs on City utility poles along 12th Avenue South. Each sign is multilingual and is written in English, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Outreach and enforcement action will be taken in the area in coordination with the sign installation to improve safety and accessibility for the community.
