You will most definitely want to click on it to view it larger:

The mayor’s blog has a summary of what was said in the meeting, and what are considered recent accomplishment, including:

North Lot
First Hill Streetcar
Only in Seattle Funding
King Street Station
Broadband
Artist Space Assistance Program (ASAP)
New Businesses
Public Safety (still needs serious help)
Restorative Justice Pilot (the first I’ve heard of it)
Restrooms (yes, this is moving forward! I’m on the committee making it happen)
Special Events Management (also needs serious attention still)

So that was the summary part of the meeting. THEN we got to the good part where the group (made up of city officials, business owners, and residents) was allowed to ask questions. The topics that came up included:

1. staggering nightclub hours
2. increased graffiti problems
3. the tolerance the city/police seem to have for bad behavior during sporting events
4. sending hundreds of more buses through the neighborhood due to the viaduct coming down
5. restorative justice for those who urinate in public in the neighborhood
6. and the major problems with drugs and loitering in Fortson Square

A lot of the answers from the Mayor were along the lines of “we’re aware it’s a problem, and we’re looking into solutions.’ Here’s the thing: if I weren’t more involved in neighborhood groups, that statement would concern me. But I know that there are incredibly hard working staff members at the Alliance and other dedicated volunteers in the neighborhood that serve on so many committees that are already battling these problems and are actually coming up with solutions. At the beginning of the meeting, Leslie Smith of the Alliance, mentioned that this neighborhood has never had so much attention and support from city officials as we do right now. So let’s capitalize on that and continue to speak out for what this neighborhood needs to make it even better than it is now.

Along those lines, can I just end this post with a comment from “Paul” on the Mayor’s blog?

Pioneer Square is simply an unpleasant place. It feels dark, dirty and unsafe and nothing discussed above will change that any time soon. There are too many bars, too many homeless and no real reason to spend any time in the neighborhood. There are a couple of good art galleries but that is not enough to get even an art lover like me to go there very often. The loss of Elliott Bay Books was huge but even before that Pioneer Square wasn’t worth the visit. More housing will help but somehow the City needs to make walking the streets more enjoyable.

If you would just indulge me for a moment to defend my neighborhood from this very short-sighted comment. Pioneer Square is made up of fascinating residents, unique businesses, and amazing historic architecture. We had a snowstorm that shut down the city. Instead of staying inside by the warmth of the fire, locals headed out to the restaurants who stayed open to show their support. We walked over to Carmine’s (who had just passed away) through an empty neighborhood, and joined a full, bustling restaurant, when it seemed the rest of the city was empty. That’s the type of neighborhood we live in.

And on our walk home, a random person ran up to me and handed me a piece of record art, then ran away — no explanation, nothing on the record that says who the artist is. That’s how unique this neighborhood is.

We have business owners, like Mike and Derek from Delicatus, who have an incredibly busy lunch crowd, and use that business to stay open for the residents in the evening, even if it can seem slow at times. There are numerous other business owners who also live in the neighborhood who dedicate their free time to committees that have accomplished things like getting portapotties set up throughout Pioneer Square on gameday, or changing the type of confetti that’s used, or researching the best options for restrooms in the neighborhood. That’s the type of neighborhood we live in.

There is a resident who single-handedly took on the alley behind their building to activate it and make it more friendly to walk through.  [And that's not even part of the group and organization that are doing this to all the other alleys in the neighborhood.]

We have the art walk, we have a summer market, we have tech mixers, and business mixers, we have art galleries, and Sounder fans who march through the neighborhood (peacefully), we have unique businesses, and small business owners, and struggling artists. We have the Storefront Seattle program, and the Underground Tour. We have walkable streets, activated alleys, gorgeous ivy covered buildings, and an ideal brick park for family, engagement, and wedding photos. This is the neighborhood I choose to live in.

Those of us who live in this neighborhood, and those that choose to open and keep their businesses in this neighborhood are the people that we want here — we’re just waiting for the rest of you to stop judging this book by its cover and recognize the good that is down here already. Change will come to this neighborhood, but it will be slow, and it won’t ever really change the feel of Pioneer Square. We will always have the homeless in our neighborhood. But that’s ok — because as housing is added and more businesses open, this neighborhood will find a balance that works a little better.

And then the rest of you will see what we see.

Why do Utilikilts appeal to many in the Northwest? (KPLU)
Whatever your feelings about them, they are part of the Northwest. The idea was born here. They’re manufactured here. They even have their own store in Seattle’s Pioneer Square Neighborhood. Why, then, are they so polarizing in their own hometown?

Homeless evicted from under Seattle viaduct (Seattle PI)
A two-block area near Pioneer Square was the latest to be swept Monday morning, but no one had to be physically removed. The homeless apparently heeded “no trespassing” signs posted Friday, said state transportation department spokeswoman KaDeena Yerkan.

State to homeless people: No more sleeping under the viaduct (Seattle PI)
But beginning Monday, the downtown dwellers of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be gone. The state will begin sweeping away homeless people, as it expands its tunnel replacement construction a few blocks north to Yesler Way. The evictions are expected to grow through February, as construction moves to Spring Street in Seattle’s downtown core.

Hail to the chief: Sally Clark takes on new role as Seattle Council president (Seattle Times)
Clark largely got high marks for a similar rezone in Pioneer Square last year where McConachie, who serves on the Pioneer Square Preservation Board, said she found “edges and lots” that might be redeveloped without eroding the district’s historic character.

Findings

• 2,594 men, women and children had no shelter in King County last night, a small increase over those found without shelter last year.
• 800 volunteers counted people in 13 cities across King County.

Why does the Count take place? The primary purpose of the One Night Count is to document how many people still lack basic shelter. The results are impossible to misinterpret: several thousand men, women, and children lack safety and stability. Alison Eisinger, organizer of the Count and the Executive Director of the Coalition, says, “There’s another reason for the Count. When hundreds of people see their neighbors sleeping on cardboard or riding buses to keep warm, they are shocked and saddened. We want them to be inspired to urge their local and state officials to address these needs with resources.”

This morning’s count focuses on people surviving outside without shelter; it does not include those who are staying in shelters and transitional housing. A full report that also includes the number of people in shelters and transitional housing will be released in the spring. Last year, volunteers found 2,442 people surviving outside, without shelter, and another 6,382 in shelters and transitional housing programs.

Organizers recognize that this morning’s count is an undercount of people without shelter on this night. Counters can reach only a portion of the geographic area of the county, and many homeless people sleep in hard-to-reach places.

Bill Block, Director of the Committee to End Homeless, which implements the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in King County, said, “The street count is only a snapshot, which can be influenced by a number of factors. We know without our prevention and housing programs, thousands more people would be on the streets. Even in the face of the recession, we know that our investments can reduce the number of people who are homeless — that happened last year and the year before.”

Our community continues to be committed to finding solutions to homelessness. This effort, supported by governments, faith communities, non-profits, businesses, homeless and formerly homeless people, has helped to develop over 4,000 housing units, with an additional 800 in the pipeline. The outpouring of volunteers participating reflects a strong and growing community resolve to end homelessness.

The Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness (SKCCH), www.homelessinfo.org, works collaboratively to ensure safety and survival for people who are homeless, and to end the crisis of homelessness in our region. For more information about the One Night Count please contact Alison Eisinger at 206.357.3148 or alison@homelessinfo.org.

For more information about the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, please contact Bill Block at 206-263-9001 or bill.block@kingcounty.gov.

Mark your calendars for the Be Mobile photowalk – open to ALL mobile photographers (iPhone, Android, etc). The walk will end with an open mic forum held at Zeitgeist Coffee to close the current Darkroom Series exhibit. There will also be challenges and prizes suitable for both iPhone and Android users.

Spread the word and hope to see you there!

Brought to you by Juxt, Trover, and Instagramers Seattle (@Igers_Seattle)

p.s. you can also RSVP/comment/ask questions on their Facebook Page

The first in a series of five forums – for other topics see February 8, February 15, February 27 and March 5. Events are free. Space is limited.
RSVP: rsvp@waterfrontseattle.org.

Waterfront Seattle Informal Discussion: Mobility and Access
Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Downstairs at Town Hall; enter on Seneca Street. FREE.
The waterfront is a crossroads. How do we balance the many transportation needs? The City of Seattle and our community partners invite you to join us for informal discussions on some of the key topics shaping the future of the waterfront. Now is the time to get involved!

The second in a series of five forums – for other topics see January 31, February 15, February 27 and March 5. Events are free. Space is limited.
RSVP: rsvp@waterfrontseattle.org.

Waterfront Seattle Informal Discussion: Uniquely Seattle
Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Downstairs at Town Hall; enter on Seneca Street. FREE.
Seattle’s waterfront has a rich context and history. How can we design it to reflect the uniqueness of the place and speak to our past, present and future? The City of Seattle and our community partners invite you to join us for informal discussions on some of the key topics shaping the future of the waterfront. Now is the time to get involved!

The third in a series of five forums – for other topics see January 31, February 8, February 27 and March 5. Events are free. Space is limited.
RSVP: rsvp@waterfrontseattle.org.

Waterfront Seattle Informal Discussion: Environment and Ecology
Monday, February 27, 2012, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Downstairs at Town Hall; enter on Seneca Street. FREE.
How can the waterfront help to restore the natural ecology of Elliott Bay and showcase sustainable design? The City of Seattle and our community partners invite you to join us for informal discussions on some of the key topics shaping the future of the waterfront. Now is the time to get involved!

The fourth in a series of five forums – for other topics see January 31, February 8, February 15 and March 5. Events are free. Space is limited.
RSVP: rsvp@waterfrontseattle.org.

Waterfront Seattle Informal Discussion: Setting the Stage
Monday, March 5, 2012, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Downstairs at Town Hall; enter on Seneca Street. FREE.
How do we create vibrant spaces for arts, culture and entertainment? The City of Seattle and our community partners invite you to join us for informal discussions on some of the key topics shaping the future of the waterfront. Now is the time to get involved!

The final in a series of five forums – for other topics see January 31, February 8, February 15 and February 27. Events are free. Space is limited.
RSVP: rsvp@waterfrontseattle.org.

Man hospitalized after stabbing at PSq homeless shelter (PubliCola)
One man was hospitalized following a stabbing at a Pioneer Square homeless shelter Tuesday morning.

So cold, even the trees need socks (Seattle Times)
The multi-colored tree-socks couldn’t be more fitting during these cold days we are having. At Occidental Park, they also add a welcoming sense of cheer and whimsy to the neighborhood. I was pulled into the park as soon as I saw the trees from a distance.

Design Perspectives: The new North Lot: erasing a civic embarrassment (DJC – subscription only)
For more than three decades, Pioneer Square has looked south across almost four blocks of surface parking. The North Lot, first by the Kingdome and now next to its replacement, CenturyLink Field, was a civic embarrassment and a developer’s dream: a sea of paving in the historic heart of Seattle, large enough to hold a new middle class neighborhood.

City bites hand that feeds homeless (Seattle Times)
Curbside al fresco is so hip that Seattle officials have put up a website to promote the street-food craze. But not if you’re homeless, says Beverly Graham, whose Operation: Sack Lunch serves meals, mostly outdoors, to the low- and no-income.

Today in Pictures: Jan. 18, 2012 (ABC News)
A Metro bus drives under a canopy of snow-covered trees in Pioneer Square, Jan. 18, 2012, in Seattle. The city is expecting three to six inches.

1. Il Terrazzo Carmine
2. Fuel 3pm – 10pm
3. J&M Cafe – probably not til 2am, but open late
4. Maharaja – open til 9pm
5. McCoys Firehouse — should stay open normal hours

As an FYI:
Delicatus is closing at 3pm
Planet Java Diner (closing at 12pm — too quiet)

And I called others [at the worst time - lunch time] — no one answered the phones at:
Al Boccalino
Cafe Hue
Cafe Paloma
Collins Pub
Elysian Fields
FX McRory’s
Marcela’s Creole Cookery
Tats

If you have any info on more places that are staying open, please let me know! If you are a resident (like most who read this blog), it would be great to support our local businesses that are staying open as it will most likely be very slow for them.

I’m not sure if it’s asking for real change or if the snow equivalent counts.