Jan. 14, 2008 at 1:05am

East and South Side Tacoma Neighbors Launch Final Push For AIA

Last week, the Tacoma City Council heard the first reading of proposed Ordinance to create a second Alcohol Impact Area.  Residents from primarily the Eastside, Southside and Hilltop testified.

From the Tacoma Weekly:

Chavez discussed how uncomfortable it is to explain passed out drunks to her young children when they go for walks.

These individuals tend to hang out along Pierce Transit bus routes, she said. Some of them throw rocks at a bell of a church in the neighborhood, and many hang around in a homeless camp near Lincoln High School, according to Chavez.

...

Lincoln District resident Pat McGregor has been a leader on the effort. He got involved several years ago when street drunks who could no longer purchase their beverages of choice began congregating in his neighborhood. He told the council the alcoholics have attracted other undesirable people, such as drug dealers and prostitutes. Many of the stores in his neighborhood that sell malt liquor and cheap wine are located near schools, and as they walk to school children often encounter street alcoholics, he said. McGregor said he often has to chase street drunks away from Whitman Elementary School.

The testimony before the council was sobering.  Pardon.  The second and final reading will be this Tuesday January 15th.  I anticipate a strong turnout and unanimous support from the Tacoma City Council.  Here's a group of people working to make a difference.

Of course, continued effort will be required before the Liquor Control Board.

On a related issues, a new group has been started in the Feed Tacoma network to try to stop Tacoma and Pierce County from continuing to be a dumping ground for a disproportionate share of felons.

The group Life in Pierce County appears to be taking the issue head on.

Given the great interest from the media, neighborhood groups, and other elected officials, I suspect the issue felony placement issue in Tacoma and Pierce County will be a signficant campaign issue for the elections for the County Council, County Executive and the State Legislative seats.

Issue Previously on Tacoma Urbanist.