Councilmember Rob Saka has shared a letter to Mayor Wilson seeking immediate executive sponsorship to address a worsening public safety crisis at Rotary Viewpoint Park in the Triangle neighborhood.

Spurred by a recent "horrific" SWAT response following a triple attack and a pattern of escalating danger, including a separate random stabbing and a prior death in the park, Councilmember Saka formally requests an interdepartmental assessment and response plan. The purpose of the letter is to urge the city to move beyond previous localized efforts and implement a coordinated, sustained response to restore safety, order, and usability to the area while exploring long-term, stable shelter solutions for veterans.

The letter:

April 3rd, 2026

Dear Mayor Wilson,

I am writing to express my deep concern, and to request your partnership and executive sponsorship to address the escalating and unacceptable public safety situation centered around Rotary Viewpoint Park in the Triangle neighborhood of West Seattle near the Alaska Junction.

This past weekend’s violent incident at the encampment in the park, which required a SWAT response after three people were viciously attacked, was horrific. Reporting of that incident can be found in this article. This occurred one day after a separate violent incident across the street, where a man was randomly stabbed in an alleyway, and this follows a death in the same park this past November. These incidents underscore a pattern of escalating danger in this area.

My office is hearing mounting concerns from nearby residents, small businesses, daycares, transit riders, park users, elders, passers-by, and community organizations. People are increasingly alarmed by the persistent criminal activity, deteriorating conditions, unlawful behavior, and broader sense that this corridor is becoming increasingly unsafe and unmanaged.

This is not a tolerable situation for anyone, including nearby neighbors, families, surrounding businesses, or the vulnerable individuals currently living in and around this encampment, which extends into the north end of Camp Long. Rotary Viewpoint Park is a highly visible public space that thousands of people pass every day as they enter and exit West Seattle. The current conditions are unacceptable.

I also want to note that this issue cannot be viewed in isolation from the nearby Westside Neighbors Shelter, which operates out of the American Legion Hall and has faced ongoing operational, permitting,

and management challenges. My office has worked in good faith to help connect that site and its owner with relevant City resources, including the Human Services Department, to better understand what is needed for the site to operate more safely and compliantly. We have also worked to support efforts to identify a more stable and sustainable path forward for that property. While those efforts have been important, the broader conditions in the surrounding area continue to deteriorate and are all deeply interconnected.

Since taking office in 2024, I have repeatedly raised concerns about this corridor and pushed for greater attention from the Unified Care Team and other departments. My office has also worked to address related issues in the area, including garbage accumulation, damaged access points into Camp Long, and other environmental and public safety concerns. Despite those efforts, the current trajectory makes clear that this area requires a more coordinated and sustained executive response.

I am respectfully requesting an immediate interdepartmental assessment and response plan for Rotary Viewpoint Park and the surrounding public spaces, including the north end of Camp Long. I would also welcome your partnership in developing both a short-term stabilization plan and a longer-term strategy for this area.

That longer-term strategy should include serious exploration of a public-private partnership model that leverages private investment and philanthropy to support a properly licensed, permitted, professionally operated shelter for veterans in West Seattle. It should be one that is equipped to safely and effectively serve people in need while integrating appropriately into the surrounding neighborhood.

I remain committed to working with your office to develop a sustainable path forward and to ensure this

area does not continue cycling through dangerous and highly visible public safety failures.

I appreciate your response and look forward to working together to restore the safety, order, and usability of this important public space.

Sincerely,

Councilmember Rob Saka

Seattle City Council