Are pawn shops a good place to get a short-term loan and buy inexpensive items in this tight economy or a magnet for criminals?

SeaTac lawmakers grappled with the questions on Oct. 14 as they discussed allowing a pawn shop to set up business along International Boulevard.

In the end, council members decided to do more research and postponed the decision until Oct. 28.

While there are pawn shops in Burien and Tukwila, there are none in SeaTac. However, a business owner has expressed interest in opening a pawn shop in the city.

Principal Planner Jack Dodge presented an ordinance that would regulate the shops. It calls for criminal background checks on owners and employees and a ban on exterior window bars.

The businesses would not be allowed in the light-rail station areas on International Boulevard around South 154th Street and South 176th Street. They would also not be allowed near other pawn shops or schools.

The shops could only be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., except from Dec. 1 to Dec. 24 when they could remain open until 10 p.m.

Lawmakers instructed Dodge to bring back a proposal on Oct. 28 that would limit the shops to one per 30,000 residents. SeaTac's population is approximately 25,000.

Police Chief James Graddon said there is no empirical evidence that pawn shops increase crime but it is possible stolen items could be fenced.

The proposed ordinance "has gone a long ways to mitigate (problems,)" Graddon added.

Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher said he considers himself pro-business but added he hasn't found any support among citizens for a pawn shop.

"We have put a lot of money into International Boulevard," Fisher noted. "I have an inherent problem with going backwards."

Councilwoman Terry Anderson recounted visiting a friend whose home was burglarized. The friend went to a nearby pawn shop, found the stolen items and had to buy them back because there was no proof they were her friend's property.

"We have enough problems here," Anderson said.

Councilman Tony Anderson said he checked pawn shops when his house was burglarized, but did not find his property.

Noting the proposed location for the SeaTac pawnshop is near a casino and apartments, Tony Anderson declared, "I don't like the mix."

Mayor Ralph Shape said none of the neighbors near the site have raised concerns.

He noted the proposed store site has been vacant for a long time.

"This would be more desirable than an empty shell," Shape added.

Councilman Chris Wythe said that he felt the shop was a legitimate business that could help residents during bad economic times.

A woman, who works in a Kent pawn shop, disputed some characterizations of the stores.

She said they are tightly regulated and work with police to assure they are not selling stolen items.

The woman added the stores are an economical choice for short-term loans, while kids like buying inexpensive video games there.

After Her remarks, Tony Anderson requested the decision be put off for two weeks.

"My biggest concern is what the neighbors think, he concluded.

In other business, lawmakers approved design standards for multifamily housing in the South 154th Street area near the Tukwila light-rail station. The city hopes to attract pedestrian-friendly, transportation-oriented development around the station.

The council members agreed to set standards for single family housing in the area at a later date.

Chief Graddon also presented a distinguished service award to SeaTac Police Officer Alex Paul.

The award was for Paul's actions when an elderly woman was attacked by two pit bulls recently.

Graddon said when Paul arrived at the scene two minutes after the emergency dispatch, he ran toward the dogs that were attacking the woman under the front stairs of a residence.

"Alex knew he would have to shoot the animals to break off the attack but had to be extremely careful so as not to strike the victim," Graddon said. "He positioned himself and was able to fire upon and strike one of the dogs, breaking off the attack."

The dogs moved a short distance away and threatened to reattack the woman or Paul, according to Graddon. Paul shot again, killing one pit bull and forcing the other one to flee.

"Officer Alex Paul's quick actions were instrumental in ending this terrible attack, thereby keeping our victim and others from more serious injury and very possibly death," Graddon declared. "As a direct result, the victim will survive her very serious injuries.

"The officer's actions were in the highest tradition of bravery seen in those who provide for our public safety."