OCA Greater Seattle supports SHB1510, investment in protecting Chinatown International District

The following is a letter from OCA Greater Seattle in favor of SHB1510 in the Washington State Legislature.

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates of Greater Seattle, I urge you to vote in favor of SHB1510. This is bill is critical because it gives Historic South Downtown, including the Chinatown International District (CID), the capacity to invest in public safety, street clean-up, homelessness outreach (timing is critical considering the upcoming World Cup). Moreover, the targeting of the CID for a mega-shelter and light rail expansion will also damage this vulnerable community.

The funding from SHB 1510 will help a neighborhood that is a transportation hub for the region to be safe and welcoming, help small businesses thrive, and fulfill a long, unmet promise of the state.

Moreover, during the All-Star game, and other events, the CID community was ignored/bypassed, dismissed and, aside from parking areas, businesses lost money. Despite the (false) promises made about promoting the area, signs were created directing people out of the CID and toward other neighboring areas. Since local people feared that it would be crowded, the CID was avoided. The stadium tax will help the CID, which the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named as one of the 11 most endangered historic places for 2023. Note that this is the first site in Washington state included on the list since its inception in 1988.

We urge you to vote in support of SHB 1510.
Sincerely,

Connie So
President, OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates of Greater Seattle