Seattle Neighborhood Group CPTED (1)

Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design
(CPTED)
1900 block East Yesler Way
Seattle, Washington 98122
May 11, 2015

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Seattle Neighborhood Group
Mission
The mission of Seattle Neighborhood Group is to prevent crime and build community through
partnerships with residents, businesses, law enforcement and other organizations.
Goals
This document describes our work based on a carefully presented set of goals and our intended
outcomes.
 Reduce crime and the fear of crime
 Connect people to their communities and each other
 Develop or enhance communal problem-solving capacity

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 Demonstrate effective partnerships with other agencies
Asking the CPTED Right Questions (Crowe, 2000)
Readers should highly consider the following:
 Never look at the environment the same way again.
 Question everything, no matter how trivial.
 Learn the language of the professions you are working with and you will understand their
motivations.
Seattle Neighborhood Group
1810 East Yesler Way
Seattle, Washington
98122
206. 323. 9666
www.sngi.org
Site Visit Location
1900 Block of East Yesler Way

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Seattle, Washington
98122
CPTED Practitioners
 Kylie Helmuth
 Ron Howell
 Tari Nelson-Zagar
 Donnitta Sinclair
 Alex Vallandry
Date of Visit/Time of Day
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 12:45 pm
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 8:00 pm
Thursday, March 26, 2015 3:00 pm
Saturday, March 28, 2015 8:00 pm
Report Authors
 Alex Vallandry
 Kylie Helmuth
 Ron Howell

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Table of Contents
Site Visit Location 3
CPTED Practitioners 4
Date of Visit/Time of Day 4
Report Authors 4
CPTED 8
CPTED METHODOLOGY 9
SITE APPEARANCE SURVEY 10
DISCLAIMER 10
GENERAL SITE DESCRIPTION 12
Why CPTED Here? 13
911 Calls and Police Report Data 14
SITE-WIDE ACTIVITY PATTERNS 17
Natural Surveillance 20
1900 block Natural Surveillance / Daytime hours 22
Assets 22
Challenges 22
Recommendations 23
1900 block Natural Surveillance / Twilight and Dark hours 24
Assets 24
Challenges 24
Recommendations 25
Access Control 28
1900 block Access Control 29
Assets 29
Challenges 30

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Recommendations 30
Territorial Reinforcement 34
1900 block Territorial Reinforcement 35
Assets 35
Challenges 36
Recommendations 38
Image, Maintenance, & Reputation 41
1900 block Image, Maintenance, & Reputation 42
Assets 43
Challenges 43
Recommendations 44
Community Activation 50
1900 block Community Activation 51
Assets 51
Challenges 51
Recommendations 52
APPENDIX 54
RESOURCES 54
Exterior Lighting 55

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CPTED
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design or (CPTED) is a community powered crime
fighting tool that incorporates the environment, human behavior, and crime. “It is based upon the
theory the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in
the incidence and fear of crime, and an improvement in the quality of life” (McKay, What is
CPTED?).

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http://www.peelpolice.on.ca/en/crimeprevention/resources/whatiscpted.pdf
CPTED Methodology
Each CPTED assessment presents unique challenges in understanding complex problems that are
tied to physical characteristics of specific places.
By using CPTED principles grounded in proven crime prevention practices, and specific local
information about a site, it is possible to analyze problems generated by place features and make
recommendations toward correcting crime and disorder problems.
Concepts that guide our CPTED work include: Activity Patterns & Conflict of Use, Quality of the
Sensory Environment, Guardianship, and Historical Use & Cultural Patterns of a place.
Accompanying these concepts, we use the 5-basic principles to analyze our sites:
Natural Surveillance
Access Control
Territorial Reinforcement
Image, Maintenance, & Reputation
Community Activation

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Several site visits are usually necessary to observe the activity patterns and physical features on
site. Collecting data about the site is also important in creating a picture of the types of activities
on a site. Interacting with site users and asking basic questions about what draws them to the
site and how they feel when they are on site can be informative in guiding observations.
CPTED recommendations are based in practical and theoretical knowledge primarily from the
fields of criminology, sociology, psychology, and studies in the built environment. A robust CPTED
approach involves interdisciplinary work from all of these areas.
The focus of this assessment is to make recommendations specific to this site, with the goal of
changing use patterns that lead to conflict and negative behaviors, and hopefully reducing the
opportunities for crime.
Site Appearance Survey
A walking assessment of a site to determine the level of physical disorder and to produce an
inventory of structure and land use present at a single point in time. This includes both an
objective inventory, and a subjective rating of a physical disorder produced by a group of
participants at least 5 in number, all of whom are SNG staff.
Disclaimer

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The recommendations and strategies suggested here are intended to reduce opportunities
for crime, improve quality of life, for all, and provide for a safer inclusive environment.
Seattle Neighborhood Group does not guarantee that any specific crime will be prevented if
these recommendations are implemented.

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General Site Description
This CPTED assessment site is in the Central District of Seattle, only a half block away from the
Seattle Neighborhood Group office.
Historically, the Central District is one of Seattle’s oldest established residential neighborhoods.
In the mid 1800s, Yesler Way was the original Seattle “skid road” from which logs were brought
down from atop steep hills to Henry Yesler’s sawmill near the waterfront.
This section of Yesler Way at various times throughout Seattle’s history has been home to
significant populations of Japanese, Jewish, and African-American families. Community Safety
surveys administered by Seattle Neighborhood Group were completed by a majority of African-
Americans and Caucasians. However other cultures and languages observed on site include
Tigrinya, Aramaic, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
The 1900 block of Yesler is an interesting mix of retail, community, and residential spaces. On
the southern edge, Pratt Park is a five and a half acre City owned parcel named after Edwin T.
Pratt, a Seattle civil rights leader who was assassinated at home in 1969.
To the north, there is the Tigray Community Center, which also houses a convenience store, travel
agency, and several residential units. Further along the 1900 block to the east is a house, which

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has been converted into a fourplex, and a condo building with retail shops below including
Broadcast Coffee and a hair & nail salon.
Why CPTED Here?
This CPTED Assessment focuses on a one-block section of the Central District. While disorder
exists throughout Seattle at various levels, this is not a crime “hot spot” in the tradition that
Seattle Neighborhood Group typically chooses to assess. Rather, the social conditions along with
an interest in crime prevention and community building have aligned.
Anonymous community safety surveys (59 total) and general comments show that there is a
perception of danger in this area. Reoccurring comments include concern over safety of children
playing outside, safety of single women at night, car prowling, drug activity, gang activity,
homeless activity in Pratt Park, and the fear of being assaulted while walking.

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911 Calls and Police Report Data
For this assessment we used 911 incident response information from City of Seattle's public
datasets. The 911 response data for this site is coded to the intersections of 19th Avenue & East
Yesler Way, 20th Avenue & East Yesler Way, as well as the 1900 block of Yesler. Nearby block
faces show measurable crime data as well, however the public park, retail, and residential features
on Yesler create a different set of circumstances that are distinct. Notable 911 responses on this
site are for disturbances, traffic violations, and suspicious persons.
The dataset we work with has variations in data coding, notably spelling variants for street names
and intersections, so may not be a perfect reflection of all of the 911 responses to this site.

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Site-wide Activity Patterns
There are some challenges throughout this site that will be addressed in subsequent parts of this
document, one part of the site, though, warrants a special discussion here.
Each site assessed using CPTED usually has some “micro-places” that generate criminal or
nuisance activity, or are dysfunctional in a way that contributes to overall site dysfunction.
Much of the site activity patterns revolve around the presence of Pratt Park and retail across the
street. Each has its pluses and minuses.
At Pratt Park, there are a number of children playing on the playground and basketball court,
with varying degrees of adult supervision. A splash pad is turned on during the summer months.
Children were observed coming home to Bryant Manor Apartments from school, dropping off
their backpacks, and then meeting peers at the park. During the lunch hour, adults were seen
eating on benches (alone and in groups) and utilizing the public restroom.
Negative activities at Pratt Park were primarily the public consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, and
marijuana near families, and interestingly – a community trend of leaving rice and bread on the
ground for birds.

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Across the street people were observed using the outside chairs at Broadcast Coffee, entering
and exiting the nail and hair salons, and meeting outside the Tigray Community Center for
Tigray/Tigrinya community events.
At night there were dog walkers, bike riders, and joggers. Condo dwellers come out onto their
balconies to sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the park after work. Police and parking
enforcement officers appear to regularly patrol the area while fire trucks use Yesler as a quick
route to other points in the city. Survey results show that people commonly arrive from outside
the area to visit site offerings, friends, family, and access services.

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Natural Surveillance
The purpose of the Natural Surveillance concept revolves around providing elements within the
physical environment that will allow maximum visibility of people, from all ranges of spaces
(Planning and urban design standards, 2007,pg. 274).
Humans feel safe when important physiological and psychological needs are met. Our senses tell
us whether we can relax, enjoy ourselves, or whether we need to be on our guard. Natural
surveillance addresses those needs - specifically, whether a site affords people the ability to see,
hear, smell, touch, taste, and sense if they are safe.
Public places should afford plenty of opportunities to see and be seen throughout - satisfying our
need to see if a place is safe. If these basic needs for safety are not met, site users experience
anxiety and fear and will avoid the place, depriving it of potentially positive users.
Perceptions of being seen or watched can have an impact on whether people violate laws or
norms. Generally, the higher the chance of being observed, the less likely a potential offender will
do the activity in question.
Landscaping in areas with safety concerns must work with natural surveillance principles to afford
the opportunity for site users to have clear visual access. Limb trees up to 6 or 7 feet; keep
plantings on the ground below 3 feet tall.

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Supporting human vision appropriately in dark environments is critical. There is often a strong
tendency to flood an unsafe area with high light levels in attempts at creating a ‘safe’ nighttime
environment. It should be noted that lighting could act as a nuisance. Bright lighting can create a
worse set of problems that can impede human vision and render people vulnerable.
At 5-vertical feet, or roughly ‘face height’, should include even lighting, correct-coloring, and have
roughly a 4:1 contrast with its background. The number of foot-candles used will depend on
ambient light levels.
A person that is 30-feet away should be easy to identify, and there should be no stray light in the
environment that hinders dark adaptation, glare that produces disability, discomfort, or acts as a
distraction.
Providing an even light distribution ensures the lights do not shine directly into people’s eyes, or
glare. Having a flood of bright light – high contrast between light levels at night, can inhibit
appropriate dark adaptation, putting people in danger of not being able to see what is in a
nearby area that is darker.
Fixtures that are easy to reach are impervious to vandalism (use shatterproof lenses, strong wall
attachments) will allow for natural visibility of the area. Other factors that allow for the success
of this CPTED concept is developmental efforts involving LC certified lighting designers when
conducting to plan lighting applications for public space.

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1900 block Natural Surveillance / Daytime hours
The area is generally open and free of visual obstructions on the sidewalks. It is easy to see
where you are going, and what is nearby in the daytime. Overall natural daylight surveillance is
adequate, though there are landscaping challenges in need of attention and maintenance that
would further enhance surveillance.
Assets
• There are clear sightlines into Pratt Park from almost every angle.
• Most businesses and residential units keep windows clear and blinds open.
• At the nail salon, as customers dry their nails before leaving, they naturally look out
onto the street for an extended period of time.
• Broadcast Coffee customers also naturally look out the windows onto the surrounding
streets while sitting inside the shop.
• Trees are typically limbed upward to create a six-foot or higher canopy.
Challenges
• The Tigray Community Center building, including the residential units and retail spaces,
suffers from several natural surveillance issues. There are bars on the windows, blinds
stay closed, and posters or product block other windows.
• The tax preparer’s office and community center main doors do not have peepholes
installed. Visitors or issues nearby cannot be identified before the door is opened.
• Fencing found on the 1900 block is usually over six feet tall and cannot be seen

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through. Examples of this sight impediment include the Tigray Community Center with
a tall wooden fence and the white house at 1910 E. Yesler Way, with a wooden fence
built on a yard that rises above sidewalk level.
• Bushes at the Pratt Park entrance near 20th Avenue S. and East Yesler Way are too tall
and create an area where someone could shelter or hide from view.
Recommendations
Building with blocked sightlines can remove posters or papers, and open curtains or blinds
that block their windows. This can help people outside see if there is trouble inside, and help
people see what is happening on the outside before they leave. It will also give the perception
that someone is watching the surrounding area.
Install peepholes or a small window in doors that lack a clear view outside. This can help see
if there is trouble or a suspicious person waiting outside before opening the door.
When any fences, gates, or other barriers are installed they must not block sightlines or
create places people will shelter or hide from view. Use materials like chain link, hardware
cloth, rock screen, or other open-patterned, decorative metal that can be seen through easily in
daylight and dark conditions. In areas with crime or nuisance problems use landscaping that
doesn’t hide people who are sitting, crouching, or lying down.

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Maintain bushes so that they are two feet (2’) or less in height. Remove tree limbs so the
canopy is eight feet (8’+) or higher above the ground. These restrictions on height deny
opportunities for loitering, or harm, while increasing sightlines allowing for easier identification of
people and activities.
1900 block Natural Surveillance / Twilight and Dark hours
The quality of light on this site is mixed, but generally acceptable along the major thoroughfare
of East Yesler Way. It meets the ‘basic CPTED criteria’ for lighting – even, reflected light at 5
vertical feet, a face recognizable from 30 feet away with lower than 4:1 background contrast. 19th
and 20th Avenues remain challenged by inadequate lighting and add to the perception that this
site is dangerous at night. There are two fixtures where discomfort glare is disabling to a
pedestrian.
Assets
• Upgraded LED street lamps have been installed by Seattle City Light along East Yesler
Way. Light levels are good in general along the sidewalk – even contrast ratios and
enough sources for light that it is easy to see a persons face at night 30 feet away.
• Businesses in this area also keep outdoor lights on when closed for the evening.
• At 20th Avenue and East Yesler Way, crosswalks through the intersection are well lit.
Challenges
• One exterior light on the brick facade near Broadcast Coffee was burnt out. Other

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outside lights at the condos above were either kept off or burnt out as well.
• There are orange hued lights scattered through the park, which provide very dim
lighting.
• On the playgrounds and large paved pathways through Pratt Park, little to no lighting
exists.
• Dark spots in commonly traveled areas through the park grass exist. This makes it near
impossible to identify a person moving through the shadows.
• One LED street light installed by Seattle City Light on the south side of the 1900 block of
East Yesler Way creates disability glare along the sidewalk. A second disability glare
location is directly across the street. This second light of concern is atop the second
story of the Tigray Community Center stairs, but is unshielded and shines into
pedestrians’ eyes.
Recommendations
Replace or repair non-functioning lights fixtures along the exterior, near Broadcast Coffee.
This increases lighting along the sidewalk and promotes the entire building as one that is well run
and maintained. Good quality lighting can also help illuminate architectural features that are
important for territorial definition – delineating entryways, features, boundaries, paths, and
signage.
As ‘orange’ colored lamps are replaced try to match the color of light in nearby fixtures. Or
upgrade to new technology such as metal halide or LED for an even foot-candle ratio. This will

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help to create a more even texture and color, and unify the experience of looking through the
site.
Investigate adding quality light in the park, along paved pathways and in the playground.
The light levels can be low throughout and should be diffused by using appropriate lenses. Be
extra careful that any installed lighting isn’t too bright, doesn’t glare in people’s eyes, or conceal
parts of the park in pools of darkness adjacent to higher lighted areas.
Work on cut-through paths to increase visibility. While these worn areas are not intended to
be paths, park users will continue to walk through in the most efficient route as they see fit. Add
a light colored gravel to reflect light in the area. This will help to illuminate a person traveling
through and create noise to alert others of their presence. Work with managers of Bryant Manor
Apartments to add exterior lights to illuminate this area.
Add a cover or shade to redirect light to prevent glare. It may be appropriate at the Tigray
Community Center to simply turn the light fixture in a different direction, so reflected, rather than
direct light is cast upon the stairwell. Or replace the fixture. Disability glare can affect pedestrians
and motorists alike, reducing the contrast between surrounding areas and the light source.

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Access Control
The concept of Natural Access Control hones in around the idea of mitigating (discourage) crime
or perceived crime through physical design. This type of design uses a multi-scale range of
structural elements such as “streets, sidewalks, building entrances, and neighborhood gateways to
mark public routes” (Planning and urban design standards, 2007,pg. 274).
Guiding people on a site through the use of features such as gates, fences, hedges, or railings, is
effective access control. It is important to use proper levels of access control as site users
transition through various zones - from public to private. Successful access control is sometimes
best achieved through symbolic means - short hedges, simple railings, and a series of ballards.
These appeal to the psychological need for guidance and indicate on site users what to do and
where to go. When people transition from semi-private to fully private space, access control
commonly involves locked doors or gates accompanied by the appropriate policies and
procedures for everyone who is granted access. For access control to be a success, the designed
space must be understandable, practical, and accessible for all ‘positive’ users of the space
(Crowe, 2000).
When using fencing, gates, or doors to control access, make sure it supports Natural Surveillance
requirements – it should be made to be seen through, or kept low enough to see over and not
hide a person (whether standing, crouched, or lying down). All doors into and out of a building
should have a large peephole or window to allow those inside to see clearly who is outside, and

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what is happening on the street in front of their entrance/exit. Planned natural access control
improvements, in terms of behavior, reduce incidence and fear of crime (Crowe, 2000).
1900 block Access Control
This assessment is focused on fully public areas comprised of sidewalks, streets, park space,
intersections, and building facades. As these spaces are all open, though not necessarily inviting
to people throughout the day and night, Access Control strategies are challenging. General
recommendations will be made, however, regarding typical access control strategies for parking
areas and vacant areas. With access control limited and the nature of the site this open, much of
the ‘control’ or ‘ownership’ will shift to the formal and informal guardians of the space.
Assets
• Security and access control is well thought out by property and business managers at
this assessment site. This is seen by at several points of entry.
• The brick condos above retail space along Yesler have a secure entry on 20th
Avenue; this requires a key code to gain entry. Parking spaces and communal
dumpsters for this building are also secured behind gates and a large commercial
garage door. Businesses with retail space on the first floor of this building have modern
locks. Broadcast Coffee secures its outside seating at night, by storing all chairs
indoors.
• The convenience store has an exterior locked gate that spans windows and doors for
afterhours protection and padlocks the bagged ice machine.

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Challenges
• Residents at the four-unit rental at 1910 E. Yesler often leave the front door propped
open and unmonitored. The front gate into the yard is hung on broken, sagging
hinges and the latch is broken.
• The tax preparer and travel agency offices at the Tigray Community Center have
been observed leaving side doors propped open and unmonitored.
• Hours of operation and emergency contact information at several businesses within
this site are not posted.
Recommendations
Repair or replace broken hardware. This includes locks, hinges, knobs, strike plates, and similar.
Keep residential entrances closed and locked to prevent unauthorized entry.
Keep doors closed to better monitor entry. Add a lockable screen door if better airflow is
desired, rather than leaving doors propped open. This will also increase natural surveillance, by
allowing workers to monitor the outside sidewalk and street through the screen.
Post hours of operation and emergency contact information. Make sure these are posted in a
visible location at each business. This will guide users’ actions and allow them to make informed

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choices on when to return. Also, any activity outside of posted hours is suspicious and will draw
attention from site guardians.

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Territorial Reinforcement
Territorial Reinforcement is another concept within CEPTD, which allows users to maintain a sense
of control of the space in which they occupy. In order to reinforce this idea of control, which in
return provides safety, certain features in spaces should be distinguished. The promotion of these
‘distinguishable’ features is generally labeled as property lines, public, and private spaces. The
design to expose those features includes the use of “vegetation, pavement design, gateway
treatment, and fences” (Planning and urban design standards, 2007,pg. 274).
How a site declares itself, and how site users attach to the place and even become ‘positive
guardians’ is at the heart of this CPTED principle. These two ideas work together in a mutually
powerful way - the more clarity a space has, the easier it is for people to understand how to use
it in a socially appropriate, cognoscente, and positive way.
A well-designed place has forms, patterns, and shapes that have cultural meanings that
correspond to certain uses. If the forms agree with the purpose of a space, then the whole space
will have a sort of integrity in its design. The space will read or say, “What it is for?”, and “what
kinds of things are possible in it?”.
When a space ‘reads’ correctly, it is easier for people to connect to a site and to exert influence
there, even if they don’t intend to do so. This phenomenon is called guardianship. Guardians are
people on a site who essentially control a spaces physical and social environment, or parts of the
physical and social environment. Anybody in a place can be considered a ‘guardian’ of some sort.

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Guardians can be positive; sometimes they can actively intervene to keep the space safe. They
can also be negative, doing unsafe things and creating a sense of discomfort that drives positive
guardians away while attracting other negative site users.
As changes are made to this site, it is important to make them deliberately, asking, “What is the
purpose of this part of the site?” and “how is this change going to support or undermine that
designated purpose?” .Be clear going forward - help the space speak for itself, and attract the
appropriate uses.
1900 block Territorial Reinforcement
This purpose of this site is predominantly oriented toward users of vehicles, transit, and bicycles.
The physical infrastructure mostly supports transit and cars. Some bicycle infrastructure is now in
place. There is available street parking at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis. A transit stop
is adjacent to the park on Yesler. Crosswalks are well marked and have buttons to manipulate
traffic signals.
The intersection of 20th and East Yesler Way is a major entrance into Pratt Park and all the
community activities that may be found in such a large public space. Broadcast Coffee with its
large corner location is a hub of neighborhood activity as well and encourages area guardianship
by design.
Assets
• Businesses generally have good signage clearly identifying name and purpose. Zones

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in both commercial and residential space are well defined. A new site user intrinsically
knows where to go and what actions are expected of them.
• Broadcast Coffee maintains red chairs outside on the sidewalk facing East Yesler Way.
• Pratt Park has a large sign with park hours on the corner of East Yesler Way and 20th
Avenue South. Next to the park are City installed signs for bicyclists with distance and
direction arrows to nearby neighborhoods. Bike sharrow markings are painted on the
surface of East Yesler Way.
• Parking zones on the north side of the street are clearly defined as two hour, thirty
minute, or commercial truck loading only. Across the street along the edge of Pratt
Park, parking is defined with a white stripe on the surface of East Yesler Way and the
transit specific zone is marked with an alternating red and yellow pattern along the
curb.
• The convenience store posted a Conditions of Entry sign detailing the Criminal
Trespassing Program. Also, there is a driveway curb cutout for the store along Yesler.
Managers have posted a no parking sign in front of the wooden gate to keep the
space clear for deliveries.
Challenges
• The convenience store at the Tigray community center lacks a sign with the business
name. Users must guess by product placed in the window and beer & cigarette ads
as to the purpose of this storefront. There are some additional signs in the window,

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printed in Amharic with no English translation.
• Most businesses on the 1900 Block of East Yesler Way lack the Criminal Trespassing
Program with stated Conditions of Entry sign.
• The Pratt Park sign with hours of allowable use is found at only one of four entrances,
on the northeast edge. This sign is blocked by shrubbery and not immediately noticeable
as there is no celebrated park entrance.
• It is unclear if the red chairs in front of Broadcast Coffee are for the general public or
paying customers, and whether there is a time limit for use. Customers and others
typically use these to sit and smoke, despite being within twenty-five feet (25’) of
business & residential doors, windows, and a busy sidewalk.
• At Pratt Park, there are well-worn pathways through portions of turf from people
cutting through off the paved trail.
• The large white commercial garage door on East Yesler Way lacks territorial definition.
Specifically who has access, the purpose or ownership of the door, and if vehicles may
block by parking on the street in front.
• On 19th Avenue parallel to the Tigray Community Center there is a curb cutout for a
nonexistent driveway. It is unclear whether or not a driver is allowed to block the
cutout. Given the lack of signs, Seattle Police Parking Enforcement officers do not
ticket cars parked here, unless they park on the sidewalk. Visitors to the area
(including SNG staff) report being asked by the community center staff to not park
here.

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Recommendations
Add signs as appropriate to denote the name and type of a business. This will reaffirm
expected behaviors of visitors and assist in way finding. Also in the event of an emergency,
callers and first responders alike are able to direct an emergency response with higher accuracy.
Any premises or business that has patterns of loitering or the possibility of trespass should
post and use Conditions of Entry signage. This empowers the property manager and allows
police to take formal action.
Add hours of access and rules to each park entrance. Trim bushes back near current sign for
better visibility. Create one celebrated entranced at the park to increase excitement,
neighborhood attachment, and guardianship.
Define ownership of the red chairs outside Broadcast Coffee. Add a sign such as “Broadcast
Customers Only”. Further designate this zone with a rail or roped off area. Other businesses with
outside seating should consider doing the same.
Make a formal trail where people are obviously cutting through. While these areas are not
intended to be paths, park users will continue to cut through as they see fit. Add a light colored

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gravel to reflect light in the area at night. Day and night, the audible crunch of gravel being
stepped on will alert walkers of another person on the trail.
Post an access sign near commercial garage doors. This will assist in way finding by helping
delivery drivers and those looking for parking understand proper site use.
If it is illegal to block the space near the Tigray Community Center, the City of Seattle must
post parking signs. Otherwise, while nearby staff may politely request drivers not park here
either verbally or in writing by posting their own signs, this request is unenforceable and
unreasonable on public streets.

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This concept supports that these buildings or facilities consistently follow/meet the standardized
maintenance/care frameworks that are provided at the national and local scale. Traditional
components such as surveillance, equipment, and materials are all elements that are operated
and managed by buildings and facilities.
Site safety is directly related to a place’s reputation and image, attracting ‘positive’ site users, or
‘negative’ site users. Positive user groups can become excellent guardians even if they are not
doing anything other than using the space in a normal, ‘pro-social’ manner.
Three elements are critical to Image, Maintenance & Reputation: cleanliness, rule setting, and
building a positive site reputation.
First, establish clean, healthy environments that provide distinct contrast to anyone treating the
site in a negligent way. Attracting capable guardians and positive site users will be much easier if
the place is inviting.
Second, send clear messages through functional signage about what is & isn’t allowed, and
follow up on those messages consistently. This helps reinforce the image you set, and maintains a
good reputation for the site going forward.

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Third, a place’s reputation can work against the best efforts in supporting positive uses of a site,
it’s important to carry out actions in a way consistent with the reputation desired for the place -
reputation attracts users, both positive and negative.
The physical status of our environment sends psychological cues that are important in
establishing baseline behaviors on a site. In a functional public space there is a range of social
behavior supported by positive users, whom behave within social norms, and encouraging others
to do the same.
If a relatively passive set of guardians is not able to maintain positive social norms in a place,
then guardianship must be encouraged more explicitly by supporting Community Activation.
Furthermore if active guardians are unable to establish and maintain positive use, it is up to
formal guardians to help by steadily enforcing the instructions posted on site, and working with
stakeholders to solve underlying problems that do not contribute to physical disorder. Formal
guardians include people like park employees, city police, animal control, or other enforcement
personnel.
1900 block Image, Maintenance, & Reputation
Keeping this environment clean and maintaining a positive image and reputation is a big
challenge because of the number of people traveling through & using the site daily, the mixed
development nature of the site, and the number of entities responsible for caring for the various

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parts of the site. Transit and the attraction of Pratt Park bring numbers of people onto the site
daily.
Assets
• Building facades are kept mostly clean and maintained, as are sidewalks and park
landscaping. Aside from two concentrated areas with high foot traffic, there is very
little litter on site. Pratt Park has art installations that details the history and cultural
importance of the Central District.
Challenges
• There are posters and stickers on light poles, parking signs, newspaper machines, utility
boxes, and other public infrastructure.
• Graffiti can be found on the back of parking signs, light poles, and the large white
commercial garage door. The commercial garage graffiti was scrubbed, but not
painted over, and the tagger’s message can still be seen clearly.
• Landscaping waste such as piles of leaves and bags of composting materials have
been dumped in one concentrated area of the block. This is located in the planting
strip between the Tigray Community Center and the white fourplex. The same
materials have been observed sitting there for over seven weeks without removal.
Additionally, there is a large volume of thick mud on the sidewalk near the tax
preparation office.

44
• Two areas within the assessment site attract litter - the corner lot on which the Tigray
Community Center sits and the chairs in front of Broadcast Coffee. No outside
trashcans are found by the Tigray Community Center or Broadcast Coffee. There is
one trashcan across the street by the park.
• Broken window glass and screens can be found at the travel agency. Portions of the
wooden fence are broken at the white fourplex house.
• The same white fourplex residence has unmaintained weeds and grass. Tree wells are
overgrown and there are planters choked with weeds.
• A chain link fence with barbed wire sits between the fourplex and the convenience
store on the Tigray Community Center property.
• Large alcohol and cigarette ads are posted on most of the wooden fence outside the
Tigray Community Center.
• Bars have been placed over the windows at the Tigray Community Center.
• In front of the community center, there are concrete stairs in the middle of an
unmaintained flowerbed, which lead to a blank exterior wall.
• Discarded chicken bones are frequently found in the park and nearby sidewalk
planting strip.
Recommendations
Clean dirty and vandalized surfaces including seating, planters, signs, utility poles, plazas,
sidewalks, windows, walls, and storefronts. This site hosts a lot of stickers from graffiti crews

45
and old posters. The overall effect speaks to high use, anonymity of users, and some lack of
caring on the part of site users.
Paint out or clean off graffiti immediately after discovery. Neglected spaces show a site is
uncared for and invites additional vandalism. For graffiti paint-outs, use the same color as the
damaged surface. If this cannot be done, repaint the entire surface. Paint over graffiti in a block
pattern rather than the exact lines of the tag. Avoid the patchwork effect when painting over
multiple tags.
Report illegal dumping immediately. If this activity is observed while in progress, do not
confront the individuals responsible. Do call 9-1-1 and be prepared to give identifying
information such as license plate number, type of vehicle, name of individuals if known, and
physical description of suspects. If material is found on public property after the fact, contact
Seattle Public Utilities. Dumping on private property may be a code violation if ignored. Garbage
attracts disease-carrying pests and posts a significant health risk. Dumping hazardous wastes
poses a variety of health, safety, and environmental harms – many of which may not be
immediately obvious. If tolerated it sends the message that violators may continue nuisance
activities unabated in the community. Dumping is often associated with other illegal activities.
Control all garbage by making sure there are enough containers. No trash should be left on
the street or sidewalk, that isn’t in a container. Encourage those in charge of caring for the site to

46
patrol regularly for trash. Be aware of the dangers in handling used needles or other drug
paraphernalia.
During regular exterior maintenance, take care to repair or replace damaged infrastructure.
This will further support the property’s reputation as a well cared for space, while promoting
proper usage.
Maintain yards, planters, and tree wells by removing weeds and cutting grass. Or plant low
growth, low maintenance plants. With proper containment, gravel and bark will not encroach
upon the sidewalk from planting strips. This has the effect of preventing tripping hazards while
clearly defining the expected walking route. This will again support the property’s reputation as a
well cared for space, while promoting proper usage.
Remove all barbed wire and install an alternative. Wrought iron, anti-climb fencing, or chain
link with a sharp knuckle-twist at the top are just as effective. Using these styles of fencing in
lieu of barbed wire help remove the perception that the neighborhood is a dangerous place to
visit.
Reduce site confusion and chaotic visual clutter by removing beer and cigarette ads. Replace
with a single friendly sign advertising products sold, such as “cold beer sold here!”
Remove window bars and install security film on windows to prevent intrusion. Security film
prevents shattered glass and entry from blunt force impact and better sightlines into and out of

47
the building than security bars. In addition, removal of security bars increases the perception that
a business is engaged with the community and watching out onto the street. An alternate
suggestion is to repaint the existing security bars in a neutral color so they will blend into the
features of the building and surrounding neighborhood.
Remove the unused concrete stairs and maintain the flowerbeds. This will reduce
opportunities and excuses to shelter in place or loiter. Visual clutter will also be reduced and
increase the property’s reputation as a well cared for space.
Encourage consumers to throw chicken bones away in a secure garbage container. Bones are
a serious choking hazard for pets and children. Improperly discarded bones also invite nuisance
animals such as squirrels, rats, stray cats, raccoons, crows and any disease these animals may be
carrying.

50
Community Activation
While the first four principles of CPTED are powerful tools in addressing disorder and crime that
is generated by physical features, none of them will succeed without strong support of people
that use the place/space. The previous CPTED principles should be seen as a prerequisite to
Community Activation, which allows for successful efforts in crime prevention (Crowe, 2000). “It is
the key to effective community organization because it gives the citizen power to protect and
control the physical environment and quality of life” (Crowe, 2000).
Establishing feelings of safety on a site means that normal behaviors exclude violence and
unwanted intrusions. The site will have 'guardians' of some type who – whether they know it or
not – enforce some kind of behavior norms. These guardians can be negative, setting norms that
allow for uncomfortable or dangerous interactions. The guardians can also be positive, helping to
establish norms that indicate neutral or positive control of the space.
If a place has norms that are negative, it will be important to build user groups that can establish
positive behaviors at all times, and foster communication between them.
Designing a strategy that uses lots of different activities and approaches to getting positive users
into the space is key in reclaiming a place. Ultimately, people using the place should get to know
who is there, who can help, and what is normal and expected.

51
1900 block Community Activation
Community surveys overwhelming indicate that residents agree people are willing to watch out
for one another if an issue arises and that neighbors usually talk to one another. The same
surveys indicate that while users are friendly toward one another, trust issues exist.
The hub of community activity occurs at Broadcast Coffee and Pratt Park. Here people gather to
hold business meetings, relax, meet with friends, read, or participate in an informal event. The
Tigray Community Center is also a culturally important resource with consistent traffic in and out
of the building.
Assets
• Formal and informal events held during the year include Jazz Walk (nearby on Jackson
Street), Juneteenth, birthday parties, warm weather festivities, summer youth food
service program, and Saturday yoga at Pratt Park.
Challenges
• Due to the nature of Yesler Way as a thoroughfare through several neighborhoods, the
presence of highly temporary populations traversing these streets can increase the
level of anonymity and social disconnection. Uses change throughout the day and
norms shift as user groups change in nature.
• Some populations on this site use drugs and alcohol in public. On each site visit

52
evidence of alcohol and drug use in public was observed in the form of beer cans,
empty liquor bottles, cigar wrappers, and similar. Evidence of alcohol consumption is
often found near the tree shaped bench in Pratt Park.
• Language and cultural barriers exist. English, Tigrinya, Aramaic, Spanish, Vietnamese,
and others are commonly spoken here.
• There is a lack of formal events to bring neighbors together. Some groups do not
interact with others outside of their group.
• Neighbors have not yet formed community groups or organizations, such as Block
Watch or a local merchants association.
Recommendations
Share basic crime prevention information with building owners & managers, residents,
business owners and staff, especially regarding identifying suspicious activity, and how to
use 9-1-1, and how to support each other in calling in problems. It may be a good idea to
tailor any training for this community to the specific problems on the street, including addressing
mental illness or chronic alcohol or drug use; also, it may be a good idea to share information on
using interpretation with 9-1-1 calls.
Discourage public alcohol and drug use. Call 9-1-1 immediately when open alcohol and drug
use is observed. Eliminate any place on the street where someone can ‘shelter’ to drink alcohol or
use drugs. (See Access Control recommendations to help eliminate places for drinking.)

53
Encourage the use of Public Outreach and Engagement Liaisons (POELs). These specialists
encourage community participation with greater Seattle.
Encourage the creation of new community-focused events and invite all neighbors. Examples
include participation in National Night Out, potlucks, live music, or kid friendly events at Pratt
Park with people from the neighborhood.
Encourage the creation of formal neighborhood groups. Such as a formal merchants’
association, Apartment Watch, and Block Watch group.

54
Appendix
Resources
(Crowe, 2000)
Crowe, T. (2000). Crime Prevention Through Environemtnal Design: Applications of Architectural
Design and Space Management Concepts (2nd ed.). Woburn, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann
National Crime Prevention Institute.
(Planning and urban design standards, 2007)

55
Design Considerations. (2007). In Planning and urban design standards. Hoboken, New Jersey:
John Wiley & Sons.
(McKay, “What is CPTED?”)
McKay, T. (n.d.) What is CPTED? Retrieved July 8, 2015, from
http://www.peelpolice.on.ca/en/crimeprevention/resources/whatiscpted.pdf
(Zahm, “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in Problem-Solving”)
Zahm, D. (August, 2007). Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in Problem-
Solving. Retrieved July 8, 2015, from http://www.popcenter.org/tools/pdfs/cpted.pdf
(Zahm, “Brighter is better. Or is it? The Devil is in the Details”)
Zahm, D. “Brighter is better. Or is it? The Devil is in the Details.” Reaction essay for Welsh and
Farrington article “Surveillance for Crime Prevention in Public Space: Results and Policy Choices in
Britain and America” Criminology and Public Policy, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 535-546 (invited). 2004-2005.
Exterior Lighting
http://lightingdesignlab.com/
Lighting Design Lab is a Pacific Northwest Utilities funded entity. The are in the industrial area
south of downtown Seattle. They are helpful and knowledgeable, and will answer your questions!
http://lightingdesignlab.com/publications

56
The Lighting Design Lab has a good publications section, mostly focused on the mechanical
applications and technical information about lighting; color rendering, occupancy sensors, lamp
basics, etc.
http://www.ies.org/lighting/index.cfm
IESNA is an international lighting standards and research organization – they have an excellent
online tutorial on lighting basics.
http://www.ies.org/lighting/applications/exterior.cfm
IESNA lighting basics – exterior applications: this is especially good for CPTED practices.
http://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/3084/title/exterior-lighting-for-safety-and-
security.aspx
Here is a good, basic article on exterior lighting for safety

Seattle Neighborhood Group CPTED (1)

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