IDA Application Transforming Seattle s Downtown Environment Pre-CAP Implementation Post-CAP Implementation
Program Public Policy Objectives Cleaner, safer business districts and communities Reducing the incidence of uncivil behaviors and illegal activities in alleys Increasing the attractiveness of alleys for pedestrian and other uses Allowing better alley access for business services (deliveries) and expansion of commercial activity
Program History 2000 CleanScapes launches first Dumpster Free Alley in Pioneer Square 2000-2007 Program expands to Seattle s University District, Capitol Hill, and Columbia City 2007 City of Seattle proposes mandatory CAP area as part of the Seattle s Solid Waste Contract 2009 - City of Seattle launches mandatory CAP Pilot Program in Downtown Commercial Core/Pioneer Square
CAP Service Area
CAP Operations
CAP Pricing
CAP Implementation Challenges Customer Education and Transition New program required education materials and outreach Illegal Dumping Illegal dumping prevalent first month of program implementation 750 illegal bag equivalents/day Illegal Dumping Site Food Waste Disposal Food waste bags created customer and operational challenges
CAP Implementation Solutions Create CAP Alley Czar Position Provides customer outreach/education Documents illegal dumping Current average illegal bags = 50/day (down from 750/day at program start) Creation of CAP Advisory Group (City staff, community/business leaders) Illegal Dumping Site 2 Hours After Alley Czar & StreetScape Intervention Dedicated StreetScape service (7 day a week litter control/ pressure washing crews) Replace food waste bag service with plastic carts
CAP Program One Year Evaluation Seattle Public Utilities conducted a one-year evaluation of the CAP Program Key Findings: 2/3 of businesses and residents felt that CAP alleys are somewhat better or much better (cleanliness, access, reduced odors, improved safety). Seattle Police Department reports improved lines of sight and reduced criminal activity. Cost/Benefit Survey of residential and business customers indicated CAP benefits significantly outweigh costs. Businesses still have operational concerns about the program (e.g. illegal dumping, cost).
Beyond Implementation Next Steps Next Steps - Community Outreach and Visioning Design Professionals Local Government Solid Waste Contractors Next Steps - Harnessing Existing Community Action Arts Community Small Business People/Entrepreneurs Community & Neighborhood Groups City Council Members, City Staff, CleanScapes staff and Seattle design professionals take an alley tour focused on design opportunities to activate the alleys in the City s downtown commercial core. Local artists erect a public art installation in Seattle s Nord Alley.
Beyond Implementation Reimagining Alleys Alleys Do Not Have to Be Service Roads or Trash Storage Areas Alleys Have the Potential to Be the Backbone of a Vibrant City
Beyond Implementation Clear Alley Resources CleanScapes Clear Alley Website (http://www.cleanscapes.com/clearalley.html) City of Seattle Clear Alley Website (www.seattle.gov/util/services/garbage/commercialgarbage/clearalleyp rogram/) Seattle Times Coverage of Program Implementation (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008833869_dumpsterf ree10m.html) Seattle Post Intelligencer Coverage of Program Implementation (http://www.seattlepi.com/local/402893_dumpster10.html) Seattle Weekly, CleanScapes & CAP Overview (http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-09-26/news/in-the-future-yourrecycling-will-be-monitored-and-dumpsters-will-be-trashed)