I didn't want anymore of that yuppie Green Lake-Fremont atmosphere. This is a neighborhood instead of an enclave. Without question, the Central Area is getting more attention from the city. The police presence is strong and crime has declined. The paucity of basic amenities is startling, Hubbard said.
Most neighborhoods have a movie theater, pet store, a travel agency, a copy center and small cafes.
Right now, none of those exist here. A mix of non-profit, private commercial developers and city planners has concocted dozens of building projects financed through grants, loans, and city and federal dollars. We should have been doing this a long time ago, but at last it's being done. Three dilapidated Victorian homes at 23rd and Yesler have also been secured and will be renovated as condos. More retail activity is planned for 23rd and Union.