Petition started to change SPD East Precinct to community center

SEATTLE — The Capitol Hill Pride organization has started a petition pushing for the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct building to be turned into a community center, which they said would be run by a consortium of nonprofit organizations.

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Officials with Capitol Hill Pride said, “In the city’s commitment to supporting minority communities and divesting from police we believe a community center with outreach and services especially for youth would be ideal and benefit the public and increase the safety of the community by assisting in support services."

The organization also pointed out that the precinct was just several blocks from where former President Barack Obama grew up during his first year of life while his mother attended the University of Washington. They also said the area has long been a diverse community and continues to be a “strong center of marches, rallies and demonstrations for civil rights.”

The group is asking Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and city leaders to consider the change in remembrance of George Floyd, Native American John T. Williams, Che Taylor and Charleena Lyles and those who “have lost their lives due to police violence,” so it can be a place the community can use.

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