Photo courtesy of Betty Lau New overhead and tree lights will add vibrancy ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations
Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell celebrated new overhead and tree lights installed in the Chinatown-International District to support a safe, vibrant environment for residents, workers, and visitors in the neighborhood.
New overhead catenary lights were recently installed along South King Street, and tree lights were added along 6th Avenue S, Maynard Avenue S, and 7th Avenue S. The lights will be activated year-round and can change color for neighborhood and citywide festivities including Lunar New Year, local sporting games at nearby stadiums, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
“The Chinatown-International District is a historic and treasured gem in Seattle, and we are committed to preserving, protecting, and enhancing this neighborhood so that residents and visitors feel safe and the many small businesses who call it home can thrive,” said Mayor Harrell. “We’re excited to unveil these new lighting features ahead of upcoming Lunar New Year festivities, and will continue to advance programs, partnerships, and investments to activate and beautify this special part of our city.”
These lights are a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, City agencies, the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area, and local property owners. Last year, new canopy lights and lanterns were installed at Hing Hay Park and along 3rd Avenue between Stewart and Virginia Street as part of Downtown Activation Plan efforts.
“The lights are fantastic! We’ve waited 55 years to get lights back up in Chinatown, and my hope is tourists and locals will come more frequently,” said Betty Lau, Historian at the Chong Wa Benevolent Association. “It surpasses what was done in 1965. These lights look like necklaces across King Street and red rubies entwined on the trees. Many thanks to the city, donors and to the building owners!”
“I am so happy to see the lights up, they are so beautiful all around the neighborhood! “said Harry Chan, Owner of Tai Tung Restaurant. “They give a feeling of happiness and safety for our community and anyone that comes here – come visit the CID! This is a great way to start the new year with lots of hope!”
Mayor Harrell remains committed to improving public safety and supporting economic and cultural vibrancy in the CID. Under the new Executive Order announced in November, Mayor Harrell formed the Downtown Activation Team (DAT) which brings together law enforcement, City departments, service providers, and community partners to coordinate on place-based cleaning and safety operations in downtown Seattle and the CID.
In addition to increased law enforcement and service provider coordination and daily cleaning operations through the DAT, the City will be leveraging new technology tools like CCTV cameras and a Real Time Crime Center to prevent and quickly respond to crimes in the neighborhood.
The City also continues to support community-driven solutions, working with a range of partners on efforts like environmental design improvements, quickly removing and abating graffiti and other vandalism on private property, and neighborhood activation.
