SEATTLE — Business owners in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood say a surge in crime and open-air drug use over the past several months is driving away customers, damaging storefronts and costing them tens of thousands of dollars. Some are now questioning whether the city’s response is effective.
Jessica Gifford, owner of the longtime speakeasy Bathtub Gin, described daily concerns outside her business.
“People smoking crack, doing drugs. You can see them like handing money out and doing exchange,” she said. “We all call 911 on a daily basis almost.” Gifford said the alley leading to her bar is “always completely scattered with trash and people,” adding that an increase in visible drug use and dealing over the last six months is threatening her livelihood…