On his daily commute from home to office one downtown resident and business owner regularly reports broken light fixtures and problems he thinks can be solved. But one issue seemed more intractable until he read a recent New York Times piece suggesting public restrooms be included as part of the federal infrastructure package for public transit.

“Third Avenue is one of the largest public transit corridors in the nation but has no restrooms or amenities,” he explained. “Coming home or leaving in the morning it is not uncommon to have to deal with public urination and defecation. Sometimes at the front door of my condo building.

“While not a pleasant experience I am sympathetic to the fact that there are no public bathrooms or amenities for the public using transit on Third Avenue or anywhere in the city. 

He says federal funds are intended to help businesses recover and the toilet issue is connected. “It would boost public confidence in downtown if shoppers and visitors had clean and safe public restrooms available and homeless people had safe and clean places as well.”

This isn’t just the City’s problem he said. “This is an issue for Metro and Sound Transit to be addressing on behalf of downtown businesses.”

That’s a point well-taken and all stakeholders should review past failed efforts before moving ahead.  Unfortunately, past experience trying to solve this problem has resulted in spending arguably too money without realizing results (shocking, I know!)

The pandemic has laid bare the urgent need for public hygiene. With help from the federal government and regional transit authorities, now is the time to craft a sustainable multi-stakeholder plan that supports public health, human dignity and basic needs.