Below is a statement from Council Chair Dembowski on Superior Court's closure of Third Avenue entrance to King County Courthouse:



"I support the Superior Court's decision to take aggressive action to protect the public and our county employees who work in and near the King County Courthouse. I have fought to secure funding in recent years to keep the Fourth Avenue entrance open, as well as worked to activate and improve safety in City Hall Park. I have advocated directly to Mayor Durkan to increase the City's police presence around the courthouse. Unfortunately, security remains a serious concern with inadequate attention and action to date.



"I am introducing emergency legislation to appropriate necessary funding to support the work and recommendations of the court's proposed courthouse security work group, as well as to immediately enhance safety around the courthouse, and plan for longer-term safety and security improvements to the area."