Seattle Chinatown-International District Community Opposes Proposed McDonald's Location
Residents and supporters of Seattle's Chinatown-International District (CID) are strongly opposing a proposal by McDonald's to open a new franchise at the corner of 4th Avenue South and South Jackson Street. Approximately 80 community members attended a meeting of the International Special Review District (ISRD), the neighborhood's historic preservation board, to voice their objections. The meeting featured impassioned public comments, protest signs in both Chinese and English, and individuals wearing clown masks. Concerns raised by neighbors include the potential negative impact on existing CID restaurants, the incongruity of a McDonald's with the neighborhood's Asian character, and worries about attracting homeless individuals and drug users. State Rep.-elect Kelabe Tewolde and Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck also attended to show their opposition. The ISRD board received over 100 written comments against the proposal. A consultant for McDonald's presented the store's design, claiming it...