At last, relief is in sight as plush public potties open downtown


		Paul Joseph Brown / P-I
	Reporters, including KIRO radio's Heather Bosch at right, record the sound of the first flush at the opening of Seattle's first self-cleaning automatic public toilet. This toilet is in Occidental Park in Pioneer Square. There are four others in locations around downtown Seattle.

The doors open and close like those on an elevator. You step in. They softly seal shut behind you.

"Welcome to Seattle's public toilet," says the kind of voice you might hear as you board a space ride at Disneyland.

The self-cleaning cylindrical bathrooms include a toilet, wastepaper basket, and sink with a dispenser that dribbles out soap. They are wheelchair-accessible.

Seattle has been waiting years for the high-tech toilets. Councils and mayors have debated the issue. It's been a topic on the campaign trail.

Made in Germany, and leased by the city, the public restrooms are expected to cost a total of about $600,000 a year. They will be paid for through sewer revenues. Since the 1980s, Seattle business owners have said the lack of public restrooms was the top issue facing downtown.

Business owners across the city have been forced to figure out ways to keep drug users and others out of their bathrooms while keeping the toilets open to customers.

POLL

How do you feel about using Seattle's new, high-tech public toilets?

16.1%

Can't wait to check them out

20.6%

Have no problem using them

25.4%

Only in a real emergency

20.5%

Wouldn't go near them

17.3%

Have no opinion

Total Votes: 2960

The Capitol Hill branch library briefly closed its bathroom to everyone last month after it became a hideaway for drug abusers.

The toilets were the focus of a face-off between former Mayor Paul Schell and the council three years ago. The council approved the public facilities, but Schell vetoed the plan. In a rare move, the council, accusing Schell of potty politics, overrode the veto and pushed ahead on the privies.

"The council and the last three mayors debated for years about how to pay for automated toilets. In the end, we didn't want to sacrifice the beauty of our downtown to the visual wasteland of advertising that some contractors required in their contracts," said Council President Jan Drago.

Yesterday Drago and Councilman Nick Licata, who also led the effort for public restrooms, joined in celebrating the first flush.

"These facilities are self-cleaning, safe, well-situated throughout the city and are free for anyone to use," said Licata. "They will be beneficial to local businesses because tourists, shoppers, residents and the homeless are equally accommodated."


		Paul Joseph Brown / P-I
	Clutching the ceremonial first roll of toilet paper, Craig Montgomery, representing the Pioneer Square Community Association, is startled by the automatic closing of the door to Seattle's first self-cleaning automatic public toilet in Pioneer Square.

Washington state law prohibits charging people to use public restrooms.

The gleaming chambers that opened yesterday are intended for anyone who can't head right home when nature calls.

They could be a salvation to the elderly, parents with children, and the homeless.

They are roomy, well-lit and completely private -- for 15 minutes.

"People will be more likely to use them because they stay clean," said Susan Stoltzfus, a spokeswoman for Seattle Public Utilities.

But some are concerned that they might become shelter for drug abusers, dealers and prostitutes.

"The community will keep a watch out and make sure they don't become a haven for that kind of activity," Stoltzfus said.

"It is hard to make it foolproof, but you do what you can. If a particular unit is having a problem, we can adjust the time on the doors, we can make it shorter and give you less time."

Steve Dupree, on business in Pioneer Square yesterday, decided to try the new restroom.

The doors automatically closed behind him after he entered.

The soothing woman on the speaker is actually the voice of a Seattle Public Utilities employee.

The recording is done in English and Spanish, and in Chinese in the International District toilet.

The voice explains the 15 minute time limit before the door pops open. Then mentions the button inside that connects users to 911 in case of an emergency.

Moments later, Dupree emerges from the gleaming facility.

He admitted the 15-minute deadline made him anxious.

"Do they give you a warning?" he asked.

He added: "That was quite an experience. It really makes you feel like you are part of the millennium."

TOILET LOCATIONS

Tour the potties at Occidental Park in Pioneer Square, Hing Hay Park in the International District, Victor Steinbrueck Park at Pike Place Market, Waterfront Park at Pier 59 and the 1800 block of Broadway on Capitol Hill.

More headlines and info from Capitol Hill, Downtown, International District, Pioneer Square.