FOLLOWUP: Alcove at Seahurst parking problems persist

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been revised with a minor correction to a quote by a resident.

Alcove at Seahurst residents previously contacted The B-Town Blog with parking and towing issues at the property on Jan. 9, 2025. That story, “Parking ‘power to the people’ – 500 families at Alcove at Seahurst apartments issue joint statement,” resulted from a concerned citizen letter whose impetus projected:

“There isn’t adequate parking. Over time, it’s become a lucrative scheme, and this New Year [sic], property management has crossed the line.” 

As comments to the story poured in, we offered a follow-up opportunity to hear additional feedback. In an effort to maneuver through any potential cultural and/or linguistic barriers, respondents were given opportunities to offer feedback in English, Vietnamese, Amharic, Somali, and Spanish.

“The tow cost us over $700, and took my husband’s entire bonus check that he worked all year for,” resident J.K. said. “The management is receiving some sort of kickback on towing. The same tow company towed an acquaintance from downtown Seattle to One Stop Towing in Federal way and it only cost them just over $300 to get it out of impound.”

Upon further research, amenities listed at the apartment complex include:

• In-unit washer and dryer
• Stainless-steel appliances
• Wood-like plank flooring
• Upgraded faucets and bathroom accessories
• LED lighting
• Carpeting in bedrooms
• Individual climate control
• Gas ranges

At the time of this publication, there was no mention of parking structures or related parking amenities on the property’s website. The B-Town Blog reached out to management for comment and clarification, with no response.

“The worst thing I experienced this month was towing someone out of my spot. I hate that I have to be the one to call for a tow,” resident Valerie Schlagel said. “Towing someone could mean they don’t have enough money to pay rent or other bills because they don’t have their car to work, or just paying the huge tow bill. When they realize they’ve been towed, they aren’t going to get mad at the office or the fact that they parked somewhere they shouldn’t have, they will be mad at me, the person who towed them.”

Andrew Constantino said he regretted having “no choice but to tow a neighbor’s car who was parked in the spot I paid for (for four days).”

Hailey Hunt echoed:

“I called to have a vehicle towed that had been in my parking spot for three days because I couldn’t contact the resident, even after leaving a note for them with my phone number. I felt so guilty because my vehicle was recently towed for accidentally parking in the wrong spot and it cost about $500 for less than 24 hours, so I know how expensive it is and such a hassle to go pick the vehicle up when trying to just get to work on time.”

Hunt added, “I don’t like putting people in a position where they owe an absurd amount of money, but I also can’t continue to put myself at risk for being towed again. It’s frustrating to have to pay for parking spots when it was once included in our rent, and doubly frustrating that there are so many empty spots throughout the day that are now ‘unusable.'”

Neighboring businesses and visitors at the property are feeling the impact of the parking issues, too.

“I started parking my vehicle in the Navos parking lot. I didn’t think this would be a problem because of the ample amount of parking there is [there]. One morning I walked to my car to go to work only to find a flyer of their towing company on my windshield,” said resident Aniya Beck. “This was upsetting because they literally have an abundance of space and also it’s our taxpayer dollars paying for the facility (it’s a King County public clinic) just to be threatened to be towed. I’ve been informed that they are now okay if you park there after 7:30 p.m. and leave by 7 a.m.”

David Fogarty shared personal photos (see below) of the blocked fire lane/parking lot entrance where his space borders. Fogerty said, “Every morning I have an illegally parked car right on my bumper.”

J.G. has seen what he called “vulnerable vehicles taken” when parked overnight. Also, “a couple large work trucks with assorted furniture they’ve been carrying almost a month in hopes the tow trucks won’t want to bother with that hassle. People having their dogs sleep in the car to discourage towing. People wedged sideways out of wrecker reach. Every night.”

One resident, Aira Z, shared:

“My car got towed twice: once on January 1, 2025, and then after a few days the office changed the deadline to February 1, 2025. I informed the office that their rules regarding towing are inconsistent. I need a refund on the towing fee.”

Z said the assistant manager, whom she refers to as “Margarita,” has been waiting for “upper management” in order to find a solution, adding: “For the second towing, I parked my car in the yellow lane. The next day, there was another car parked on the same spot – the yellow lane – but it didn’t get towed. I feel that I am targeted.”