THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 25, 1996 TAG: 9607240135
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 31 lines
The aim is to help neighbors know neighbors.
This Saturday at the Parker-Riddick and Cypress Manor housing complexes, there will be a ``Unity in the Community Day'' from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Organizers are planning a cleanup of both projects, a voter registration drive as well as games for the kids. Vice Mayor Charles F. Brown; the Rev. John H. Kindred, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority chairman ; and other city officials plan to be at the event.
``This day will focus on building a positive environment for our youth through a social and peaceful gathering,'' said Phyllis M. Jones, a Parker-Riddick resident and chairwoman of the event.
Organizers say it's necessary for tenants to know who their neighbors are to cut down on crime at the projects.
``The purpose is to bring the communities of Cypress Manor and Parker-Riddick together so we can clean up as one,'' said Carl ``Ed'' Hipps, manager of both complexes.
``If there's unity and everyone knows each other, it will be easier to point out people who don't need to be here,'' Hipps said.
Acting Police Chief Maj. W.A. Freeman, agrees.
Freeman said the Suffolk police have worked to bring community policing to projects so residents will be more familiar with them.
``We're not the enemy,'' Freeman said of the force. ``We're there supporting them so they can have a better quality of life.'' by CNB