THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 16, 1996 TAG: 9608160541
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 50 lines
Police storefronts and an after-school program were some of the recommendations discussed at Vice Mayor Charles F. Brown's third community forum Thursday night.
About 80 people, with ideas and issues, showed up at the Tabernacle Christian Outreach Life Center at 1401 E. Washington St. Nansemond Borough City Councilman Leroy Bennett, Assistant City Manager William E. Harrell, housing official Vanessa Savage and representatives from nearly every city department were on hand.
Thursday's forum was designed to let citizens voice concerns, as well as work with city officials to resolve crime and blight in the southern end, which includes primarily the Cypress and Nansemond boroughs.
The Cypress Borough, which Brown represents, is south of East Washington Street. It includes the neighborhoods of East Suffolk Gardens and Rosemont. The Nansemond Borough is north of East Washington and includes Lloyd Place and Hollywood.
Citizens called for a more pronounced police presence, especially in Lake Kennedy and Jericho. To that end, police suggested establishing neighborhood offices. Many residents readily volunteered trailer homes, businesses and churches, including Tabernacle Christian. City officials said they will meet again with residents to decide.
Police-citizen patrols was another idea raised, but most participants acknowledged that a better relationship needs to be fostered between both groups before it happens.
Said Brown: ``It's very important to work as a team. Welcome them (police) in your communities. Be hospitable.''
But some residents like Frances Powell, who lives on South Division Street, said the police haven't always been around.
``We are retired people,'' Powell said of her neighborhood. ``I have endangered my life approaching drug dealers.''
Police said Thursday that they are patrolling Powell's community.
Year-round activities for youths were not discussed Thursday, but a plan to have after-school tutorial and recreational activities at John F. Kennedy Middle School is taking root. Starting in September, the program will allow about 300 kids to participate on alternate days.
The City Council has appropriated $43,000 to hire tutors for the program. Lula Holland, who will be meeting with residents, will chair a committee to organize events for the kids.
Thursday's forum will be the last for at least three months, Brown said. He won't schedule another one until proposals discussed at previous sessions can take off.
KEYWORDS: COMMUNITY CONVERSATION by CNB