In light of past and especially recent violent attacks on our neighbors, we should seriously look at a FHA wide security initiative. As a community of neighbors we should now consider one or more ways to make our neighborhood secure, especially considering the ineffectiveness of DPD. Security considerations for FHA should include
1. Private armed security company patrols (such as used in Lake Highlands).
2. Gated and/or Limited Neighborhood Access (as is done in the new development on the south side of Forest Hills).
3. Restructering of traffic flow into and out of Forest Hills.

If we neighbors do not take the initiative to address the ongoing serious crime problems, in the middle of our neighborhood, in the middle of the day no less, then who will? Either we must come up with an aggressive solution, or risk our families safety & welfare, property values, and peace of mind. What is the alternative? Move from beautiful Forest Hills. Think about it.

- Michael Mittman

Neighborhood Security

I agree with Michael that something must be done to preserve the safety of our wonderful area. As a daily walker, I am amazed at the increased traffic, rapid speed of this traffic, and the lack of concern for walkers, cyclists or strollers. With the many home improvements going on in our area there is a lot of new traffic and individuals who did not know this area existed. The traffic flow must be restructured - St Francis in like a speedway - with stop signs used as a signal to look both ways without ever slowing down. Forest Hills
Blvd - well, welcome to the autobaun!

SECURITY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Michael,
We have discussed this problem for many years in our neighborhood. Private Patrols are expensive. When my husband was Crime Watch Chairman, he asked for volunteers for ''Volunteers in Patrol'' we got one person to sign up.

There has been talk of a Gated Community, but at that time the feeling was not to isolate ourselves from our neighbors. Besides, the City would not do this when Forest Hills Blvd. is a bus route. Also, we have a neighborhood school, so we can't block off St. Frances, since the children this side of Ferguson go to Alex Sanger School.

Most of our crimes come from the apartments on Highland Road. There has been talk of trying to close San Leandro and San Cristobal at Highland Road, but there again, San Leandro may not be closed because of Emergency throughfare.

I will be sending your comments to Robert Shive, our president. These crimes were discussed at the last Board Meeting, but I missed it.

Thank you for being concerned, we will keep you posted on the Website.