West St. Catherine Neighborhood Association

May 25 Block Watch Meeting

Posted in: W St Catherine
The Block Watch meeting held at St. Louis Bertrand last night was the first step toward addressing concerns that a number of us have regarding the crime increase in the neighborhood. Major Larry Watkins and Officer Terra Long of the Fourth Metro Police Division were present to assure us of a continual commitment to our increasing safety, and Councilman George Unseld and IPL's Michael Baugh spoke as well regarding their efforts to see the incidence of crime decrease in our area. Officer Long is coordinating the establishment of an email tree, so that all of us can be in touch with our neighbors regarding unsettling (or even suspicious) activities in the neighborhood. If you would like to be added to this list, please send your email address to Rhonda Williams at Arcady114@aol.com.

Plans are underway for a second, follow-up meeting within the next couple of weeks, in which we, as neighbors, may begin to address the specific challenges and possibilities of our own neighborhood block watch.

Thanks to all who attended. We hope to see you (and any other interested neighbors) at the next meeting, which will be announced on this site.

By Michael Williams
meeting notes

Thank you for your time at the recent block watch meeting . It was a pleasure seeing so many people from the neighborhood and members of the city services. Please accept our apologizes for our 2 year olds rambunctious behavior at the meeting , though she is the main reason we are so vehemently pursuing these causes.

I believe that both the police and politico?’s were surprised by our venom and drive regarding crime in our area. Pressure has to be kept up on both the city and the police to ?“move?” our problem. At the next meeting I propose that we settle on one issue to address to council. I?’ve begun researching banning of single bottle sales in the traditional zoning area which would effect a immediate short term and possible long term solution to part of the ?“quality of life issues?” plaguing us. At the next meeting ill have more information on how to get this done.

We are very grateful for the time given to us and the talks given by 4th Area Commander Major Watkins , officer Long , Mr. Baugh and our Councilman Unseld, the efforts on all of their parts have been thorough and responsive though the meeting has left myself and no doubt many others with multiple questions.

Mentioning the cost of services is inappropriate, there were no doubt $30,000 in taxes sitting in that room, again I ask that money earmarked for east end improvements and stalled bridge projects be funneled into true quality of life for our area. Why if the area needs $10,000 to address crime should it be provided by our district? It should come from the Louisville metro?’s discretionary fund or be provided for in the budget.


If the city provides funding for badly managed low income properties then that funding could and should be withheld until obvious problems have been addressed. Has the city has distanced themselves from the Pearson court and other low income properties in the area by funding them through a secondary thus reducing their ultimate liability and responsibility?


The police are in an untenable situation they bear the brunt of our angst regarding crime and have not are not being provided with the tools needed to address crime. The responsibility directly lies on the backs of our city government , what can be done to bring these issues directly to them?


Summer has not even begun and the drug traffic is out of control already. Activity at 1042 s 6th was obvious to everyone standing with us on Sixth and St Catherine last night after the meeting , hopefully the illicit activity at least there will not see the seasons change.


The response to shots fired for any reason and home invasion / assault should be moved up the triage ?“stacking?” scale. Who among us weren?’t mortified to hear our neighbors account of those actions ? Must we all arm ourselves as some neighbors have just out of frustration and fear for our persons and properties?

When the email tree is available everyone should use it as a tool for change as well as warning the area residents of crime patterns

Once again thanks to all the residents and city officials that took the time to show up to the block watch meeting working together in a traditional manner and in public forums can and will produce changes.

Dave Amy & Patsy
1028 south 6th
584-5190
Goldstar58@hotmail.com


By Dave Amy & Patsy
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