Monday, January 12, 2009
Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center
2107 Hillandale Road
Durham, NC 27704
6:00 to 8:00 p m
Facilitators: Cheryl Shiflett scjdurham@aol.com
Bill Anderson TheOcean@aol.com
SELF-INTRODUCTIONS
COMMUNITY CONCERNS:
- Bank of America at corner of Duke and Horton Road. There is much concern about the activity and number of people “hanging out at this station. The Bank
was robbed again. This gas station is a menace and should be closed. The Police are aware of the situation. The new owner has been charged in some cases, but almost impossible to remove an ABC License. The Police have made an arrest in the robbery, which happened at the ATM Machine and they continue to target this area.
2. There are no covered Bus Shelters at the new Harris Teeter on Guess Road.
Advised them to call Durham One Call at 560-1200 to request this.
- Increased crime and Teenagers dealing drugs are reported in the Bennett Memorial Road area behind the Bennett Pointe Grill. They have just established
Neighborhood Watch and are not sure what the next step should be. The Police will investigate.
- Stonewall Village. The Residents found out about a robbery in their Community
by reading about it in a publication. What is the process for getting this information when it happens? Normally, this is the job of the Neighborhood Watch Captain, but anyone can post an inquiry on the Listserv and get a reply.
- Durham City Council will have a public hearing addressing Grant needs on
January 21, 2009. Anyone with questions on how to apply may contact Wilmur
Conyers at 560-4570 ext.277.
- A Big thank you from the citizens of Walltown for the arrests made in the drug
related issues in their community.
- The question was asked if it were possible for the PAC 2 Newsletter to be posted
On line. Yes. Cynthia Mebane-Watts will check on this.
DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES:
PARKS AND REC: Audrey Gill reports that she has been promoted to a higher position With Durham Parks and Rec. and her replacement will be announced soon. She introduced the new Aquatics Specialist, Juan Verdin. We thanked Audrey for her wonderful work and wished her well. Congratulations to Parks and Rec for becoming a nationally accredited agency. They are 1 of only 5 in NC and 79 in the US. Kudos!!!!
POLICE DEPARTMENT: Captain Larry Smith reports that many arrests have been made in robberies and home invasions in the areas of Horton Road and Duke Street to include Taco Bell. Robberies have decreased since these arrests were made. The Police still need our help to be the eyes and ears for them on the streets. Call the Non emergency # 560-4600 to report any suspicious activity.
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT: Cynthia Mebane-Watts reports that she is working on a way to provide more in-depth information for all PAC meetings.
INSPECTOR: James Leonti reports that one very “troublesome” house has been removed and a lot has been cleared of logs and trees.
ZONING ENFORCEMENT: Karen Burd, Senior Planner, responded to a complaint of
Mattresses being sold out of a house in the 400 Block of East Trinity. This is not zoned for commercial and she will get the specific address and check on it.
GUEST SPEAKER: Jennifer Snyder, Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator
560-4335 ext. 243
This is an excellent program. Project Safe Neighborhoods has been around for several years now and is held accountable to the Durham Police Department, the City of Durham, Durham County government and residents.
They partner with numerous organizations to plan and implement strategies, educate and offer support to citizens, analyze gun data, and prosecute violent offenders. Through Strategic Planning and Research they focus on prevention, intervention and enforcement resources on locations, persons or situations with the greatest risk of firearm violence. They also have a program that determines repeat offenders who qualify for a second chance and are given help and training on how to turn their lives around.
The focus for 2009 is to educate parents about gangs and community awareness on what to do if you are involved in a crime or confronted with criminal activities.
CLOSING REMARKS
A reminder to all Block Captains: If possible, send a copy of the minutes from the PAC Meeting to everyone in your neighborhood.
Annual Block Captains Workshop: Mark your calendar Saturday, February 21, 2009.Location has not been determined yet.
COP Citizen Observer Patrol Need volunteers. Frances Brown gave a brief description what this is and how important it is to the Police Department. They are truly the eyes and ears for the police. Applications are available for anyone interested.
Reminder about the Inner Neighborhood Council – They will provide you with answers to questions about Neighborhood Watch and how you can form one in your neighborhood.
Meeting adjourned.