A Good Example

This is a good example of the kind of emails from being on the Highland Park Neighborhood email list. I think by hearing from our neighbors on how they watch out for each other, encourages us to do the same.

"On the 6400 block of Jackson Street last night (Monday), two neighbors noticed an unfamiliar black man (late teens, early 20s) in front of a vacationing neighbors house. After calling police, they asked him what he was doing. He mumbled that he was waiting for someone. At that moment two other men came from behind the house and squared off with the neighbors saying, "What's up?" Then they walked down the street and were stopped by the police. One of the men had a knife, and police were suspicious that they may have thrown any other weapons away.

As we were all sharing information in front of the house, a Pizza Perfecta driver showed up and began walking to the front door. Police stopped him and explained the situation. He had been set up. The shaken driver thanked the crowd of neighbors and gave them the pizza. He said that his wife prays for his safety every time he walks out the door to deliver pizza. Police confirmed that the men had made the phone call and took them in.

Thanks to watchful neighbors and quick action by police and robbery, or perhaps worse, was averted.

PS-Another neighbor later noticed a smashed out window in the back of their car in the same area."

Highland Park Neighborhood News

A great way to know what is going on in Highland Park is to be on the Highland Park Neighborhood email list. It is easy to do just go here to sign up. The list is used to sell items, find good home improvement contractors and the like. The best use of the list is to let neighbors know when there's a rash of crime going on. Recently there were several emails reminding people to lock their doors, to be aware of suspicious activity or on the lookout for a stolen bike.

Sign up now. Get connected to your neighbors!

Nuisance Property Update

I talked to Wendy Urbanic today about what the next step is to actually getting a property classified as a nuisance. She told me that just this morning she was in a meeting with the Mayor and they were talking about this very subject!

Right now the city does not have any guidelines for classifying a property as a nuisance, but the state of PA does. They are going to use the State's guide. Basically it involves building inspector to inspect and cite the property and in regards to criminal activities that would be done through the criminal court. Wendy also told me today she will be giving the Building Dept several properties with a lot of recent 311 complaints as a test to see just how this would work.

This is a start--- there are several of us making 311 reports consistently--- so the city is aware of the problems on Mellon Street. We have to continue to be persistent and patient.

Also I correspond with Wendy from time to time and this is part of an email I received from her last week:

Wendy Urbanic writes:

"We have contacted Building Inspection regarding the unkempt conditions
and we have asked the Police for additional patrols in the area. The
best thing you and your neighbors can do regarding the noise at night is
to call 9-1-1. Many people are intimidated to call regarding a
"non-emergency", but this is really the appropriate venue. Because
9-1-1 can dispatch the patrol cars, it is the most effective way to deal
with this when it is happening. It also provides a record of the
nuisance behavior. I know you have done this in the past and it can be
frustrated when you do not receive an immediate response. Please don't
give up.
I appreciate the updates. The city is getting some great programs in
place to help the neighborhoods, but everything takes time. Keep up the
great work that you have been doing and we will be happy to continue to
help in any way that we can. I personally have a great respect for your
persistence."
Best,
Wendy Urbanic
Coordinator, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's Response Line

Renovation Started! And more on 311 reports.

Renovations have started at the apartment complex on the corner of Jackson and Mellon Street. And I've been told by Highland Park Community Development Corp., that renovations of the duplex on the opposite corner will also start soon.

In the mean time please everyone call or submit a 311 report on any home or property that needs attention. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's staff has been very responsive to these complaints and the reports serve as a record when a property needs to be classified as a nuisance.

Late Night Noise

Last night noise from a group of kids sitting out front of 830 Mellon Street was especially loud. We asked them to quiet down and was told off. Now it seem they are doing a little retaliation, this morning our paper was gone and several times firecrackers exploded in front of our home. (Yes! Firecrackers started exploding around 9 a.m.)

Please check out the comments posted at "Rip Off Reports." We all need to start calling 911 and filing 311 reports. It is easy to do and may create the change needed so we can all live peacefully.

I think this is a great street with many nice neighbors.

Rip Off Reports

Ok---more complaints about Lobos Management--- check out Ripoff Reports.

Also the grass is getting high on the west side of the 800 block of Mellon Street--- most of the homes on this side of the street only need 4-6 passes with a mower to keep the front yard trim and tidy. Is that too much to ask?