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Safety Tip
by Mountain Girl ~ September 26th, 2008. Filed under: Crime.Someone sent us this e-mail yesterday and it seemed irresponsible not to share it, but please keep in mind that it is unsubstantiated. As always, be aware of what’s going on around you and if you see something suspicious, call 911.
“Yesterday a woman informed me that her sister was mugged on Southern Avenue by two young men on Monday evening. Today, another person told me that two women (in two separate incidences) were robbed and roughed up on Oneida Street by five young men yesterday afternoon. You may want to caution people to be careful because all of these situations occurred in daylight.”
September 26th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
driving up merrimack around lunch time yesterday i witnessed two teenage black males walking down the middle of the street obstructing traffic and giving the middle finger and yelling obscenities to anyone who dared beep at them or inform them of where the sidewalk was…. a few days earlier i saw a group of 4 or 5 other teenage black males sprinting down Hallock around 6pm while i walked my dog (probably the same ones from Oneida St, why else would they be sprinting in broad daylight??)… it seems more and more there are problems with young people being at the center of it ever since the youth center opened at the Reems several months ago (i.e. the night manager at Rite Aid getting roughed up by a group of teens on bikes)… something needs to be done to stop these problems and keep this trash out of our neighborhood because eventually they are going to break into the wrong house or try to rob the wrong person (i.e. me) and end up getting beaten/shot… that youth center needs to be shut down IMO
September 26th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I suspect these incidents would have happened regardless of the presence of the Ream Center in our neighborhood. You have no way of knowing where these teenagers came from.
The Ream Center is a recreational facility intended to give young people with idle time something productive to do. Connecting an increase in derelict activity with the programming at the Ream Center is a misstep in my opinion. If we spent more time supporting the center and programs like it, perhaps we would have less activity like what you described.
MG
September 26th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
MG,
I grew up in Sheraden (which is not a great area) and I spent alot of my time at the Boys and Girls Club in McKees Rocks (another not so great area) so I know the value of youth programs and centers and have seen them in action first hand, first as a participant and later as an advisor/counselor. HOWEVER, once the youth center closes and the programs end for the day, there is no shuttle taking these kids back to Knoxville, Allentown, Beltzhoover, etc. They are left to take a PAT bus or walk our streets, hence the issues at hand.
I am the third generation of my family to own a home in Mt Washington. At no point in the past has there ever been anything remotely close to these problems. My grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins have never been concerned about walking anywhere from Fingal to Shiloh. I can’t say the same anymore and actually just called my girlfriend and told her to carry her taser should she decide to take the dogs for a walk this afternoon.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
If the crime rate has risen in our neighborhood, has it risen at the same rate as crime in other city neighborhoods? If yes (which I suspect this is the case), then we can’t blame what’s happening in Mt. Washington on the Ream Center. It’s part of a much larger, more pervasive issue.
Is it typical for youth centers to shuttle kids back-and-forth? If I’m not mistaken, Ream does have transportation available, but I would need someone closer to the center to confirm. Anyone?
MG
September 26th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
PO on Augusta: Yesterday about 7pm two police cars and 1 paddy wagon were seen at the Ream Center. As far as I know only Mt. Washington teens are permitted there. They can come and go as they please and have to find their own way home.
September 30th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Hi folks!
We can point fingers and blame all that we want — the issue is that there are not enough patrols. If the police presence was strong and residents would stand his/her grounds we may see a drop in incidents.
On Sept 5, a 44 year old woman was beaten by a bunch of teenagers at the Bailey Avenue Cogo’s.
When I see more than three teenagers gathered I call 911. In every instance that I called the punks were either split up or told to move along.
Start calling they’ll listen.
September 30th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I’m sorry . . . but do we REALLY need to be running to the phones and dialing 9-1-1 when we see 4 teenagers in a group???? Is it illegal for 4 teens to stand in a group conversing????
We have grandmothers in Belzthoover getting shot in the head at 5 in the afternoon, with children in the area. Now THAT’s a reason to call the police. This whole mentality of taking pictures of people who are “strange” to the neighborhood . . . and running off to call 9-1-1 at the drop of a hat . . . it makes me very uncomfortable.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
ssb70:
You’re right. I don’t think we should go on witch hunts. Sorry if that’s what my post insinuated. I don’t agree with PO on Augusta that there are direct connections between teenagers walking the streets and violent crime or the Ream Center and violent crime.
Paranoia won’t benefit anyone. Furthemore, racist stereotypes could factor into a lot of what some deem “suspicious”.
MG
September 30th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Mountain Girl, I don’t think you’re insinuating anything. I was referring to the way these threads sometimes incite people to grab their cameras and start snapping photos of a person walking down the street they haven’t seen before, and then call the police! To say what???? Demanding that person be removed from the street in front of their home???
And for someone to call the police every time she sees four teenagers standing in a group . . . that’s just ridiculous. It’s precisely THAT type of behavior that will have the police hanging up after the call and having a good laugh over how Mt. Washington residents are behaving.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
On Sept 5, a 44 year old woman was beaten by a bunch of teenagers at the Bailey Avenue Cogo’s.
I live near the area that these kids were apprehended, and witnessed the aftermath. What an ordeal!
I know when their parents finally showed up, the parents were outraged that their children were “being accused of such a thing”. But I think the fact that the police found the victim’s cell phone in one of their pockets was evidence enough.
I found the whole thing to be appalling and frightening, yet at the same time it wasn’t all that unexpected.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Oh my the sky is falling the sky is falling. People, seriously, this happens in every neighborhood. The difference is people in the burbs get together and organize and they don’t get scared.. they get pissed.
Don’t be a bunch of wimps and let a bunch of 12 year olds scare you into your houses. That’s just a bunch of bullshit.
October 1st, 2008 at 8:43 am
Thank you advocate. I was trying to think of the best way to respond, but you said it best. Also get the neighbors together on your street, organize, start a block watch. We did. This is the times we live in folks and if you really care about where you live and want a safe community, you HAVE to get involved.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:04 am
I agree Diane, you must get involved, you live here, do you want to enjoy living here? Or do you want to live behind curtains all your life? I would continue to watch strangers on our streets. Its better to be safe then sorry! The curfew starts in January. Lets hope its enforced. But its up to us to call 911 when we see kids on our streets past curfew.The police cannot be everywhere………
October 1st, 2008 at 1:39 pm
The problem is that these ‘actors’ do not have parental supervisor. Many of the kids are alive so their mother can collect more welfare checks. If Reem only allowed kids from Mt Washington that would be a good thing, those kids from other surrounding neighborhoods seem to be a problem.
Keep your street CLEAN, paint over the graffitti, pick up the trash every day, sweep the sidewalks, get the house painted. Call BBI on the properties that look like ‘junk’. Those kids like neighborhoods where their graffitti is still present, they are marking their territory and if you allow their graffitti to stay, then they feel they own the street and can come to do crimes there.
Teenagers don’t have a thing to do. How about getting a job? We stupid people GIVE them a FREE pool; make them get a job and PAY to use the pool. All this recreation, when the street need to be cleaned, railings on Grandview needs to be painted…and we have a teenage work force that is bored and can’t find a thing to do.
Did you know there is no crime in communist countries? Once you commit a crime you disappear and so does you family. So trust me, you are no where near any crime and if a family member seems to have that predisposition toward a life of crime; the family gets to them first.
The teens in Mt Washington on bikes are bad guys. Beating up a 44 year old women that stopped to buy a coffee and donut in the middle of the day. Not Good at All.
When 4 or more male teens are gathered together, they are up to no good. I was so glad when they shut down that school, now you are having recreation at the Reem Pool to bring those kids back to the neighborhood.
a Band-aid to the situation is more police, the real answer is more parental guidance, more responsibilities for the teens, better school programs with more homework, and a better government system for those that commit crime. Back in the Old Days criminals were sent to the military after your second offence…that would work for me, we are fighting a war and we just do not have enough men willing to fight for their country….I can think of a lot of little punks I would love to see in a Fox Hole trying to ask to God to save their butts.
Harsh? Perhaps. Beating up innocent residents of a neighborhood in the middle of the day, keeping tax payers and home owners boarded up in their houses night and day, making targets out of those that can not protect themselves….that seems harsh to me.
We need a way to get the attention of this violent group of youths. When they were killing each other that was one thing, how long before they kill some 44 year old women who stopped for a coffee and a donut? How about if they shot you for $15.00 and two lottery tickets?
It won’t be long before these attacks turn deadly.
Something needs to be done…and soon. This is not how I thought I would spend my declining years…holed up inside my house hoping no one will rob me or shoot at me.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Again, seems irresponsible not to share this: Yesterday afternoon, a older woman was attacked by three teenage males on Woodruff St. Her purse was stolen and she was hit in the back. This happened in broad daylight, as have the other incidents. Be aware of your surroundings, but don’t hide away. Us hiding means they have won.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Thanks Not Crying Wolf. We actually posted this on the message boards yesterday. If you have any information like this in the future, please post it under the topic “Crime” on the message boards. That way, people will be sure to see it.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:52 pm
As I posted on the message board, we need to shut down the ream center. These little criminals would not be in our neighborhood if it was not for that center. Let them mug each other in their own neighborhood.
Do you think that it is a coincidence that 2 muggings occurred on Merrimac and Woodruff? (right next to the center)
That place is like a magnet for lowlife teenage thugs who do nothing for the positive for the community. They don’t even live here. Shut it down and I’m sure that you will see a decrease in what has been reported here.
That place does more harm to 15211 than good. Shut it down and use the extra money to hire more beat cops for 15211!
October 1st, 2008 at 4:10 pm
ShutDownReamCenter, how do you know where these kids live? Can you prove that the perpetrators came from Ream?
Instead of scapegoating the Ream Center, why don’t we support them? The CDC or other community orgs can write a grant for them just like they do for trees, landscaping, streetscapes, rain gardens, etc etc etc.
MG
October 1st, 2008 at 4:36 pm
how do you know where these kids live?
I can use deductive reasoning to determine that they are not from the neighborhood.
Can you prove that the perpetrators came from Ream?
(See the above posts)
These criminals were spotted on causing trouble on Merrimac and mugged a resident on Woodruff.
What is located at the intersection of these two roads?
What would attract these teenagers from their neighborhood to that intersection?
The opening of what building is correlated with the spike in crime by teenage thugs?
I think you see where I’m going with this….
Shut it down and the problem will go away.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Too simple. I disagree.
Youth centers work in every other neighborhood.
MG
October 1st, 2008 at 4:55 pm
These problems are not complicated MG.
Youth centers work.
In what way?
Attracting a criminal element to a peaceful community?
October 1st, 2008 at 5:00 pm
We can agree to disagree.
October 1st, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Yes, let’s.
MG
October 1st, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I think it has a lot to do with what Jamie Lynn said earlier, a lot of it is down to parenting. The youth center would be more successful if the kids knew how to respect their community and their elders and those who made the Ream Center available.
Obviously, an increase in police presence would be a huge benefit here. Just a few cars to patrol the streets and make an impression that this won’t be put up with. Looking after the neighborhood is important, so don’t leave trash out on the curb to rot for days, or let litter pile up, or graffiti stay on the sides of houses. It leaves an impression that people here don’t care what criminals do.
October 1st, 2008 at 8:38 pm
In response to all those who believe that the children at the Ream Rec. do not reside in Mt. Washington, “YOU ARE WRONG”, enrollment papers are filled out, and the address and zip code must be within the 15211 area code, and this is checked. The children must sign in each day. Obviously you do not want these children living in your nieghborhood, but guess what, they do!!! Crimes against residence occured long before the Recreation Center opened, (i.e. muggings above Foodland, on Shiloh, and on other streets in our nieghborhood), and the crimes will not cease if the recreation center were closed. We have a lot of wonderful children who come to the rec. center and benefit from its existence everyday. These children should not be punished for the bad choices of a few.
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:23 am
Anne and Mary:
Thanks for commenting and clarifying.
I think the Ream Center is an asset and should be supported more.
MG
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I think the statements about keeping the Ream Center open and how much good it does for people and kids and what not is unsubstantiated needs to be backed up with some statistics or atleast someone associated with the center. As a product of the McKees Rocks Boys and Girls Club myself (where I also later served as a counselor), I have first hand knowledge of these things and the results are not good.
Jamie Lynn said it best… why are my tax dollars paying for these things? why are we paying for “bored” teenagers? my only answer would be… WELCOME TO LIBERAL PITTSBURGH EVERYONE… under privledged (aka too lazy to work) here, heres some free activities for you to take advantage of, go ahead and ransack our neighborhood and treat it like beltzhoover and mug every single woman over 40 that walks by… here, heres some low income housing for you, we’ll use taxpayer money to purchase the homes and you can live in them!! just don’t dare get a good job or work hard, because if you make over 30k a year you will get nothing.
what a joke
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
In light of all the discussion about Reams, I’ve heard some disturbing things recently. Sometime in 2009 MWCDC will no longer be responsible for the Center. What will happen is Youth Places will take over, which is a Government Funded low income organization. We as a community will totally loose control as to who attends Ream Center. Youth Places will bus kids into Mt. Washington from everywhere. If this is all true, we obviously do not want that to happen. What is the CDC going to do before their contract runs out next year!!??
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Can someone from the CDC give us more detail? If it’s true, maybe this is an issue one of our board candidates can take on.
MG
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
And before we make any judgement about youth places, does anyone have any information about their other sites in Pgh?
http://www.youthplaces.org/map.html
MG
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:31 pm
http://kdka.com/local/reduce.gun.violence.2.821406.html
‘Today, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and others announced a new strategy they say has been proven to work.
It is modeled after a program launched more than ten years ago in Boston and it involves a pretty unique approach.
Overall, violent crime is down in the city, but leaders say we have to do more.
“I am deeply concerned about the victims of this senseless violence,” said Rev. Ricky Burgess, of Pittsburgh City Council. “For some victims, I have sat by their bedsides, I have consoled their families, and I have presided over their funerals.”‘
…
‘According to the Federal Office of Juvenile and Delinquency Prevention Studies, Kennedy’s program resulted in a 71 percent decrease in homicides by people under 25, and a 70 percent drop in gun assaults overall.
Besides Boston, Kennedy has led programs in San Francisco, Minneapolis, Indianapolis and Baltimore.
Ravenstahl says Pittsburgh’s effort should start having some impact within six months.
He and Burgess have pledged $200,000 in funding.’
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Editors Note: Comment deleted
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
And there goes Steve-O with his typical response…Steve-O, who people have to ask “not to start any trouble” when he plans to attend community get togethers. Steve-O, who tells everyone to get out of his neighborhood and get lost. Gosh. I’m sure everyone is thrilled that HE won’t be going anywhere.
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:35 am
Isn’t this supposed to be about helping the neighborhood instead of calling people “idiot”, “asshole”, and, my personal favorite, “jagoff”?
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:26 am
agreed, but I think Steve-O’s point was that PO’ed isn’t helping the cause either with racist undertones. We’ve deleted some of PO’ed comments recently also… because his points are just over the top and lack any kind of reasoning and were personal attacks. In my opinion Steve-O and PO are one in the same with different tactics. Neither offer solutions just pointless rhetoric and divisiveness.
October 4th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I think it’s horrible what is going on here in Mt. Washington and yes so many other places. However, since this Reams center has been in effect we have nothing but problems. I use to walk everyday a few miles and now I will not be doing that anymore. Thanks to the parents who can’t seem to figure out what their children are doing and where they are at. I have been a lifelong resident here on the Mount and it is the first time in 50 some years I can say I am afraid to head out there to walk. I guess it is time for me to “pack a piece” !!!!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
If the CDC is going to loose control of the Ream Center, can someone please tell me who owns that property? Is it the City of Pittsburgh??
If so, can we get them to SELL it to a commercial entity and turn it into a business rather than another “FREE” place??? Residents should have to pay to go to the pool and rec center. That way, these kids would be looking for jobs so that they can use the pool…..not using the pool/rec center for FREE then mugging some tax paying resident on their way out of the center.
There has always been a Youth Problem. Seems everyone wants to have a Baby, but some people do not want them when they turn into Teenagers that need time and effort from their parents. I believe it is the parents fault. And now we are left with their mess.
I am so tired of FREE programs for people who have no idea of what having a job is like, let alone TWO jobs or even THREE jobs. I had three jobs when I was saving to buy my home, and I am old and I still have TWO jobs.
The Govt entitlement programs are a failure. The sense of accomplishment a person feels when they are handed their paycheck is something not to be missed in this lifetime. These teens and their parents are missing out on the Sense of Accomplishment.
The Ream Center should be a Upscale Pool and Rec Center like in the gated communities in Florida.Only those person in the community who pay their yearly dues to support the Community Center may use the Community Center.
Someone said that the kids must show proof of residency to register to use the Ream Community Center…..their parents should have to come to register the children, and show proof that those kids are their kids and that they actually LIVE with them in Mt Washington.
And the kids should NOT be allowed to bring a friend. Only Members can use the Ream Center. Guests should not be allowed.
That would cut down on the number of teens at the Center, cut the cost of operation. The people who run the center would then KNOW every kid that came in there, where they live and their parents….and should have their parents Cell Phone Numbers.
I like the idea of making Ream Center a real Community Center not just for kids, but for the residents. Have events and activities for older people too.
I have lived here for 27 years and never stepped a foot inside of the Ream Center (with 2 jobs there is not much time for recreation) but if it had more of a Upscale Community Center rather than just a place for the Teens to Hang out I would go there.
In the old days if we dared to tell our parents that we were bored, they heaped so much work (clean closets, mow the lawn, wash the car) that we found things to do. Ah, the Good Ole Days.
October 9th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Those little $%^@! will appear in court tomorrow. Let’s hope the judge removes them from our community and that will be the end of it.
From what I understand, this not the first time they have been in trouble with the law. Our neighbor lost her husband, was minding her own business, and now is laid up in a hospital in very bad shape. Anything less than time in a jail cell is unacceptable!
October 9th, 2008 at 8:18 am
ShutDownReamCenter: Do you know where the hearing is and what time? It would be great to have a large group from 15211 to show the judge WE DO NOT WANT THESE KIDS ON OUR STREETS!!!!!!
October 10th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I just love the nay sayers of the community!!! Build the walls, don’t let anyone in, or out from what it sounds like.
FYI, IT took alot of time and energy and commitment from a lot of people to get together to try to make SOMETHING work for the youth in the community. You trashers didn’t even give it a full year to be developed! Yes, in ANYTHING NEW there are bugs to be worked out!
Think back to “when you were young” what did you do? What were you permitted to do? Who was in YOUR life as a positive role model? You all should drop and thank SOMEONE that you had SOMEONE.
The most unfortunate thing in today ARE the parents of today….babies having babies, bullying, physical,mental, alcohol and drug abuse, divorce, , the “coolness” of “gangs” and how much pseudo respect they bring, but newsflash neighbors……this crap is happening EVERYWHERE. Noone can figure out how to be smarter than the dollar bill! Because most of todays youth is driven by the ALMIGHTY DOLLAR and the easiest way to get it! Because OUR OWN GOVERNMENT and SOCIETY’s POLITICAL CORRECTNESS, have made us dependent on something! So enough with the crap talk on ALL the kids at REAM!
Like Diane said———-Got a problem———–Get involved!!!!! That’s the way to get SOMETHING POSITIVE done! Not hash and be bitter!
I too am uneasy about the recent behavior, I nor anyone at the center I am SURE condone this behavior and believe a harsh punishment is required or even to set more examples.
As far as I am concerned, if the entire community worked together in helping each other, looking out for each other and learning how to be the eyes and ears for the police, sharing resources, developing plans we can continue to have a great neighborhood. Who knows, maybe if you gave back to the community, you just might be the role model someone needed in their young or old life.
What are your hobbies? What do you like to do? What would you like to LEAD and see happen in the community, let’s work together and see your visions come to fruition! Stop being so negative! Together we CAN make a positive difference!
You know our own BIG BEN said it best, “If I am going to point A finger, then 4 more are pointing right back at me”, so ask yourselves this question “What do I need to look at and see what I can do to make a change for the better?”
October 10th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Tracy,
Sorry but I am fully capable of helping myself and just expect others to do the same. I guess I don’t share your same liberal viewpoint that I should bend over backwards to help people who don’t help themselves or their kids. By the way, make sure you pay your taxes, alot of people on welfare are counting on you.
PO
October 10th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
FYI, IT took alot of time and energy and commitment from a lot of people to get together to try to make SOMETHING work for the youth in the community. You trashers didn’t even give it a full year to be developed! Yes, in ANYTHING NEW there are bugs to be worked out!
Bugs? A 90 widow was beaten so badly she ended up in the ICU! I’m not willing to wait patiently as the Ream Center works its “bugs” out. It has caused nothing but problems since it opened. This “youth center” attracts young criminals to an area of Mt. Washington that didn’t have these problems prior to its arrival. Sorry, but the safety of the residents takes priority over a bug infested youth center.
October 10th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Again PO on Augusta, has it been proven that this marked increase in crime that you speak of was a direct result of the Ream Center?
I suspect you will not consider another point of view though since you’ve convinced yourself that this issue is very black and white. That’s a limiting way of looking at the world and one that has gotten this country into trouble over the past decade.
MG
October 11th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
At first I did not wish to respond to “PO on Augusta”, “Shut Down Ream Rec. Center”, and “Jamie Lynn”, I am compelled for the sake of the children of Mt. Washington to reply. To “PO on Augusta”, please call the public safety department and ask for crime statistics, for years prior to the recreation center opening. The recreation center did not promote the lack of conscience, compassion, and respect it took, to commit this violent act. We supervise 40-60 children a night, and only 2 (who were both suspended from the center), were involved in this horrible crime. Should the other 38-58 be punished, for the terrible choices of a few.
To “Shut Down Ream Rec. Center”, those who have worked hard to create a safe haven for our children, hope that the perpetrators of this hideous crime, feel the full weight of justice. The recreation center promotes responsiblility, civic duty, pride, respect, and compassion. I asked you to remember when you were a teenager, surely there were children who made bad choices (I am certain you were not one of them), would you have appreciated being labled because a few (who shared only your age), who were making poor life choices.
As for “Jamie Lynn”, your comments cause great concern. Pointing the finger of blame is not the answer. Two of our children have taking the wrong path. We must come together and find out how to keep the rest from following. Privitizing facilities will not work, for walls like locks only keep an honest person out. When parks and pools were established in the City of Pittsburgh, it was for the benefit of everyone. These neighborhood rest stops, were places for people to come together, get to know each other. The children who come to city parks and pools, through human interaction learn caring, concern, comapssion, and respect. Since you have never stepped foot in Reams, I challenge all of you to come and be part of your future. Remember the children who come to the rec. center belong to hard working, tax paying citizens, who are also your nieghbors.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I just read this entire thread and my head is spinning. I got involved at a young age and my street was one of the first in the ’80s to become a crime watch area. Some of the folks that helped form the crime watch are still here. What we were told then was when we saw suspicious activity — we were to call 911. Yes - to the person who doesn’t think it is necessary — I call 911 and not at a whim. I am not going to turn a blind eye to more than four or five young men standing and sitting on the wall at Cogo’s at 11 pm. Yeah, they’re conversing — please. Do you think everyone is that damn stupid? They don’t need to be hanging out on any street or for that matter at Cogo’s — hello that’s loitering — and if you did see there is a sign in front that says “no loitering” go figure.
Oh yeah, after all the 911 calls about the group of young guys hanging out on the opposite corner at Fox’s — well I’d be damn — the police didn’t laugh and hang up on us responsible residents — they got a drug bust out of it and those pigs haven’t been there.
This is not the time to start giving people “the benefit of the doubt.” There have been too many serious incident that demand our immediate attention sp that we are aware of our surroundings and we are looking out for our neighbor. For all of you shy people who do not like to call 911 – please move to lala land or at least the suburbs. And, I will not stop calling 911 — I have a conscious and I wish I would have seen the punks on Sept 5 — and maybe that woman wouldn’t have been mugged.
October 11th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
This web site is a useful tool for residents of the Mt Washington community to communicate. It SHOULD NOT be used as a place to hide behind a user name to make ridiculous comments, false claims and harmful attacks.
As many have said before, rather than trying to fix a problem with a negative- i.e. shutting down a youth program to end community violence-why not be pro-active and get involved? Why not volunteer for this center, and build a relationship with some of these kids? Maybe some stability in their lives will help them.
Or, if you don’t like the rec center, why not start another program. Some have said that kids don’t need a free place to play, they need to work. Well, ok, if that’s how you feel, then start a youth employment apprenticeship program. Take a couple kids under your wing and teach them a skill, a trade, pay them to mow your lawn or wash your car or shovel your snow or WHATEVER! Just don’t sit on this web site complaining while you do nothing.
I would be glad to meet at Cafe cravings for coffee and discussion about how we can solve these problems. Or maybe lets get a hot dog at D’s on Shiloh. Whatever. You name the place, we’ll come up with a time, and let’s have a constructive meeting where we work together to make this community which we all love better.
Send me an email at Fisherofmen376@hotmail.com if you want to set something up. I am not trying to be confrontational, I am simply wanting to promote positive solutions.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Well said Melissa. You are absolutely right, if the residents of the area around Fox’s had not started calling about the problems there the “person” who was suppossedly selling drugs that worked inside would not have been let go. We met at Grandview Park with Bruce Kraus, Officer Christine Luffey , The owners of Fox’s were both there too. We all called 311, 911. Its been relatively quiet since. (fingers crossed) Bailey, Bigbee, Kambach has had a Blockwatch for lots of years too. Most of us have each others phone numbers addressess etc. If something is occuring say on Kambach, the block watch captain calls me and then I call the blockwatch captain on Bailey. We ALL call the police. Usually we get quick response time too. Last year we had a Christmas Party and met new neighbors and talked about how we can improve the safety of our neighborhood. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this blockwatch thing many times before, but it is so very important. These days you have to get to know your neighbor, introduce yourself to new people who have just moved in, don’t be shy as Melissa said, work together to stop crime in our community. The police cannot do it alone.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Thank you Diane!
October 13th, 2008 at 10:10 am
So — let me get this straight, Ms. Rossiter.
When 911 answers and says “What is your emergency?”
You reply: “There are 4 teenagers talking in a parking lot.”
Is that how it works?
Believe me, I’m all for BlockWatch groups — there’s one in my area as well. I called 911 when I saw a man breaking into a mailbox and stealing mail a few years ago. I worked with the U.S. Postal Service and he was eventually caught and convicted. I would call 911 if I saw someone breaking into a car. Or if I witnessed any crime. I want a safe neighborhood as much as the rest of you. I chat with Bruce Kraus every time I see him downtown, which is often.
It just sounds like people on this board are sometimes quick to rush to judgement and that disturbs me. I just think “talking” is one thing and “suspicious activity” is another. But I applaud all of you working to prevent crime in the neighborhood and I’m right there with you, believe me. Can we please be civil with one another now?
October 13th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Let’s start with our own street: A Block Watch is huge part of being an active city resident. This is how we can all be involved. It only takes 2-3 people to start one, on your own street. ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS! Make contacts, meet as often as you can, exchange phone numbers, get out and meet your neighbors, learn schedules, talk to each other, if you see something suspicious, talk to your neighbor, write down the information and report it. Logging the “suspicious activity” is very helpful to the detectives, DATES, TIMES, street names, addresses or blocks, descriptions of cars, color, make and model, license plate numbers, the people involved, color of skin, clothes, hair, even shoes, if you can see it. LOG IT ALL, but remember to keep yourself safe first. As you log, turn the info into MWCDC or call Zone 3, 412-488-8326 to report it. Forms are available if anyone is interested in obtaining one.
As for comments, You know, many of us can take care of ourselves and we can thank our peers, parents, teachers, cousins, friends, faith and even neighbors for our upbringing, because we must have had a LOT of people who actually paid attention to what we were doing and working to try to make sure we got it somewhat right?! Most of todays youth do NOT have the positive consistency or reinforcement or guidance they should have to embark on the ways of goodness. Hell, most families today don’t even have a faith to be accountable to? Noone is telling them what is right and wrong. They are making up their own rules, because they are broken in more ways than one. It doesn’t make it right for them to make bad decisions and harm people, but it helps me to understand what I am dealing with in the youth of today.
Ream is not the problem! They are not breeding felons. They are working to inspire youth to be better! They are trying to be a positive influence to those who do not have much or any! FREE? Who do you think paid for the programs, parks, schools, activities you grew up in? B/G clubs are federally funded? Aren’t they? Maybe I am wrong about that? Not sure?
I too am affected by the crimes happening here, my own MIL was mugged years ago on Shiloh. I also know the girl from Southern who was hit and mugged. I have been putting my eyes and ears to the street to find out who is talking and trying to make sure the right kids get picked up the the bad they did! I don’t want this to happen to anymore people in the neighborhood, so that’s what I am doing to stay involved and help the situation.
As for Diane and Melissa………KEEP CALLING! Keep up the good work! We are lucky to have neighbors such as you!
October 15th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Tracy,
While B/G clubs may receive some type of funding, there are membership fees due as well, you can not just walk in and participate in the organized sports leagues or swim in the pool. Also, as far as any activities, any recreational neighborhood sports league I have ever been a part of (Crafton, Sheraden, Elliot, Mt Washington) there have been league fees associated with participation. People much poorer and harder off than my family growing up still found the time/finances to pay for their kids to play sports/go to a B/G Club.
When you continue to give people things for free they will continue to take advantage of them. I guarentee half of the people who say they cant afford to put their little boy in on a little league team still finds the funds to buy a carton of cigarettes each week.
Give a man some fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime. Places like the Ream Center are like all you can eat seafood buffetts for these people and its our tax dollars that are paying for it.
I’m not saying shut it down. I’m just saying maybe start charging to get in. $20 bucks a month? There’s the additional funding they need. Ever notice how a bar/club with a $5 cover charge is less crowded, cleaner, etc.?
October 15th, 2008 at 10:02 am
PO on Augusta, I agree what you said about giving people things for free and then they take advantage of everything. I think charging for Ream is a great idea, maybe the parents would take more interest in Reams and even volunteer more and help Mary and Anne and help clean up the place on a weekly basis. Do the parents get involved at all? It was always amazing to me the people who suppossedly have no money or time for recreational sports or events for their children can buy $10 worth of lottery tickets daily and then buy a hot dog for dinner at COGO’S for their childrens dinner. Talk about mixed up priorities!!
October 15th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Let’s be wary of making blanket statements about “these” people. There may be circumstances that we know nothing about.
MG
October 15th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I have been out of town working and did not take my computer with me. I missed all your comments.
There are many great ideas in these Threads.
If the Ream Center does not charge for their services, then does each teen or their parent/guardian volunteer at the center to contribute to the program? If parents/guardians were part of the program it would be a wonderful thing. The women that run the Ream Center would have assistance with creating programs and maintaining the Center and the parents would have a sense of contributing to the Center and the teens would realize that volunteering is a way to “pay back’ to the community. It is not always about money, your time volunteering is a great way to Pay Back. It may also create more of a sense of family if the parents/guardians were involved with their kids and the programs.
It is a cool thing, showing teens that volunteering is good for the community. Do these teens help with community projects? Are they asked to help the community? Many times people do not help because no one asks them.
I am interested as to what goes on at the Ream Center. Can Mt Washington Residents walk over and take a look around?
And I certainly have not changed my mind about things, nothing should be free. If you do not have money to pay; you should volunteer your time to help.