Cedar Avenue Residents Meet to Discuss Crime
(8 Aug 06) by Eric Gustafson, CNO Staff

Sixteen residents and business owners of the 33xx and 34xx blocks of Cedar Avenue met at CNO on July 26 to get better acquainted and discuss issues of common concern. The top concerns were chronic youth loitering and drug dealing around 34th and Cedar, which seem to have spiked this spring and summer. CNO’s Problem Properties Caucus has been actively addressing these problems for several months. Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Skrivseth described efforts to identify several youth and leverage the assistance of probation officers. While several of these individuals seem to have gone away, others have recently become familiar faces. City officials believe this may be indicative of a region-wide drug dealing operation.

Shell gas station manager Ali Jama was on hand, and introduced David Berrier, the security guard he hired to patrol the station grounds from 6 to 11 p.m, seven days a week. David described other security improvements planned at the station, including a security camera at each corner of the building and fencing that will prevent pedestrian access behind the building. Other business owners in attendance included Samuel Mulari, manager of Hayford Auto.

The discussion was positive, and one resident remarked, “I’m glad to get these concerns off my chest, and connect with neighbors who’ve been sharing my frustrations.” When each attendee was asked to offer one potential solution, five residents offered, “Using 9-1-1 and educating neighbors about 9-1-1.” Two property managers were in attendance and suggested working together to eliminate problem tenants from their buildings. Council Member Gary Schiff stated that a police camera may be worth looking into for 34th and Cedar.

The Cedar Avenue group has tentative plans to reconvene in mid-September.

To learn more about block clubs, click here. To learn about CNO’s Problem Properties Caucus, click here.