July 17, 2019

West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development hosted a safety meeting at St. Mark Social Hall attended by more than 120 people on July 17^th. Concerns about the safety and conditions at the Warren Village shopping plaza were among the main topics of the conversation. Our organization appreciates Commander Daniel Fay of the Cleveland Police First District, Ward 17 Councilman Martin Keane, Police Officer Tim Riley and Dispatch Supervisor Dan Moore for participating in the event and all of the insights they provided.

Commander Fay spoke on the overall declining levels of crime in the First District and Ward 17, and the incoming class of academy graduates that will soon be on the beat in the First District. He noted that there have been nine crimes at Warren Village this year, seven of them were “petty” in nature, but two of them he called “serious”. He commended the responsiveness and investigative work of the First District officers in these cases.

Commander Fay also mentioned that the bike patrol and foot patrols are regularly visiting all of our neighborhood shopping plazas, as well as Kamm’s Corners. Additionally, there have been three officers appointed as Community Engagement Officers. Their duty is to get to know as many residents, businesses and groups as possible, and to keep communication flowing between the public and the police. These officers are not assigned to handling service calls so they can spend more time interacting with the people throughout the neighborhood.

Officer Tim Riley, who offers safety audits for both residents and business owners, and oversees the First District’s block watch programs, advised residents to keep lights on around their home. He mentioned lights are a strong detractor to potential criminals. Riley also said dogs are another way to keep thieves out of your home. One piece of advice he gave was to install automatic dusk-to-dawn lights at every entrance to your home. With the advent of LED technology, keeping lights on all night long does not affect your electric bill as much as the old incandescent ones. Officer Riley further stressed the importance of locking car doors and that homeowners install an outdoor camera, if able. He also made a pamphlet with safety information and tips available to everyone present.

Cleveland Police Dispatch Supervisor Dan Moore walked the audience through the police’s response to a 911 call and the importance of your home having a visible (and lighted) address so police can find you easily.  He also noted central dispatchers handle about 2,400 calls for service per day. He encouraged everyone who sees something suspicious to call 911 as the more calls received for a situation, the higher it is raised in the department’s level of priority. He said callers should be prepared to provide as much of a description as possible to the dispatcher.

Councilman Martin Keane agreed with the safety advice and called on the neighborhood to remain vigilant. He stressed people should call police (either 911 or the non-emergency number) when something seems out of place. Getting to know your neighbors and starting or participating in a block watch is also important for neighborhood safety.

Additionally, he updated the crowd on a recent conversation with the owners of Warren Village. They’ve agreed to update the surveillance camera system on the property and allow police access to a new security room where the police can easily access surveillance footage. The owner also promised lighting improvements and renovations to the parking lot. The First District Police, Councilman Keane and West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development will continue to work with residents and the Warren Village shopping center management company to enhance security and curb appeal.

Councilman Keane also mentioned he would summarize neighborhood input from the meeting in a letter to the Warren Village management.

Aside from Warren Village, the councilman also mentioned he is aware of the trees at Impett Park that need to be cut down. He is working with city crews to address the situation as soon as possible. Councilman Keane also noted Dominion Gas is responsible for completing the paving of sidewalks along Edgecliff Avenue and Munn Road. He says people can call or email his office to report a problem.

A question-and-answer session accounted for the majority of the meeting. Here are some of the topics discussed:

Do you know gutters have been stolen from new concession stand at Impett Park, and there is graffiti as well? Also, the park could use more lighting.

Commander Fay said to send photos of graffiti to his office so police can investigate. He mentioned detectives can determine the difference between potential gang involvement or someone simply defacing property. The police make regular rounds through the park and more often during the summer months. The bike patrols will be out and about throughout the neighborhood. Councilman Keane will address the missing gutters.

Any chance of bringing back mini stations?

Unfortunately, there are no plans to bring back mini-stations. This is a city decision that is not handled at the district or ward level.

How are patrols deployed in the Ward?

There are seven zones in the district. Officers are deployed to the same zone so they get to know the residents and businesses in their zone. This practice forms a strong partnership to address and prevent crimes in that area. Busiest time for the officers is between 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

There are too many burned out streetlights – what can we do?

Councilman Keane mentioned that the city is in the middle of a switch to programmable LED streetlights, which will consume less energy, last longer, provide brighter lighting. People can call 621-5483 for any streetlight outages. It’s required that you have the street address of the nearest house for that conversation. Cleveland Public Power is responsible for changing out streetlights. CEI does not any longer.

Is First District fully staffed?

Commander Fay said although they have recruited 45 new officers in the last two years there have also been many retirements. However, with the new recruits that are about to join First District, they will be very nearly fully staffed.

 There is car-to-car drug trafficking in the W.140^th/South Marginal area. Can special attention be given to that area?

Commander Fay said the way drugs are sold has changed with the introduction of new technologies such as cell phones and social media. He promised attention in this area and asked residents to try to get license plate numbers, along with vehicle descriptions and time-of-day information. These transactions take place quickly so they’re hard to stop.

How do we deal with what we believe are drug houses that have absentee owners?

The Commander said City Council just strengthened the Nuisance Abatement ordinance, meaning that after a certain number of calls to a house for disturbances, the absentee owner begins to be fined. These fines escalate quickly for each additional infraction and oftentimes gets the owner’s attention.

Can we access crime statistics?

Yes. Follow this link to the city’s website, then click on the Safety Info Online tab for several options.

7-11 store on Rocky River Drive and Larchwood Avenue has been robbed more than once.

Commander Fay questioned the wisdom of businesses staying open 24 hours. He mentioned he’s advised the owners to consider closing during the overnight hours.

Is it true that seniors are being targeted at Kamm’s Plaza?

No. However, there is a group of volunteers who will escort seniors in West Park if anyone feels uncomfortable shopping alone at any of the neighborhood plazas.

West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development’s Board of Directors promised they will continue to work with Commander Fay and Councilman Keane on the safety and visual quality issues that were discussed at the meeting. Our organization is also committed to hosting similar meetings in the future on topics/issues that are important to all of us.

We certainly appreciate everyone who attended and the passion they brought to the meeting. Our organization again wants to express thanks to Commander Fay, the First District police officers, Councilman Keane and the Parish of St. Mark for hosting the event.

Along with the following numbers, it’s important to understand that West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development operates as an advocate for our residents and businesses. Please take the opportunity to make us aware of your concerns and input. It’s this sharing of ideas and knowledge that helps our neighborhood as a whole grow stronger and safer. Thank you!

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