The group approached council Tuesday after a rash of vandalism in the area, including pieces of two picket fences that were ripped out and thrown in the street this month. Residents want those responsible stopped before they pick more expensive objects to damage or choose to hurt residents themselves.
“It’s been an ongoing thing at Hillside with lots of young adults being on our streets all hours of the night, driving on our streets with their radios at top” volume, said resident Barbara McCown. “We’re your old citizens here, … so what can we do?”
Safety is at the top of residents’ lists. Having more police monitor the area was suggested, including later at night and early in the morning when most vandalism has occurred. Instead of yellow streetlights, one resident who saw the group of males destroying the fences suggested white lights to better identify with.
The man also called police, saying that officers took too long to respond.
Having a camera installed in the area was also spoken of favorably, as City Manager Tom Hall said he would study the area to see if fiber optics were available near the community.
“I need to do a little investigation to see what that would cost, whether or not we would have a partner-share with some of those costs, things like DASH for LaGrange Inc., who’s got a vested interest in property over there,” Hall said.
Although repairs to the fences were completed through DASH, “I was told by one of the ladies … this was the last time they would fix the fences,” Councilman Nick Woodson said.
DASH and the Hillside residents plan to meet at 6:30 tonight in the basement of Hillside Congregational Christian Church at the corner of South Lee and Clark streets to discuss recent problems in the community, McCown said.
Council members listened to the group, pledging to do what they could to ensure safety for the houses and its residents.
“We’ve invested a lot into that community because we wanted Hillside community to come up,” Councilman Willie Edmondson said. “You all are doing an excellent job keeping the homes looking well, so we want to do something to make sure that you’re safe in your homes.”
Trey Wood can be reached at twood @ lagrangenews. com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 228.
Because another five bucks says that a review of their previous original felony arrests, if they hadn't been plea-bargained down, would have resulted in enough jail time they wouldn't be out there in the first place.
But we jail folks for bouncing a check, having a joint, not paying a fine and other miscellaneous petty stuff . . .then whine about jail overcrowding and plea these guys down. Go figure, eh?