Beat 2523 Meeting Last Night (2-24-10)

Good morning, everyone. The CAPS Beat 2523 meeting is still growing. Even though the room wasn't as crowded as it was at last month's meeting, there were still quite a few new faces. The main owner from Dunkin Donuts was there again. I'm glad to see his presence at these meetings. Alderman Reboyras was there again as well.

Our first issue for the month of February, you ask? It was the problem on the 2900 block of N Kenosha. Sergeant Weiglein told us that he checked it out and didn't find any illegal cars. He even ran plates on the cars from as far back as 2000. Then, the 2941-3 N Avers issue was brought up. The resident who reported this told us that there's plywood where the broken window is now.

The drunks and day laborers were still discussed, as usual. They continue to do their thing, especially the day laborers. However, in my opinion, there isn't really anything new to add to this for this article. There was just two new suggestions. One was making them pay for being there. The other one was trying to find a place, such as a parking lot for them, for them to try to look for their jobs. Residents and the police want it in a more open area so it doesn't bother the public as much, so to say. Sad note to bring up, by the way: Alderman Reboyras said for the second time that there's not much that can be done for this situation at this moment in time now.

New problems:

• 2933 N Avers - This is a criminal trespass issue. There's been vagrants going in and out of this building. This building has a vacant apartment. The police will look into it.
• 4160 W Fletcher - There has been drug sales at this location, and they sound rampant. A male White, about 6'1, heavy set, 220 lbs is selling drugs. The customers come in cars that park out in front and honk their horns for the guy to come out. He has definately sold cocaine, as there were small bags of it found on the ground. These incidents occurr from 6-10pm.

Other observations:
> A small argument sort of broke out between Alderman Reboyras and a guy who said he was an attorney. They argued about alleged incidents where gangs and narcotics were being brought into the neighborhood by the tattoo place at 3198 N Milwaukee [which isn't true]. This attorney also had a debate with a resident about the drunks/day laborers standing on the sidewalks.
> The most incidents took place in the 2900 block of N Springfield. The most crimes were battery once again (16 reported incidents), burglary (10 reported incidents) and narcotics (8 reported incidents). The most incidents took place on Thursdays (13 reported incidents) and Sundays (12 reported incidents). Most incidents took place in apartments (15 reported incidents) and on the streets (15 reported incidents). The most incidents took place in the 11am, 2pm and 8pm hours.

Like the last time, I want to personally thank everyone for being at the meeting. It's encouraging. If we continue to come together, we can make Avondale better.

Thank you,
Timmy