East Court group discusses crime

Community Police Officer Kary Wooster from the East Side Police Mini-Station answered questions about crime in their area.

He encouraged people who see suspicious activity not to ignore it.

“Party stores that sell drug paraphernalia should be pressured to stop. Protest any business that comes into the neighborhood that is not going to be good for it,” Wooster said.

“Call 911 if anything strikes you as suspicious. You know when something isn’t right. Call in anonymously. Don’t let dope dealers stand in front of your house.” he said.

Association member Alex Harris said neighbors can make a difference. He told the group about an adult foster care home at 1325 Beard St. that the Flint Journal described as providing “nightmare care” citing nine violations including physical abuse.

“Neighbors noticed things that didn’t seem right,” Harris said. “One neighbor was physically threaten by the owner. Neighbors wrote a complaint to the state human services department and the state of Michigan investigated and revoked their license. The owners are appealing the ruling and the abuse continues.”

“I believe this neighborhood should expect more from our public safety people. I’m disappointed that we can’t get the appropriate action to shut down the operation now. We are continuing to press the police department and government officials to get the right level of protection in our neighborhood,” he said.

Councilman Dale Weighill (Ward 7) said one of his major priorities is public safety.

“There is some serious criminal activity going on,” Weighill said.

He said another priority is finding innovative ways to save city money after being hit with a $2.5 to $3 million cut in state revenue sharing that will force the city to reduce their budget.

“We have to face realities — revenues are significantly shrinking. Our dwindling resources, property taxes, city income taxes and revenue sharing are all down,” Weighill said. “We need to be innovative and creative. One area we’re working on is a $200,000 grant to mobilize volunteers in the community and to generate money to hire code enforcement officers.”

Kay Kelly reported a holiday sing-a-long with hot chocolate and cookies is scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 in Kearsley Park.