Our neighborhoods matter
One of the most vexing problems for me when I served on the Reno Recreation and Parks Commission was the sad state of our urban neighborhood parks. While new growth comes with shiny new playground equipment and fresh-laid turf for teaching your kids the fine points of throwing a ball, many of our parks in the older areas of Reno seem to be barely able to hang one.
Nowhere is this situation more acute than around Pat Baker Park in the Montello and Oliver neighborhood. Proud residents maintain lovely homes and gardens across the street from a public space overrun with drug dealing, solicitation, and out and out disregard for community standards. I talked with residents while campaigning door to door, and talked with neighbors again at a recent community meeting of residents, city agency personnel, police, and elected officials.
This Saturday, people are joining together to spread some positive change in northeast Reno. Please consider volunteering for the Oliver/Montello Neighborhood Clean-Up scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Pat Baker Park.
To volunteer call Napoleon Haney at 785-5816 or by e-mail at haney@cityofreno.com. The clean-up will culminate in a neighborhood BBQ at Pat Baker Park. All you need are work clothes, gloves, and a willingness to be part of a solution that will give residents in the Oliver/Montello area a safe, clean and healthy environment.
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:14 pm
I have an idea which is somewhat contrary to our libertarian spirit in this state, but how about cameras
posted around that park? And, public airring of drug transactions.
Speaking of drug transactions (off topic now), how come there are no stores to buy medical marijuana? The plan in place (Dept of Agriculture regulations) is just plain ridiculous….and too expensive for many people. Get a doctors note and go to a store. Like they do in many California counties.
November 8th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Murder at Pat Baker Park last night.
Sounds like a good spot for extensive video cameras to
be posted, like they have downtown.
November 11th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Maybe there could be some effort modeled on the Guardian
Angels? Certainly, that would be an expanded version of
a neighborhood watch effort. Also, since there are cameras in place there (as you report), perhaps teams of physically fit retirees could make a presence with additional video cameras in hand? That would have some risk to it, of course. But, this could have a dampening effect on illegal
activities in the area. Just observe, film and report.
Also, maybe the city could consider opening a branch police office in this and other troubled areas. Like they have downtown.