Two recent real estate sales in center city have concerned citizens worried. 412 E. Vine St sold to Ji Associates in January for just over $50,000. This was an apparent foreclosure going to the highest bidder who will obviously turn it into yet another rental property in what is one of our bad neighborhoods.
More disturbing is the sale of 526 N. 6th Street to Bad Real Estate LLC. It is one thing to be in the business of rehabbing and renting properties, and it is quite another to purposely name your business with an offensive name that is an affront to the residents that live in the neighborhoods that you are planning to trash. This property sold for $45,000.
We urge the city of Millville to adhere VERY STRICTLY to ALL codes when inspecting these properties for rental certificates. I am pushing for an ordinance that would prohibit a landlord that has been found guilty of maintaining a nuisance from renewing any existing, or getting any new rental certificate for any property within the city.
Slumlords, be on notice that we are watching, and will be reporting every infraction. Millville has an "Excessive Use of City Services Ordinance" that is being enforced.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Neighborhood Groups Meeting
The Center City Neighborhood Group and the 3rd Ward Neighborhood Group will have their monthly meeting at the RRCA Wednesday at 7pm, immediately following the Weed and Seed steering committee meeting.
The public is invited to attend all neighborhood meetings.
The public is invited to attend all neighborhood meetings.
Millville Weed and Seed Summit
The Weed and Seed Program's annual Neighborhood Summit is scheduled for Saturday, March 13. You are invited, and urged to attend. Please get involved.
The theme is "Survival in Hard Economic Times."
Moderators from local organizations will be working with attendees to provide information on topics such as job training, childcare and utility assistance, money saving ideas and coping with stress.
Sidney Hargro, executive director of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, will be this year's keynote speaker.
Representatives from various county and city agencies will be on hand to answer questions, provide information and take applications.
The summit is open to all Millville residents at Millville Memorial Junior High School, 504 E. Broad St., from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
A continental breakfast and light lunch will be served, and there will be giveaways for the first 50 people who register and attend.
To register or ask questions, contact Liz Nicklus, Millville Weed and Seed site coordinator, at 825-7000, ext. 7299 or send an e-mail to liz.nicklus@millvillenj.gov.
The theme is "Survival in Hard Economic Times."
Moderators from local organizations will be working with attendees to provide information on topics such as job training, childcare and utility assistance, money saving ideas and coping with stress.
Sidney Hargro, executive director of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, will be this year's keynote speaker.
Representatives from various county and city agencies will be on hand to answer questions, provide information and take applications.
The summit is open to all Millville residents at Millville Memorial Junior High School, 504 E. Broad St., from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
A continental breakfast and light lunch will be served, and there will be giveaways for the first 50 people who register and attend.
To register or ask questions, contact Liz Nicklus, Millville Weed and Seed site coordinator, at 825-7000, ext. 7299 or send an e-mail to liz.nicklus@millvillenj.gov.
Drug Bust on S. 2nd St
I heard that there was a drug bust on a nuisance property located on S. 2nd Street last week, and the particulars are in today's Daily Journal.
FSC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INC
1746 SAINT PETERS RD
POTTSTOWN PA 19465
AKA
FSC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INC
24 GARDEN PL
BAYSHORE NY 11706
The owner has illegally named a tenant as building manager rather than use, as required by law, a management company. The contact information on the unit registration is outdated, as if these slumlords are doing everything possible to ensure that they cannot be contacted by city officials.
They live and reside in PA and NY, but come to our city and feel that they have the right to destroy our neighborhoods, allow drug activity to take place in their rentals, and profit off of our misery. Apparently their "corporation" is a fake, I can find no information on it with an internet search. If and when info is found, I will publish names, and addresses if possible, of the slumlords responsible for this travesty that has destroyed the peace and quiet of decent residents in that section of town.
As you can see, the "Excessive Use of City Services Ordinance" is being put to use in more ways than one, alerting our narcotics task force of problem areas and giving them the legal force necessary to arrange for this type of raid.
This is why it is so important to not become discouraged when you don't see faster progress. It is critical that the undercover work be done completely and properly to ensure a clean raid, and that the courts will not be able to toss it out on technicalities.
This is also why you must attend city commission meetings, write to your commissioners, write letters to the editor, and get involved in your local neighborhood groups. The city is facing a budget crisis this year, and police services WILL be cut unless we speak up now.
The city is taking legal steps against the owner and a tenant of a South Millville apartment house that was the site of recent drug arrests.This is a slum rental owned by a slumlord that has refused to abide by even our most basic laws and regulations pertaining to properties. The owner is:
Several people were arrested Feb. 18 at the six-unit rental property at 143-145 S. 2nd St.
The arrests were part of a joint investigation by the city Police Department's Narcotics Unit and the Cumberland County Organized Crime Bureau.
Narcotics Unit Sgt. Jody Farabella said Friday the names of those arrested were not being released because of a continuing investigation. One person was in Cumberland County Jail.
Police have responded to the apartment house 99 times since July 2006, when its current owner acquired it, Farabella said.
FSC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INC
1746 SAINT PETERS RD
POTTSTOWN PA 19465
AKA
FSC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INC
24 GARDEN PL
BAYSHORE NY 11706
The owner has illegally named a tenant as building manager rather than use, as required by law, a management company. The contact information on the unit registration is outdated, as if these slumlords are doing everything possible to ensure that they cannot be contacted by city officials.
They live and reside in PA and NY, but come to our city and feel that they have the right to destroy our neighborhoods, allow drug activity to take place in their rentals, and profit off of our misery. Apparently their "corporation" is a fake, I can find no information on it with an internet search. If and when info is found, I will publish names, and addresses if possible, of the slumlords responsible for this travesty that has destroyed the peace and quiet of decent residents in that section of town.
As you can see, the "Excessive Use of City Services Ordinance" is being put to use in more ways than one, alerting our narcotics task force of problem areas and giving them the legal force necessary to arrange for this type of raid.
This is why it is so important to not become discouraged when you don't see faster progress. It is critical that the undercover work be done completely and properly to ensure a clean raid, and that the courts will not be able to toss it out on technicalities.
This is also why you must attend city commission meetings, write to your commissioners, write letters to the editor, and get involved in your local neighborhood groups. The city is facing a budget crisis this year, and police services WILL be cut unless we speak up now.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Home Burglary
A Home Burglary occurs every 15 seconds according to the FBI. This does not mean that you have to be a victim. There are common sense things you can do to secure your home, and most of them do not cost a lot of money. Some are free.
First, always lock all windows and doors, even when you are home. Easter Sunday a year ago my neighbor was at church and her elderly mother was home in her bedroom. A miscreant walked up their driveway, opened the kitchen door and walked right in. Fortunately we are vigilant in my neighborhood and another neighbor just happened to be washing his truck down the street and witnessed what could have turned into a tragedy.
If your doors do not have deadbolts - get them. A proper deadbolt will be keyed on both sides if your door has a window. The bolt should have a one inch throw, and strike plate should have three-inch screws. Your outside doors should be solid wood core, or steel.Other than replacing a door, the rest is a relatively minor upgrade.
Your windows should have stops, and secondary blocking devices as latches do not act as a secure deterrent to forced entry. Something as simple as a cut broom handle to prevent a closed window from being lifted works wonders.
Lighting - criminals do not like to be seen. Install motion detect lights - high enough to be out of reach of the nefarious minded - around the perimeter of your home. Install light timers in key rooms in your house.
Remove hedges and bushes that could provide cover, especially if they are in front of windows or your porch.
Alarm systems can be effective as a deterrent - but they are only as good as the other precautions you take to secure your property. They work as a deterrent only because some intruders fear being caught. However, better than a security system, get a dog.
Dogs provide companionship, are cheaper to maintain than a security system, and are mobile. We have three dogs, and all of them bark when someone approaches the house. Dogs do not have to be vicious to be an effective deterrent. And best of all, a secutiry system does not keep your feet warm in bed at night!
First, always lock all windows and doors, even when you are home. Easter Sunday a year ago my neighbor was at church and her elderly mother was home in her bedroom. A miscreant walked up their driveway, opened the kitchen door and walked right in. Fortunately we are vigilant in my neighborhood and another neighbor just happened to be washing his truck down the street and witnessed what could have turned into a tragedy.
If your doors do not have deadbolts - get them. A proper deadbolt will be keyed on both sides if your door has a window. The bolt should have a one inch throw, and strike plate should have three-inch screws. Your outside doors should be solid wood core, or steel.Other than replacing a door, the rest is a relatively minor upgrade.
Your windows should have stops, and secondary blocking devices as latches do not act as a secure deterrent to forced entry. Something as simple as a cut broom handle to prevent a closed window from being lifted works wonders.
Lighting - criminals do not like to be seen. Install motion detect lights - high enough to be out of reach of the nefarious minded - around the perimeter of your home. Install light timers in key rooms in your house.
Remove hedges and bushes that could provide cover, especially if they are in front of windows or your porch.
Alarm systems can be effective as a deterrent - but they are only as good as the other precautions you take to secure your property. They work as a deterrent only because some intruders fear being caught. However, better than a security system, get a dog.
Dogs provide companionship, are cheaper to maintain than a security system, and are mobile. We have three dogs, and all of them bark when someone approaches the house. Dogs do not have to be vicious to be an effective deterrent. And best of all, a secutiry system does not keep your feet warm in bed at night!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Burglaries
Earlier this week a home in the 800 Block of Sassafras St. was burglarized. The person/s broke the rear bathroom window of the house to gain entry. This occurred during broad daylight, apparently between the hours of 2:30pm and 4:45pm.
In speaking with police, the victim of this burglary also learned other homes were burglarized in the area this same day.
As I think back on newspaper bits and conversations with neighbors, someone has been targeting homes and businesses in the center city area quite heavily for awhile now. Bim's Pizza on East Main street was burglarized a few months back (broken front door glass), the barber shop at 6th and Sassafras was burglarized (Broken panel to an old window), numerous homes along Sassafras Street, 10th Street, and I'm sure others I'm not aware of. There have also been several motor vehicle break-ins and thefts from unlocked cars - perhaps related?
Residents should pay close attention to anyone mulling around day or night, especially in common alleys behind homes, and notify police to check suspicious people/vehicles. This would include teenagers, as the home on Sassafras seems to have been hit during the time when kids are walking home from the high school on Wade Blvd. and can be seen all over the area streets. One expects the usual mishief when a group of teens are together, however maybe a few have taken their thrill seeking to a higher level.
Neighbors in the area of 9th and 10th street are going a step further and providing each other with telephone numbers as well as communicating regularly to stay abreast of happenings. The people who broke into homes this week were very lucky because these residents are often very alert, and don't hesitate to challenge suspicious activity. It's only a matter of time until somebody is caught...
In speaking with police, the victim of this burglary also learned other homes were burglarized in the area this same day.
As I think back on newspaper bits and conversations with neighbors, someone has been targeting homes and businesses in the center city area quite heavily for awhile now. Bim's Pizza on East Main street was burglarized a few months back (broken front door glass), the barber shop at 6th and Sassafras was burglarized (Broken panel to an old window), numerous homes along Sassafras Street, 10th Street, and I'm sure others I'm not aware of. There have also been several motor vehicle break-ins and thefts from unlocked cars - perhaps related?
Residents should pay close attention to anyone mulling around day or night, especially in common alleys behind homes, and notify police to check suspicious people/vehicles. This would include teenagers, as the home on Sassafras seems to have been hit during the time when kids are walking home from the high school on Wade Blvd. and can be seen all over the area streets. One expects the usual mishief when a group of teens are together, however maybe a few have taken their thrill seeking to a higher level.
Neighbors in the area of 9th and 10th street are going a step further and providing each other with telephone numbers as well as communicating regularly to stay abreast of happenings. The people who broke into homes this week were very lucky because these residents are often very alert, and don't hesitate to challenge suspicious activity. It's only a matter of time until somebody is caught...
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Shots fired
On the morning of January 14 at 1:10am shots were fired in the vicinity of 4th and Sassafras Streets. I was awakened out of sleep to hear about six or so shots fired in quick succession.
These were not fireworks - I am a seasoned target shooter and know the difference between a handgun and fire crackers. This sounded like a .38 caliber or 10mm, something in that range. My girlfriend woke up to the shots, also, and confirmed that they sounded to her like gun shots.
They came from the northwest of my house, I guess on 4th Street between Pine and Sassafras. A dark SUV (Ford Explorer?) was seen right afterward. It was headed south on 4th, turned east on sassafras, and parked on my street for about 2 minutes before leaving. there was no foot traffic on the streets that night, it was still bitter cold out.
Police arrived about 30 seconds afterward, and patrolled the area. Nothing was found, and to my knowledge nobody or nothing was hit. At least no other reports were made.
These were not fireworks - I am a seasoned target shooter and know the difference between a handgun and fire crackers. This sounded like a .38 caliber or 10mm, something in that range. My girlfriend woke up to the shots, also, and confirmed that they sounded to her like gun shots.
They came from the northwest of my house, I guess on 4th Street between Pine and Sassafras. A dark SUV (Ford Explorer?) was seen right afterward. It was headed south on 4th, turned east on sassafras, and parked on my street for about 2 minutes before leaving. there was no foot traffic on the streets that night, it was still bitter cold out.
Police arrived about 30 seconds afterward, and patrolled the area. Nothing was found, and to my knowledge nobody or nothing was hit. At least no other reports were made.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Prowler Alert!
During the overnight hours Sunday into Monday, a suspicious male was spotted walking between homes in the area of North 7th. Street just off Main. Police were called by an alert homeowner, but the man quickly slipped away into the darkness - seen running east on Main Street.
I believe at least one vehicle may have been found rummaged through, but nothing taken.
A short time later a male subject fitting the same clothing description initially given was seen running through yards on 9th street between Sassafras and Pine. Police again responded immediately, however the person slipped away into the darkness another time.
Residents living in these areas should be alert to any suspicious activity, and perhaps consider keeping outside lighting on to illuminate yards and alleys to deter activity until the individual is apprehended.
On a positive note: Both times when police were called, they immediately converged to the area in question and established perimeters. On the second call Police literally arrived to the exact location the suspect was last seen within seconds.
Even though the suspect was not caught, in my opinion this quick response by police could not have been accomplished through a county 911 line. A regional 911 Operator most likely will not be familiar with local streets, alleys and general topography of the neighborhoods to quickly guide in responding officers, and the delay (usually incurred with waiting for a 911 operator to transfer you to someone at the local police station) last night could have been the difference between a criminal successfully robbing and stealing items, or being forced to flee into the darkness because police were hot on his heels!
I believe at least one vehicle may have been found rummaged through, but nothing taken.
A short time later a male subject fitting the same clothing description initially given was seen running through yards on 9th street between Sassafras and Pine. Police again responded immediately, however the person slipped away into the darkness another time.
Residents living in these areas should be alert to any suspicious activity, and perhaps consider keeping outside lighting on to illuminate yards and alleys to deter activity until the individual is apprehended.
On a positive note: Both times when police were called, they immediately converged to the area in question and established perimeters. On the second call Police literally arrived to the exact location the suspect was last seen within seconds.
Even though the suspect was not caught, in my opinion this quick response by police could not have been accomplished through a county 911 line. A regional 911 Operator most likely will not be familiar with local streets, alleys and general topography of the neighborhoods to quickly guide in responding officers, and the delay (usually incurred with waiting for a 911 operator to transfer you to someone at the local police station) last night could have been the difference between a criminal successfully robbing and stealing items, or being forced to flee into the darkness because police were hot on his heels!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Recommended Reading
Recommended Reading: Clean Streets: Controlling Crime, Maintaining Order, and Building Community Activism ("New Perspectives in Crime, Deviance, and Law")
One of the aspects of reducing the criminal element in our neighborhoods is the need to increase community involvement and activism. We can clean up our neighborhoods by the sheer force of numbers. The "element" does not like to hang out and conduct business under prying eyes.
This book is an excellent tutorial for anyone interested in going the next step. I will post more recommendations for books and pertinent reading material as I come across it.
One of the aspects of reducing the criminal element in our neighborhoods is the need to increase community involvement and activism. We can clean up our neighborhoods by the sheer force of numbers. The "element" does not like to hang out and conduct business under prying eyes.
This book is an excellent tutorial for anyone interested in going the next step. I will post more recommendations for books and pertinent reading material as I come across it.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Shooting
There was a shooting incident a few nights ago near the 400 block of North Third St. I believe a woman with ties to 430 N. 3rd. suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital.
This address is well known to have gang/drug dealer types hanging out on the corner literally 24/7. Not even 20 degree weather keeps them from setting up shop to harrass pedestrians, conduct narcotic sales or just add to the general blight of the area.
If the gang bangers in front of this house all day and night intimidating everyone isn't enough to raise an eyebrow, all one has to do is look at the volume of trash and broken glass littering the property to realize immediate attention is needed to curb future violence and decay to the surrounding neigbhorhoods.
Apparently, the fact that a woman suffered a gunshot wound wasn't even enough to curtail the suspected illicit activity at this house. Yesterday, the young businessmen with their baggy gangsta clothes were busily aiding anyone looking to score whatever product the individuals were marketing.
This address is well known to have gang/drug dealer types hanging out on the corner literally 24/7. Not even 20 degree weather keeps them from setting up shop to harrass pedestrians, conduct narcotic sales or just add to the general blight of the area.
If the gang bangers in front of this house all day and night intimidating everyone isn't enough to raise an eyebrow, all one has to do is look at the volume of trash and broken glass littering the property to realize immediate attention is needed to curb future violence and decay to the surrounding neigbhorhoods.
Apparently, the fact that a woman suffered a gunshot wound wasn't even enough to curtail the suspected illicit activity at this house. Yesterday, the young businessmen with their baggy gangsta clothes were busily aiding anyone looking to score whatever product the individuals were marketing.
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