An Issue of Respect

Kingston Drug Sweep: An URGENT Situation

You may have heard that last week, URGENT ended an 8-month investigation which culminated in a drug sweep, with the arrests of at least 17 people. The majority of those arrested are suspected gang members. A few were already in jail on unrelated charges. One of them was charged previously with a misdemeanor count of hindering prosecution in the Charles King Jr. murder case. Two of them were classmates of mine.It's got me wondering...how did we turn out so differently? We grew up in the same neighborhoods, attended the same schools. We've had similar family issues, worked the same minimum-wage paying jobs. There's a very thin line between where they stand, and where I stand. I think it all comes down to respect.

Kingston NY Residents and Respect

I respect myself enough to want to live to my fullest potential. This is why I went to college even though I was "too poor" to. This is why I got my master's degree, even though I had to work full time at the same time in order to support myself. I respect my neighbors and my community. This is why I got involved in the first place. I know there are good people in Kingston who want to live safely. We all deserve to be able to relax in our homes, without the fear that we'll somehow end up in the midst of some sort of crossfire.I understand the nature of addiction. Despite this being a drug bust, it isn't about that. In fact, most dealers aren't junkies. They're people who rely on others' weaknesses. Again, it comes down to respect.Think about any crime. I guarantee that you'll find the one glaring thing lacking from any of those situations is respect. Respect for self, for others, and for the law.

I'm glad that those involved in this drug activity have been arrested and charged. I'm grateful for the efforts of the local police and URGENT. I'm proud of the role the Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch played in this situation. This is proof that we can make a difference by watching and reporting any suspicious or illegal activity.I think we need to take it one step further, though.

Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch: Issuing a Challenge

We need to step outside of our front doors and do something completely revolutionary. We need to be polite. Yeah, I said it. We need to be nice and respectful. There was a time not so long ago when people would walk down the street and say hello to one another. Now, we're afraid to look one another in the eye. If we give in to fear, and all anyone hears about is the chaos, the crime, and the disrespect, we're letting the negativity take over. It's great to be proactive. If you're going to do it, why not REALLY do it? Get involved in your community. Know your neighbors. Go for walks. Say hello. Help someone out when the opportunity presents itself. Volunteer some time in the community. The hard work is worth it, and at the end of the day, you've got your neighbors to celebrate with!

Proposed Law to Require Spaying and Neutering of Cats in Kingston

According to an article in the Freeman, the supporters of a proposed cat control law expect the proposal to get support from the Common Council when it meets next month.

Alderman Bob Senor and Alderwoman Jen Fuentes are strong supporters of the proposed law, which would require cat owners to spay or neuter their cats and tag them with identification.

If there are complaints of a cat problem in a particular neighborhood (such as Senor's complaints of the cats in his neighborhood downtown), the city will trap cats and have them spayed or neutered, charging the cost to the owners.

Those in opposition to the law claim that it would put too much of a burden on cat owners, and many think that there are much more pressing issues in the city of Kingston.

I, personally, am all for a law that requires cat owners to spay or neuter their pets (the same goes for dog owners), and I think that identification should be required the same way that it is currently for dogs. I'm fine with the idea, but the purpose behind the proposal seems misguided to me. Passing this law will not change the issue of stray cats and the feral cat colonies downtown. Who is going to pay for people to catch stray cats? What will happen if the owners don't pay the bill to have their cat spayed or neutered? What about the feral cats who don't HAVE owners, to begin with?

I completely agree with those who say that there are much bigger issues that should be dealt with. We've got shootings, assaults, drug and gang activity, hit and runs, robberies...cats are the least of our worries. What do you think?

Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch Community Update, August 1, 2010

Who says that nothing is going on in Kingston? As always, the Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch has been going nonstop. Take a look at a few of the recent developments:

Moving the Discussion to A Different Forum

A few weeks ago, there was a very heated debate on the Daily Freeman comment boards between some members of the Kingston Neighborhood Watch and other current and former members of the community.The original discussion was focused on the July 1 shooting on Clinton Avenue, between Franklin and Henry Streets. Unfortunately, the conversation wound up way off track, and was more divisive than it was taking the best interests of the community into consideration. Some good did come out of this situation, however. As a result, we at the Kingston Neighborhood Watch have given some consideration to the way that we engage online. In the future, rather than blowing up the Freeman comment forums, we will be moving the discussions here, to the blog.

Joining Forces to Unite the Community and Stop Crime in Kingston

We've also made a point to make it clear that our commitment is in uniting the community, and that our goal is to work with other organizations locally to achieve the best for everyone in Kingston. In line with this commitment, our president Michael D'arcy has become a member of the NAACP. The Kingston Neighborhood Watch encourages all of its members to read the NAACP pledge and to consider NAACP membership.

Gaining Insight in Midtown Kingston

The Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch continues to work throughout the entire city. Due to a number of circumstances, however, much of the focus in the last few weeks has been on Midtown. One of the biggest complaints that the Neighborhood Watch has received has to do with the activity outside of the Cedar Deli, on the corner of Cedar and Prospect Streets. The Kingston Neighborhood Watch (primarily Mr. D'Arcy) has been in contact with the Kingston Police Department and URGENT, as well as the property owner, regarding the issues at the deli. The property owners are aware of the problems at the Cedar Deli, and have agreed to work with the Kingston Neighborhood Watch to find a solution. Chief Civil Officer Don Ryan from the Ulster Sheriff's office went with Michael D'arcy to the deli this week, and spoke with the tenants, business owner, and the property owner. The Watch is very grateful to have that support.

Kingston Cares, in conjunction with Philliber Research Associates, has hired 20 teens and adults to go door to door this week to interview Midtown residents on quality of life issues. This survey, which was first implemented in 2008, will give us insight as to what issues Midtown residents are facing and give us concrete data to help organizations like the Neighborhood Watch respond to community-wide concerns. The 2010 survey will also demonstrate any significant changes in community perception and population since 2008. All of our interviewers have been trained and will interview residents outside of their homes. The hours they will be stopping by are Thursday- 3pm-8pm, Friday 3pm-8pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. If you have any questions, please call Megan Rose Weiss at 845-331-1110. Participating in this survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. Not all streets will be visited by the interviewers.


I had the pleasure recently of reviewing the results from the 2008 survey, and was completely surprised by what I saw. I'm excited for the results of this year's survey. This is such an incredibly important effort for us to understand the community, and may help to turn around the perception of Midtown by residents in other parts of the city. If you live in Midtown, please cooperate with the surveyors. If you live elsewhere in Kingston, look out of more news concerning the results of the survey.

Kingston Shooting Suspect Caught, Arraigned

After weeks of investigation by police, Albert “Burt” Lawing was apprehended in Omaha, Nebraska on July 21, and extradited to New York. He was arraigned late on Friday in front of Judge Larry Ball, and charged with felony attempted murder, two felony counts of assault and felony criminal use of a firearm. He was sent to the Ulster County Jail without bail and is scheduled to reappear in court later this week. Police believe that the shooting may have been retaliation for a May 29 stabbing on Cedar Street and Clinton Avenue in which Lawing suffered serious cuts to his face and neck. Some comments posted to the Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch facebook page indicate that some people support retaliation. The Kingston Neighborhood Watch would like to stress that assault, attempted murder, or any sort of crime is NEVER acceptable, whether it be retaliation for another incident or not.

Kingston Neighborhood Celebration

On a fun note, the Kingston Neighborhood Watch has been working to organize the Kingston Neighborhood Celebration: a family-friendly event with arts & crafts, games, raffles, a bouncy ride, food and entertainment.

We will be joined by Chips & Dip Entertainment, the Volunteer Fireman's Museum with historic fire engine, the YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Club. The Kingston Neighborhood Celebration will be held on August 28, from 1pm to 4pm.

Reflecting on Crime Statistics In Kingston, NY

The Thought Process Beings

Some of you may have noticed that I participated in a few features for The Daily Freeman's Ben Franklin project, which allowed for members of the community to contribute to the creation of news stories by giving feedback via a number of free tools on the internet.
When Freeman editor Paul Kirby posted a tweet asking for input on where citizens think the most crime occurs in Kingston and why, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut. What initially began as a 140 character response grew to an email exchange, and the next thing I knew, I was speaking to a camera outside of my office, preparing for the article's publication today.

What Do the Statistics Say?

The headline may catch many of you off guard. "Rate of Serious Crime Falls Sharply in Kingston." What?? As one of the Freeman commenters was quick to point out, we just had a man shot multiple times on Clinton Avenue, less than three days ago. The shooter is still at large. Still, the numbers don't lie. The rate of those crimes which are designated as "serious crimes" (murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny and vehicle theft) has decreased over the last year. I suppose the question we should be asking is how accurately those numbers reflect our quality of life here in Kingston.

City of Kingston crime statistics, 2010
According to the Freeman article, police chief Keller admits that "the statistics do not include the kinds of crimes residents often complain about most: drug dealing, disorderly conduct, drinking in public and various nuisance violations." The statistics ARE, however, reflective of overall crime trends within the city of Kingston.

Considering recent events, I am willing to acknowledge that the crime rate has fallen. However, it remains way too high for me to accept as "safe". As I mentioned in my interview with the Freeman, I have lived in Kingston almost all of my life. I have lived in just about every section of the city...uptown, midtown, downtown. I understand that there are criminals everywhere, and that crime is not limited to just one part of town. Still, we can't deny what has been happening.

A Bit of History...

Regarding the shooting on Thursday night:
I grew up very close to where the shooting happened. My great-aunt and uncle owned the house at 108 Clinton Avenue. They lived downstairs, and rented the upstairs apartment to my parents. My great-grandmother, grandmother, uncle and cousin all shared the house next door at 102. I used to play out on my front lawn, catching fireflies from the bushes on summer evenings. During the day, I played hopscotch on the sidewalk while my family members talked on the porch. Just about every single day, I walked to the store on Franklin St. with my mother to get a lollipop or a chocolate milk. From my backyard, I watched other kids play in the park on Liberty St. Even as a young child, I knew who my neighbors were. Mr. Oliver lived on the corner, and grew morning glories which climbed up his fence. He used to bring me small gifts of fruit...usually oranges...which he handed to me over the gate after checking with my mother to make sure it was alright. Marguerite was an older woman who lived in one of the apartments on the corner. She often came outside to chat with my grandmother. I had a friend Valerie, who lived across the street, near Bessie's salon. Every Sunday, a group of us walked down the block to church together.
Slowly, I saw the neighborhood change. The park was shut down because it was taken over by drug activity. Eventually, the swingset and ride-on animals were torn out, and all that was left was an overgrown lot. My great-aunt and uncle sold the house. Mr. Oliver eventually passed away. Many of the houses were taken over by landlords from out of town, who showed up only to collect their rent checks at the beginning of the month. These were all small things, but they set the stage for the way things are now.

You Can't Go Home Again

I drive through my old neighborhood, but I don't recognize much anymore. I see the ghosts of the way things used to be. I dodge the kids who are playing unattended in the street. Just last week, I slowed down for a boy on a bike. Rather than moving to the side of the road, he swerved in front of me, yelling "You HIT me!", and laughing with his friend. I see people standing on street corners, who yell things at me as I drive past. I've seen drug deals happen in broad daylight. I've seen the police respond multiple times for domestic disputes at the same addresses. Twenty years later, I don't have the same courage I had as a child. I don't think I'd be spending as much time in front of my house, if I still lived there.

I'm not comfortable being there, even in the confines of my car. This bothers me. I know there are good people who live in the neighborhood. My father still attends the same church every Sunday, and is very active in the community. But I also know that there are people who aren't so good. Who intend only to hurt others, and to gain for themselves. I know that many of these people have guns. And I wonder, suppose I had been driving through on Thursday evening? Suppose a bullet had ricocheted off of something? How can I guarantee my own safety in a place where things like this are a regular occurrence?

It makes me angry to think about it. It infuriates me that we seem to live in a culture where "snitching" often carries a heavier penalty than committing a crime. It frustrates me to think that many people will just chalk this up to "what happens", and that nothing will change as a result of it.

What Are We Going to Do?

We are meeting next Saturday as the Kingston Neighborhood Watch, at Academy Green Park...again, a few blocks from where the shooting occurred. I am hoping to see some new people there. I am hoping to hear some new ideas. Things are getting personal for me...and they should be for all of us. This is OUR city. We're not just looking at an issue of criminals shooting criminals, as some have suggested. This effects all of us. This type of activity puts us ALL at risk. What are we going to do about it? What are YOU going to do, personally? Think about it. Let me know. Come out next weekend, and we'll pool our ideas. There's strength in numbers...remember that.

Kingston Neighborhood Watch Update 6/19/10

Hello, Watchers! I apologize for my recent absence from the blog. While I was gone, you may have noticed a few changes around here.

Live Help Available on Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch Homepage

One thing that we are all very excited about is the installation of a Meebo widget in the upper right hand corner of our homepage. This widget allows direct contact with Kingston Neighborhood Watch members at all times, 24/7. If you have an issue to report, or a question, all you have to do is type it in the box, and you will receive live help from a watch member. This is just one more way, in addition to our email, contact page, facebook, and twitter, that you can contact us online. For those who prefer to do things the old fashioned way, you can still reach us via telephone, too.

Many Recent Reports of Theft in Kingston Area

Those of you who pay attention to the Kingston NY Crime Reports Map may have noticed that there has been a rash of thefts in the city. In the past week, there have been at least sixteen reported thefts , five reports of theft from a vehicle, and three accounts of breaking and entering. According to the Kingston Police Department daily blotter, KPD received SIX calls on June 18, 2010 ALONE for larceny. Many of the recent incidents have occurred in the vicinity of Washingto n Avenue and the Boulevard, and on the north side of Broadway, near Garden Street and Smith Ave. There have been reports of vehicle break-ins all over the city, however. Please be watchful, and lock your vehicles. In some cases, the doors have been opened and alarm systems have been disarmed, so avoid leaving valuables in your car at all costs. Leave your porch lights on at night, and as always, report any suspicious behavior.

Neighbors Help Bust Criminals

Mid Hudson News Network recently printed a story where Kingston residents were credited with providing information that led to three drug-related arrests. According to the article:
"

The URGENT task force and Kingston City Police were assisted with information provided by constituents of Alderman Ron Polacco.

Police arrested Joseph Bell, and Shamieka Munson, both 23 and both living at 210 Oneil Street apartment 4, and Leon Rotella, 24, of 83 Gage Street in Kingston. Police on Friday observed the three making an illegal narcotics transaction at the intersection of Flatbush and Foxhall avenues in the City of Kingston.

They were arrested on drug related charged and Rotella was charged for an outstanding warrant on criminal contempt in the first degree.

Police executed a search warrant at Bell and Munson’s residence and seized numerous diverted pharmaceuticals, digital scales and drug packaging."

This is a huge victory for Kingston, and proof that we really can make a difference!

Second Community Safe Walk Scheduled

On Tuesday, June 29, We'll be taking to the streets with our SECOND Community Safe Walk. Members of the KNW will be walking north of Broadway in Midtown: meeting at the firehouse on 17 Wiltwyck Avenue.

( map is here)
The goal of the walk is to illustrate the presence of a united Kingston Neighborhood Watch and to connect with community members .

A few reminders:

If you haven't already, please fill out the waiver of responsibility. ALL participants MUST have a waiver on file in order to walk.

• Wear your Watch T-shirts!
• T-Shirts available to purchase: $15 s-m-l-xl & $16 xxl
• Don’t forget your whistles, flashlights, camera and cell phones!
• Bring the Kids!
• Let’s have a great walk !
• Not just Feet! Bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades?
• Well manner leashed pets are welcome.
• Please help spread the word! Invite your friends and Neighbors,
• New members welcome!

Please come join us.

If there is anything that you think we should be aware of, please contact us, either in the comments or via any of the methods listed above. Stay safe, and keep watching!

Kingston Neighborhood Watch Update 6/6/10

The summer is starting to heat up, and we've got lots of events to keep us busy! Here are just a few of the upcoming events that the Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch will be involved with:

Kingston NY City-Wide Yardsale

This Saturday, June 12, Kingston will be holding its City-Wide Yard Sale. Sponsored by the Business Alliance of Kingston, the event was created to bring visitors to Kingston, and to raise awareness of our city. Residents can register with the Business Alliance as individuals, or they can sign up as blocks. Certain "anchor groups", such as the Hudson River Maritime Museum will be allowing the use of their space for residents who may not have adequate garage or yard space for the sale. The yard sale is scheduled to take place from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, and will be a great way for neighbors to interact, as well as to find some great deals!

Participant maps are available in .pdf format on the City-Wide Yardsale homepage, and can also be picked up at the following locations:Uptown

Uptown Visitor's Center -308 Clinton Ave.- 1-800-331-1518 or 845-331-9506
Dominick's Cafe - 34 North Front St. - 845-338-4554
Uptown Twist (Ice Cream store) - 275 Fair Street

Farmer's Market - Wall Street between North Front and John Street
Gabriels Cafe - 50 John Street - 338-7161
Ulster County Tourism Caboose - Washington Avenue off the Thruway

Midtown

Monkey Joe's - 478 Broadway - 845-331-4598
La Roma Pizza - 516 Broadway - 845-339-2761

Downtown

Mezzanine Antique Center - 79 Broadway
Hudson River Maritime Museum - 50 Rondout Landing
Donskoj & Company Gallery - 93 Broadway - 845-338-8473
Downtown Visitors' Center - 20 Broadway - 845-331-7517

Rondout Deli - 21 West Strand- 845-331-1118

Sunday Meeting: Wake up and Watch

The third meeting of the Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch is scheduled for Sunday, June 13 at 10:30am. We will be gathering at Academy Green (238 Clinton Avenue) for a potluck brunch and discussion. Items on the agenda include:

• ward and block stewards
• committee creation
• our next Community walk

All neighborhood watch members are encouraged to bring a food or drink item to share as well as two neighbors! It should be a lovely morning in the park. What better way to spend a Sunday than with your community?

Volunteers Needed for Midtown Make a Difference Day

On Saturday, June 19, the Everett Hodge Midtown Community Center will be hosting the fourth annual Midtown Make a Difference Day. The day will include workshops, entertainment, food and other exciting events. Events will happen inside the Hodge Center and on the street. The kick-off for the event will begin at City Hall’s Victory Garden . Community members will walk to the Center on Franklin Street where activities for the day will begin.

We are looking for a commitment of adult volunteers who would be willing to team with 1 or 2 teen volunteers to make up crews for specific tasks throughout the day. The job of the adults would be to act as a volunteer mentor to keep kids on task and committed to doing a good as well as serving to model what being a community volunteer involves. Future Neighborhood Watch members!

Some examples of tasks that need to be done:

Sign in vendors 8:30 to 11:00ish
Runners to help vendors set up tables EZ-ups etc. 8:30-11:00ish
Serve food 11:00 to 2:00ish
Registering attendees for food tickets 11:00 to 2:00ish
Preparing drinks and maintaining drink stations--throughout the day
trash patrol--throughout the day

Please understand that this is a HUGE thing for us to be involved with. If you are able to volunteer, even for just an hour or two, please let us know!

Kingston Neighborhood Watch Update 5/30/10

Here's hoping that everyone is having a relaxing (and safe) holiday weekend. We at the Watch have been working hard, spreading the message of community unity and safety.

The First Community Safe Walk

We kicked things off on Thursday, May 28 with the Community Safe Walk. It was amazing to see the sea of neon as the Watch members gathered in front of George Washington School . There was plenty of press coverage, with correspondents from the Freeman, Times-Herald Record, YNN and Mid-Hudson News walking with us. We also had the support of the Kingston Police Department and Ulster County Sheriff's Department.

The walk provided several opportunities for Watch members. We were able to interact with many members of the community, and spread awareness of the Kingston Neighborhood Watch. "What is this about?" was a common question as we walked up Henry Street, up Broadway, and down Franklin Street. Some of the Midtown residents took the opportunity to express concern about problems in their neighborhood. One man said that he was worried about the stop sign on the corner of Franklin and Pine Streets. He said that drivers often run the sign, and have narrowly missed hitting him and neighborhood children a number of times. As we walked by, we noticed that the sign was almost completely obscured by a tree. Immediately, the cell phone cameras came out, and the issue was submitted to SeeClickFix.

We were able to encourage community members to get involved with the Kingston Neighborhood Watch, and handed out flyers inviting them to our next meeting: a breakfast/brunch at Academy Green on June 13th.

While there were a few who turned their backs or drove by without a word, most people were extremely receptive to the presence of the Watch. I sensed that it seemed odd to some that there was this group of people walking down the street, stopping and talking to the neighbors. This definitely isn't something that happens ever y day...but perhaps it should happen more often.

The Community Safe Walk was somewhat of an eye-opener for some Watch members. Walking through Midtown allowed us to notice things that we may not have otherwise. In the midst of some dilapidated, condemned houses, there was a beautiful flower garden. We had the chance to talk to some of the neighborhood children...they rode of on their bikes blowing whistles that we had given them, and you could hear them blocks away.

For many, Midtown has an air of taboo about it. It isn't an area where many choose to go. On the walk, it was easy to see that Midtown really isn't so different from the rest of Kingston. The people who live there want to feel safe and secure. They take pride in their homes. They want good things for the community. No one actually wants crime in their neighborhood. It's time for the boundaries to come down. Kingston is our town. What happens in one neighborhood affects all of us. If we work together, we can take back this city and make it great again.

Kingston Memorial Day Parade

The Kingston Neighborhood Watch will be stepping out again tomorrow afternoon, in Kingston's annual Memorial Day parade. There will be a Memorial Day ceremony at 1pm at Kingston City Hall. Parade lineup is at the intersection of Andrew Street and Mary's Avenue. The Watch will be walking in the 3rd division. The parade will proceed up Broadway to Dietz Stadium. All are welcome to walk with us. We will be able to coordinate rides from Dietz Stadium for any members who need it.

Volunteers Needed!

Kingston's 5th Annual Midtown Make a Difference Day

On Jun e 19 , 2010, your Everette Hodge Mid-town Community Center and other community-based organizations will be coming together to sponsor the fifth annual Midtown Make A Difference Day.

The purpose of this day is to bring together people, businesses and agencies into Mid-town for a day of unity and collaboration. We are continuing to spread the message that positive and safe things do happen in Midtown. The theme for 2009 will be “Self, Family and Community: Feeding the Mind, Body and Spirit.”

On this day, Franklin Street will be blocked from Broadway to Prospect Street (adjacent to the Kingston Area Library). The day will include workshops, entertainment, food and other exciting events. Events will happen inside the Hodge Center and on the street.

If your community-based agency would like to be a part of this event, please contact us. We are asking each agency to provide your own table, chairs and if available, a pop-up tent. We look forward to your collaboration in making this a great day for the people of Mid-town and the overall City o f Kingston.
**** THE ROLE THE WATCH WILL PLAY*****

A commitment of adult volunteers who would be willing to team with 1 or 2 teen volunteers to make up crews for specific tasks throughout the day. The job of the adults would be to act as a volunteer mentor to keep kids on task and committed to doing a good as well as serving to model what being a community volunteer involves. Future Neighborhood Watch members!

Some examples of tasks that need to be done:

Sign in vendors 8:30 to 11:00ish
Runners to help vendors set up tables EZ-ups etc. 8:30-11:00ish
Serve food 11: 00 to 2:00ish
Registering attendees for food tickets 11:00 to 2:00ish
Preparing drinks and maintaining drink stations--throughout the day
trash patrol--throughout the day

Please understand that this is a HUGE thing for us to be involved with. We can't do it alone. An hour or two here and there would be of huge help! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.

Calendar

The Kingston Neighborhood Watch events as they are scheduled thus far:
Monday May 31: Kingston Memorial Day Parade (kickoff at 2pm)
Wednesday June 2: Nuisance Abatement Hearing for Elizabeth Manor (7pm at Kingston City Hall)
Saturday June 12: City-wide yard sale
Sunday June 13: 3rd meeting of the Kingston Neighborhood Watch (10:30am Academy Green)