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.