02-19-09 Health and Public Safety Committee

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Health and Public Safety Committee February 19, 2009 Page 3 Council Member White noted that for the past several months the Health and Public Safety Committee have been studying five (5) quality of life ordinances to make sure that they make sense and that they are properly implemented. The overall goals is to work for a community where people can live, work, raise children and play. Karen Lisenko, Regional Property Manager for Northern Indiana for SGF Management, Inc. stated that she does not agree that Beacon Heights posses a threat to the community. She noted that there are social disruptions but that the negative perceptions are incorrect. Ms. Lisenko noted that most of the calls for service are domestic in nature, noting that years ago the actions were violent. Beacon Heights has 174 households located in a very small area. The apartments are 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom. Most of the heads of household are 25 years of age. She noted that Beacon Heights management meet regularly with Sgt. Lee Ross. Burglaries in the past have included many where doors were kicked in by irate boyfriends resulting in "forced entry". Beacon Heights provides. Section 8 housing to many low-income individuals and families. Council Member White noted that Beacon Heights is not an island and that the fear expressed is real. When crime or the perception of crime interferes with others, business may not want to invest in new development. Karen Lisenko, Regional Property Manager for Northern Indiana for SGF Management, Inc. further stated that SGF purchased Beacon Heights in 1981 and that they have been trying to do their fair share. SGF has installed all new windows throughout Beacon Heights; have made many cosmetic enhancements; have installed security cameras; meet with Crime Prevention; installed door armor to prevent kick-ins; and are open to work with others. They do have senior citizens living in Beacon Heights also. SGF also manages the Karl King Towers which has Section 8 housing available near by. The highest crime areas in the city are in the downtown, and not at Beacon Heights, as noted on a crime map developed by the SBPD showing various "hot spots". She stated that she is confused about the perception since their records show that calls for service of Part 1 crime have gone down and that SGF has made significant investment into their operations at Beacon Heights. Council Member White stated that when the Washington High School student was killed that concerns about Beacon Heights spiked. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., noted that the examples provided today are all located in the 2"d Councilmanic District which raises even more health and public safety concerns. At the community meetings, Beacon Heights is often brought up as a concern. He is hoping to "change the culture". Terri Weise, Property Manager of Beacon Heights stated that the door armor was tested by members of the SBPD before it was installed. It was researched and installed to