02-19-09 Health and Public Safety Committee

Home Browse Search

Health and Public Safety Committee February 19, 2009 Page 4 reduce damage and the negative perceptions. Most of the calls for service are not random acts but rather repeat calls to the same locations. She noted that the average residents lives at Beacon Heights for three (3) years, but they do have residents that have lived their for twenty (20) years. Karen Lisenko, Regional Property Manager for Northern Indiana for SGF Management, Inc. stated that SGF is attempting to provide quality housing for the less fortunate and low- income individual(s). She stated that the negative perceptions discussed today she does not believe are shared by members of the SBPD with whom they have met. Council Member White stated that she would like to work to see how all parties can work together better. Sgt. Ronald E. Kaszas stated that he has provided security for Beacon Heights for the past nine (9) years and is also a member of the SBPD. He noted that since the door armor has been installed that the complex that it is not as easy to kick in doors any more. He noted that he works closely with Terri Weise, Property Manager of Beacon Heights. Many of the residents at Beacon Heights are younger women with young children, and that men are fighting over the women. They work with Crime Prevention and that they have made progress. They are working currently to install more cameras in the back part of the complex. He calls in every thing, and many are repeat calls. Part 1 crimes are down to 21. Council Member Rouse suggested that Beacon Heights should brag more about the progress they have made, and took exception to the remarks about the SBPD and whether they share the negative perceptions about Beacon Heights. James Burns stated that he has provided security for Beacon Heights for seven (7) years, and is also a member of the SBPD. He stated that he believes that a lot of the current residents and former residents believe that Beacon Heights is moving in the right direction, especially with the upgrades which have been implemented by SGF. He suggested that the city look into programs which they can bring to the residents and meet with them. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., stated that he would work on seeing what programs can be brought to the residents. Jeff Vitton of Community and Economic Development stated that Beacon Heights has been repeatedly brought up during meetings historically. He sees no reason on why they cannot work in keeping management apprised of programs and neighborhood meetings so that misperceptions and perceptions can be changed.