In this area, we have a real bad situation in terms of crime. Most of it can be attributed to the type of behavior that is caused when you have a proliferation of nightclubs, liquor stores, and motels in a small radius.
Here is a graphic of the nightclubs on and around South Lamar.
Here is a graphic of the liquor stores on and around South Lamar.
The green arrow represents a newly-proposed nightclub. In a one-block radius of the newly proposed club, there are five other existing clubs.
On South Lamar alone, in the DPD's 300 number patrol beats (SE division), there have been 236 crimes from January 1st - December 19th. They include:
13 aggravated assaults
15 assaults
33 burglaries
18 robberies
These are only the crimes committed on Lamar; this doesn't even include the side streets.
In terms of making policy, we as elected and appointed officials have to make sure that we take these types of things into account when we decide where to allow new clubs to exist. If we don't protect all citizens equally in all corners of the city, we are failing our constituents.
DPD is stretched to the hilt because the leeches of the community aren't being shut down and are allowed to flourish. People complain about DPD, but they're stuck at the clubs and bars that cause all of the problems. What Avi Adelman is writing about on Lower Greenville is happening in this area as well. The people in South Dallas just have less resources and less of a voice.
We are beyond doing sweeps on South Lamar; we need businesses shut down.
I don't pretend to have all of the answers. As someone who grew up in these types of environments, as someone that has had to deal with things like people getting robbed and killed in front of our family home, I know what I'm talking about. Too many of these types of places in the same area asks for trouble.
It's obvious that there are people that don't care where they put their businesses; it's up to us to help communities revitalize and reap the benefits of a better tomorrow.
5 comments:
I really enjoy reading your blog and am thankful you do the work that you do.
I lived on Lower Greenville for four years. The issues are similar, but people choose to live on Lower Greenville. South Dallas has so much potential for change, but the leadership is lacking. I think it will come from the grassroots level, and am willing to help wherever it's needed.
I'd like to see the DMN Editorial Board address this issue as part of their South Dallas project. Too bad they're busy pushing for the convention center hotel without noting the conflict of interest regarding the surrounding properties.
Michael, please tell me what can be done by the citizens of South Dallas to help push these business owners away. For a problem like this, I would not even know what to do to help. Any advice? Thanks.
@ camron's Mom:
The main thing is to keep your eyes open and stay vigilant. When you see a zoning sign, I encourage you to call the city and find out what's going on. Be vocal about what's going on in your community; come to any city meetings in your area to keep up with what's happening.
I also wish you would start posting on your blog again. Your voice is the type that's needed in South Dallas.
Feel free to e-mail me at any time.
Hey Michael, I do have several questions for you but I can not find an option to send you an email on your blog. My questions pertain to upcoming city council meetings and how to become more involved in the redevelopment of the Fair Park area. Please let me know if there is an email option on your blog that I do not see. Thanks!!
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