The first step to solving a problem is to acknowledge the problem exists. Anyone venturing into the North Shore area after dark has long noted a) the absence of visible police presence and b) the obvious presence of a clearly bad element huddled in gangs in the shadows around and below Walnut Street Bridge and hanging out in Coolidge Park.

We know personally of hostile confrontations and at least one mugging occurring at Frazier and the Bridge after a church youth group gathering in the early evening. Anyone with teens knows that Coolidge Park is a place to avoid after dark.

Just recently the mayor's office was considering options to deal with the problems in the area -including shutting down the park after dark. What has changed in this short time? Nothing has - except now, somehow, the area is declared "the safest part of town in every category." If so, I really worry about other parts of town.

Basing one's opinion on the safety of an area solely by asking the police what the stats are simply misses the point.

People do not feel safe in this area after dark and do not see a visible police presence in ANY form after dark - unless an incident occurs. The recent proposal for "survellience technology" i.e. cameras, without the commitment of people to moniter these seems pointless and wasteful as well. Too much investment has been made in this area to simply "give it up" to criminal elements after dark.

As our councilperson, (Ms. Robinson) you should be leading the call for more police human resources "walking the beat" after hours with a deterrent mindset and not a reactive one (i.e. call us if you need us). Don't tell us there isn't a problem when we all know there is, and don't rely solely on what the department responsible for our safety tells you. Walk down there yourself, alone, after dark, and see for yourself.

When citizens and tourists can get a coffee or ice cream after dark and stroll, without fear, in the North Shore area, the problem is effectively being dealt with - no sooner.

C.G. Cherry
WOODHILLGP@aol.com

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I have seen the undesirable addicts and predators moping around the North Shore at all hours of the night. Hasn't there already been a riot there a few months back.

Continue to pop it to the thugs, thieves and addicts Judge Moon. That is what our tax money pays your salary for, justice and protection.

We have too many soft souls wearing a black robe in this county and in this county. My tax money helped to build Coolidge Park and sustain the Walnut Street Bridge.

Our mayor, commission and police chief are only as good as the citizens are safe. I am surprised at the silence of the merchants on the North Shore and the Chamber of Commerce. Now is the time to let our elected officials know what we expect and more importantly, what we as taxpaying citizens deserve.

J. Oliver
joliver35@bellsouth.net