Safety Report

Parties and Nuisance Houses

Among the challenges of the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood is the increasing number of houses that hold parties on a regular basis. This often results in vandalism in the neighborhood, along with potential situations for physical violence. If you are aware of these kinds of places and object to them, contact the neighbors and/or the landlords about creating a safe environment. Landlords need to know of problems in the neighborhood, especially if they do not live here.

A number of such parties occur on a regular basis on both East Gorham and East Johnson Streets. While it is by no means a hard-and-fast rule, dense and sometimes illegal parking is a sign of things to come. There are also packs of individuals who wander the neighborhood before, during and after the parties – they are not necessarily residents, but guests who do not respect the quality of this neighborhood. The partygoers have been known to destroy gardens, fences, and other property. At one house on Baldwin St., they ruined some children's toys that were stored on a lighted porch. This kind of behavior is unwelcome and verges on the criminal.

If you are throwing a party, consult the guidelines published by the Madison Police Department and available at its web site. If you see vandalism occurring report it at 255-2345 ‚And if you see threatening someone with physical life, call 911.

Destructive Driving

Late one night in the first week of October, a car drove into Burnie's Rock Shop at the corner of East Johnson and Paterson Streets. According to an employee, the driver was an underage, unlicensed driver, who was allegedly intoxicated, and the incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. The impact of the vehicle broke the wall on the side of the building and destroyed the detailed tiling that had adorned the structure for years. It is not known whether the driver was injured.

This incident underscores the problems that can occur with alcohol. At a different hour, the accident could have involved pedestrians and endangered

lives.

Positive Rewards Program Concluded

At the end of September 2001, the Positive Rewards Program ended. Through this program, we were able to reach 50 owners of vehicles that were driven safely in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood. Many drivers were from outside Madison, and this program helped convey a strong message them for their good behavior.

Funds for this program were awarded us by the Safe Neighborhood Coalition, for which we are grateful.

Salvatore Calomino and James L. Zychowicz

Return to October/November Newsletter