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Erie Neighborhood Watch Council
Membership Meeting Notes
September 28, 2011
Chair Tom Maggio announced the schedule for the Citizens Planning Academy.
Sessions will be held at Mercyhurst College Old Main starting Tuesday, October 4th
from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. There are plans to hold a second session in the spring.
The hearing for the adult charged with graffiti has been delayed to November 9th.
Council will write a letter to all D.J.’s informing them how graffiti seriously impacts our
neighborhoods and the summary charge should be seriously.
Speaker
District Justice Sue Mack talked about how a school absence becomes truancy.
There were over 700 filings with the DJ last year.
Wayne School has a pilot program which includes early ID, three days absence
notification instead of 30 days, educational referral, incentives, safe place, extreme is
when a parent allows child 20 or more truancy days. A paid staff person call parents
after 3 illegal days and referred to treatment, retention or a referral program. This has
cut truancy rates by half. The infinite campus program tracks students, referrals and
services. Kids also get incentives to improve their attendance record such as a school
assembly to recognize students and are given a trophy, gift card or family fun day. This
has increased Parent/Teacher Day by 12%. Homeless children are bused to school.
DJ Mack meets quarterly with other DJ’s across the state regarding truancy.
Information Sharing
Kahkwa Watch – Neighbors are currently recording suspicious activities at two homes.
SEEN – no current issues, thankfully.
Hammermill Hounds – Have not held meetings this year due to the lack of
participation. There are problems with two bars in the neighborhood and members are
watching and working with the nuisance bar task force.
Prospect Avenue Watch – Neighborhood has been quiet. Members are attending
meetings of the Buffalo Rd Watch.
Brickyard Watch – Experiencing tenant problems and the possibility of a paroled sexual
predator in the neighborhood. Contacting Meghan’s Law to get more details.
South Erie Hillside Watch – Neighbors held a reorganizational meeting on September
12th and are working with block captains before the next watch meetings.
Code Enforcement – Andy Zimmerman said the department is watching PA
municipalities to see how they are using the updated blighted housing law. He also said
that municipal funds have been reduced, therefore less housing demolition. On the
bright side, the landlord registration program is a success. The first program is near
completion, 1st cycle is egress, second cycle is interior and third cycle is exterior.
Glenwood Heights – The neighbors want to reorganize the group.
Gannon University – received a grant from DOJ for a program of sexual violence and
protection. The program will also be presented in high schools. A two day event will
beheld to celebrate the appointment of Keith Taylor as President of Gannon University.
Robbins Blass Watch – Held a picnic/National Night Out event which was attended by
approximately 200 neighbors. The event was sponsored by 35-40 businesses in the
area. Police and Fire were present including those on their day off. They are
partnering with their sister group South West Erie Watch.
Neighborhood Alert –Two men in a white truck looking for roofing work. Neighbor let the
man in to check down the basement while the other man entered the house.
Thankfully, the neighbor was safe and nothing was stolen. There have been similar
reports around town.
SW Erie Watch – Three teens went through yards and stole bikes. This is considered
a summary offense. Asked for input on how to handle difficult
people.
Buffalo Rd Watch – Sponsored a yard sale inviting individuals to rent a table to sell
their wares. This was a partnership between Henderson Church and the Watch.
Watch also distributed Erie School District school year schedule to businesses. They
were very grateful.
SE Erie Watch – Residents are learning how to record activities at a certain residence
and write a letter to notify the landlord of the problems, with a copy to Chief of Police,
District Justice and/or District Attorney.
Southwest Watch Dogs – Panera Bread and Breakfast Place have plans to open for
business on Peach Street. Because variances are needed, neighbors are in contact
with the zoning department.
District Attorney’s Office – Erie Alert Twitter has been growing. If interested in
participating in Erie Alert Twitter please contact Larry Dombrowski at ldombrowski@erie.
gov.org.
The meeting adjourned
Submitted by Heidi Miles Wertz
Erie Neighborhood Watch Council
Membership Meeting Notes
August 31, 2011
Heidi Miles chaired the meeting. The Council will reorganize the S.W. Hillside watch
group which is located from W 19th to W 26th, State to Chestnut.
Tom Maggio gave an update on the Erie Citizens Planning Academy which will be held
at Mercyhurst College this fall. More info to follow in a few weeks.
The Council met with staff and board members from the Zoning Department. They
addressed making some changes making zoning more transparent such as zoning
board notices, agendas and minutes. The Council will send you the monthly zoning
board agenda and minutes.
There is a preliminary hearing at D.J. Robie’s office end of August regarding persons
charged with graffiti. This is classified as a summary offense such as criminal mischief.
We need to make the District Justice’s aware about the impact it has on our
neighborhoods both financially and socially. Heidi will follow-up with more info at the
next meting.
Information Sharing
Buffalo Rd Watch – recently held a garage sale for all residents to participate. There
has been suspicious activity by youth in the neighborhood. Watch called 870-125 and
the respondent was uncooperative. Detective Rosenthal said to get the badge # of the
employee and make a complaint and use the direct connect phone to contact an officer
directly. National Night Out went very well and received good feedback. The watch is
also working with the Times News regarding abandon properties.
Burton-Diehl Assoc – Sisters of Mercy are working with Tom Fuhrman on the
McClelland park area. Neighbors recently held a picnic in the park.
South East Erie Watch – The group has been following up on their neighborhood
physical survey. It’s been a challenge but exciting. Recently, members learned how to
write a letter to a landlord, notifying him/her of issues regarding tenants or other
issues.
Vipers – The Vipers and East Side Eagles volunteered to work with the Methodist
Church providing free lunches and the YMCA who sponsored dinners. Three hundred
people participated in the National Night Out.
Greater Kahkwa Watch – They held their Annual Watch meeting at Harding School with
guest speakers from law enforcement and the District Attorney. Currently watching
suspicious activity at one house, calling police with info.
Garden Court Watch – There are rentals in transition in this area.
SEEN Watch – Neighborhood is great. No issues at this time.
S. W Erie Watch – Neighbors are reluctant to call police when seeing a suspicious
activity.
Peach Street Protectors – Bicycles have been stolen and cars broken into. National
Night Out went well with good music and kids activities.
Brickyard Watch – Looking for redevelopment of business district from 26th to 28th
Parade. Working with Gannon Small Business Administration to lobby Dollar Tree to
replace the now vacant Eckerd’s store. Neighbors held a National Night Out meeting
outside across from houses that bring problems to the neighborhood. Currently
reporting rentals Code Enforcement regarding the Landlord Registration Program.
West Side Saints – There have been bike thefts from a fenced locked area. Gannon
police 3rd shift patrol the area. Reoccurring graffiti at Pie In The Sky all summer and
has painted over many times. The Church at 9th & Cherry has closed and is for sale.
Snoops 13 – Summer has been pretty calm. National Night Out was attended by 250-
300 people. Detective Rosenthal said now that school is in session, curfew is at 10 p.m.
weekdays and midnight on weekends.
East Side Eagles – Boundaries are Wallace to Wayne, 7th to 11th streets. Officer
presence is greatly appreciated. The watch is leasing a vacant property for $1/yr from
the Redevelopment Authority. It will be used as a park.
Robbins Blass – They just had their Annual meeting where they elected new officers.
They are having a picnic/National Night Out on September 14th, with Chinese Auction,
Fire, Police and 911 Center. WJET Tom Atkins will be there to televise during the
weather report. Robbins Blass and S. W. Erie are sister watch groups.
Gannon University – Students are back. Changes include a new President, Dr.
Taylor and a new Chief of Police Ted Marnen. Gannon will soon hold a three day
ceremony.
One day will be on service to the community.
The meeting adjourned
Submitted by Heidi Miles Wertz
Membership Meeting Notes
September 28, 2011
Chair Tom Maggio announced the schedule for the Citizens Planning Academy.
Sessions will be held at Mercyhurst College Old Main starting Tuesday, October 4th
from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. There are plans to hold a second session in the spring.
The hearing for the adult charged with graffiti has been delayed to November 9th.
Council will write a letter to all D.J.’s informing them how graffiti seriously impacts our
neighborhoods and the summary charge should be seriously.
Speaker
District Justice Sue Mack talked about how a school absence becomes truancy.
There were over 700 filings with the DJ last year.
Wayne School has a pilot program which includes early ID, three days absence
notification instead of 30 days, educational referral, incentives, safe place, extreme is
when a parent allows child 20 or more truancy days. A paid staff person call parents
after 3 illegal days and referred to treatment, retention or a referral program. This has
cut truancy rates by half. The infinite campus program tracks students, referrals and
services. Kids also get incentives to improve their attendance record such as a school
assembly to recognize students and are given a trophy, gift card or family fun day. This
has increased Parent/Teacher Day by 12%. Homeless children are bused to school.
DJ Mack meets quarterly with other DJ’s across the state regarding truancy.
Information Sharing
Kahkwa Watch – Neighbors are currently recording suspicious activities at two homes.
SEEN – no current issues, thankfully.
Hammermill Hounds – Have not held meetings this year due to the lack of
participation. There are problems with two bars in the neighborhood and members are
watching and working with the nuisance bar task force.
Prospect Avenue Watch – Neighborhood has been quiet. Members are attending
meetings of the Buffalo Rd Watch.
Brickyard Watch – Experiencing tenant problems and the possibility of a paroled sexual
predator in the neighborhood. Contacting Meghan’s Law to get more details.
South Erie Hillside Watch – Neighbors held a reorganizational meeting on September
12th and are working with block captains before the next watch meetings.
Code Enforcement – Andy Zimmerman said the department is watching PA
municipalities to see how they are using the updated blighted housing law. He also said
that municipal funds have been reduced, therefore less housing demolition. On the
bright side, the landlord registration program is a success. The first program is near
completion, 1st cycle is egress, second cycle is interior and third cycle is exterior.
Glenwood Heights – The neighbors want to reorganize the group.
Gannon University – received a grant from DOJ for a program of sexual violence and
protection. The program will also be presented in high schools. A two day event will
beheld to celebrate the appointment of Keith Taylor as President of Gannon University.
Robbins Blass Watch – Held a picnic/National Night Out event which was attended by
approximately 200 neighbors. The event was sponsored by 35-40 businesses in the
area. Police and Fire were present including those on their day off. They are
partnering with their sister group South West Erie Watch.
Neighborhood Alert –Two men in a white truck looking for roofing work. Neighbor let the
man in to check down the basement while the other man entered the house.
Thankfully, the neighbor was safe and nothing was stolen. There have been similar
reports around town.
SW Erie Watch – Three teens went through yards and stole bikes. This is considered
a summary offense. Asked for input on how to handle difficult
people.
Buffalo Rd Watch – Sponsored a yard sale inviting individuals to rent a table to sell
their wares. This was a partnership between Henderson Church and the Watch.
Watch also distributed Erie School District school year schedule to businesses. They
were very grateful.
SE Erie Watch – Residents are learning how to record activities at a certain residence
and write a letter to notify the landlord of the problems, with a copy to Chief of Police,
District Justice and/or District Attorney.
Southwest Watch Dogs – Panera Bread and Breakfast Place have plans to open for
business on Peach Street. Because variances are needed, neighbors are in contact
with the zoning department.
District Attorney’s Office – Erie Alert Twitter has been growing. If interested in
participating in Erie Alert Twitter please contact Larry Dombrowski at ldombrowski@erie.
gov.org.
The meeting adjourned
Submitted by Heidi Miles Wertz
Erie Neighborhood Watch Council
Membership Meeting Notes
August 31, 2011
Heidi Miles chaired the meeting. The Council will reorganize the S.W. Hillside watch
group which is located from W 19th to W 26th, State to Chestnut.
Tom Maggio gave an update on the Erie Citizens Planning Academy which will be held
at Mercyhurst College this fall. More info to follow in a few weeks.
The Council met with staff and board members from the Zoning Department. They
addressed making some changes making zoning more transparent such as zoning
board notices, agendas and minutes. The Council will send you the monthly zoning
board agenda and minutes.
There is a preliminary hearing at D.J. Robie’s office end of August regarding persons
charged with graffiti. This is classified as a summary offense such as criminal mischief.
We need to make the District Justice’s aware about the impact it has on our
neighborhoods both financially and socially. Heidi will follow-up with more info at the
next meting.
Information Sharing
Buffalo Rd Watch – recently held a garage sale for all residents to participate. There
has been suspicious activity by youth in the neighborhood. Watch called 870-125 and
the respondent was uncooperative. Detective Rosenthal said to get the badge # of the
employee and make a complaint and use the direct connect phone to contact an officer
directly. National Night Out went very well and received good feedback. The watch is
also working with the Times News regarding abandon properties.
Burton-Diehl Assoc – Sisters of Mercy are working with Tom Fuhrman on the
McClelland park area. Neighbors recently held a picnic in the park.
South East Erie Watch – The group has been following up on their neighborhood
physical survey. It’s been a challenge but exciting. Recently, members learned how to
write a letter to a landlord, notifying him/her of issues regarding tenants or other
issues.
Vipers – The Vipers and East Side Eagles volunteered to work with the Methodist
Church providing free lunches and the YMCA who sponsored dinners. Three hundred
people participated in the National Night Out.
Greater Kahkwa Watch – They held their Annual Watch meeting at Harding School with
guest speakers from law enforcement and the District Attorney. Currently watching
suspicious activity at one house, calling police with info.
Garden Court Watch – There are rentals in transition in this area.
SEEN Watch – Neighborhood is great. No issues at this time.
S. W Erie Watch – Neighbors are reluctant to call police when seeing a suspicious
activity.
Peach Street Protectors – Bicycles have been stolen and cars broken into. National
Night Out went well with good music and kids activities.
Brickyard Watch – Looking for redevelopment of business district from 26th to 28th
Parade. Working with Gannon Small Business Administration to lobby Dollar Tree to
replace the now vacant Eckerd’s store. Neighbors held a National Night Out meeting
outside across from houses that bring problems to the neighborhood. Currently
reporting rentals Code Enforcement regarding the Landlord Registration Program.
West Side Saints – There have been bike thefts from a fenced locked area. Gannon
police 3rd shift patrol the area. Reoccurring graffiti at Pie In The Sky all summer and
has painted over many times. The Church at 9th & Cherry has closed and is for sale.
Snoops 13 – Summer has been pretty calm. National Night Out was attended by 250-
300 people. Detective Rosenthal said now that school is in session, curfew is at 10 p.m.
weekdays and midnight on weekends.
East Side Eagles – Boundaries are Wallace to Wayne, 7th to 11th streets. Officer
presence is greatly appreciated. The watch is leasing a vacant property for $1/yr from
the Redevelopment Authority. It will be used as a park.
Robbins Blass – They just had their Annual meeting where they elected new officers.
They are having a picnic/National Night Out on September 14th, with Chinese Auction,
Fire, Police and 911 Center. WJET Tom Atkins will be there to televise during the
weather report. Robbins Blass and S. W. Erie are sister watch groups.
Gannon University – Students are back. Changes include a new President, Dr.
Taylor and a new Chief of Police Ted Marnen. Gannon will soon hold a three day
ceremony.
One day will be on service to the community.
The meeting adjourned
Submitted by Heidi Miles Wertz