The victim in last Thursday's homicide in the alley behind the 600 block of N. Payne Street has now been identified by Alexandria police as Michael James Horton, 45, of Butler, Pennsylvania.
Lest anyone think he was in town to see the Air and Space Museum, check out this link which the Growler and others found while Googling his name. [Note to readers: overnight the U.S. Marshals removed the information about Mr. Horton from their Web site. Fortunately, the Growler had saved a copy of the PDF file and the link now downloads the document from www.parker-gray.com.]
Apparently Mr. Horton was wanted by a U.S. Marshals Task Force in Western Pennsylvania for a parole violation on a burglary charge, was described as "a known drug user" with "violent tendencies" and was considered "armed and dangerous."
Curiously, the press release says the autopsy determined the cause of death was homicide, but did not describe the means employed to kill Mr. Horton. Was he beaten to death, knifed, or shot? All that is mentioned is trauma to the upper body.
But the bigger question is what a sweetheart like this from Pennsylvania was doing in our neighborhood?
If Parker-Gray is a place where violent fugitives from other jurisdictions seemingly feel at home, is it time to rise up against City Hall's failed housing policies, its rigid imposition of an outmoded identity, and its ridiculous urban "planning" efforts and demand that this community receive the protections and consideration that other neighborhoods do by right?
80 comments:
I can only imagine the response of Senden and the Cameron Station HOA if Horton had been killed in their area.
Look at the response to the City when that man boarded himself in his house.
We are just second class citizens at this point. Not even a mention of what he was doing there or why he conveniently was killed right behind Pendleton Park.
"its rigid imposition of an outmoded identity,"
Our identity as Murder Central for Alexandria ought to do wonders for our image.
My guess is that as a fugitive from the law, he was hiding out in Parker Gray. But no one will want to say that in our City Council.
"But the bigger question is what a sweetheart like this from Pennsylvania was doing in our neighborhood?"
Maybe he wanted to see what the beer selection at the 7-11 was like....
So what do we do???
I can't tell you how many times I've emailed Council about ARHA, pleading for a more enlightened approach. I've met with Council members, cited studies on public housing, and described my experiences. Yet nothing changes. They voted for Bland - all of them!!!!
It's truly shocking how backwards the City's public housing policy is. Yet in the face of overwhelming evidence that it's not working (and, indeed, actively harming its citizens, schools, and economy), they persist. Why why why??? And what can we do, short of moving to Arlington? I voted against all the incumbents in the last election and told anyone who would listen that I was a single issue voter (public housing reform, public housing reform, public housing reform). I'm frustrated and angry. Help.
"I'm frustrated and angry. Help.
"
Move
Shop elsewhere.
hit back with your wallet. Thats about all they listen to anyways.
We are reaching dumping gound status when fugitives from the law randonly show up in our neighborhood and get murdered.
I don't know, I don't know if I agree with other posters that are looping this crime in with other crimes associated with ARHA. From the outset, this crime seems like a pretty random thing that could've happened anywhere. I'm not quite sure how people are making the leap and associating this with public housing. It is possible that this could be related to local drug dealing. But it also might not. Public housing cannot be blamed for every single thing that goes on in this neighborhood. Let's wait to hear more information before we jump to conclusions.
It's the height of tourist season. Tourists generally don't hang around and spend money in areas known for crime. I imagine a group of citizens peacefully demonstrating on the square (or near where the water taxi docks) about murders in the local area might get Council's attention.
I think there are two issues to consider here.
1) Mr. Horton "a known drug user" with "violent tendencies" was the victim ... which means there are bigger and meaner characters in our neighborhood. Scary since Horton sounded like a very large, mean guy, but no notice from the city.
Thanks again part time Mayor.
2) Why was Mr. Horton here? Did he feel safe hiding out around here? Or was he simply here because it's convenient to Metro; as our past out-of-town criminals have been dismissed?
I also ask:
We supposedly have local papers (three at last count) .... but the only coverage I see is in the washington post. Pathetic journalism.
Ok so this is kind of embarassing to admit since it is a block away from where I live but... this murder is fascinating. I am not fearful that the purp. is out for more blood (drug deal/mafia hit/theft who knows but it was likely not a random act of violence), and the background on how this person made it to PG has to be quite a story.
Also, I hope this does draw some light to problems we have here. I like our neighborhood, and I think it actually has an undefined charm that one does not find in any other community in Alexandria.
To put it in terms city hall understands the retarded pols of yesterday marketed Parker Gray as a well contained destination location for drugs, prostitution and crime. Concentrate it ignore it and they will come. Today people like Herb Cooper Levy, Stewart Swartz and John Komoroske lend their voices to the criminals' campaign. At what point do we expose Faroll Hamer for the analytical knucklehead that she is? I'll bet with careful analysis we could prove that within the last five years nearly half the murders that have occurred in Alexandria have happened here. My question is: how many city managers does it take to have a lightbulb moment?
Just read in the news that the City Council approved a massive development one block from the Eisenhower Ave metro, including two 22-story residential towers.
And are they seriously expecting me to believe that there is NOWHERE in the City to disperse public housing. Seriously? You're letting a developer put of two 22 story apartment buildings and there is NOT ONE public housing unit included there?
Seems to me that nobody in the City really wants to disperse public housing. It's all a buncha bullsh__t.
I see the link you provided with info on the perp has been disabled. Why would that be?
One must assume the link was removed because the fugitive is dead and therefore no longer on the wanted list.
However, check the link again. The Growler has uploaded a copy of the PDF with the information.
"And are they seriously expecting me to believe that there is NOWHERE in the City to disperse public housing."
Don't you get it? Council has long been engaged in a class war and we middle class whites previously those middle class blacks who remained are the subjects of their tug of war. When Bill Euille moved from public housing where did he go? When Melvin Mlller moved from the neighborhood in the 1970s where did he go? Where did Joyce Woodson live when she served on the ARHA Board? They're class conscious black snobs who hide behind the mantle of race. It's time to discuss a class action law suit.
"And are they seriously expecting me to believe that there is NOWHERE in the City to disperse public housing. Seriously? You're letting a developer put of two 22 story apartment buildings and there is NOT ONE public housing unit included there?"
Council is a bunch of spineless monkeys. Supposedly Euille opposes the opening of new 7-11s in Carlyle and on King Street but does he lift a finger to help those of us who live near Braddock. I had heard the Braddock SUP was going to be pulled from the consent calendar earlier this year for Council review but was it? Hell, no. Planning staff can't be bothered with real life or best practices. No we get consultant crap council crap and police crap over and over and over again. Has Officer Sprague been replaced or are we doing without a community police officer now?
"Council is a bunch of spineless monkeys - No we get consultant crap council crap and police crap over and over and over again."
Consultant crap for sure. The Braddock Road Small Area Plan is little more than consultant crap. What I want to know is which of the spineless monkeys shaped the Plan.
"My guess is that as a fugitive from the law, he was hiding out in Parker Gray. But no one will want to say that in our City Council."
Or the Alexandria Police! A lawsuit sounds better and better.
"We are reaching dumping gound status when fugitives from the law randonly show up in our neighborhood and get murdered."
Reaching? We've been there for quite a while.
Anyone see the article in the Post a couple days ago about Atlanta razing its last public housing complex? The head of their ARHA equivalent said all the things we've been saying on this blog for years.
Like concentration of poverty is destructive to the people it purports to help.
Alexandria's Mayor and Council are dealing with a public housing population that is microscopic by comparison. Way to go clowns.
"Or the Alexandria Police! A lawsuit sounds better and better."
A class action lawsuit? Really? Against whom? On what grounds? I know everyone's frustrated, but can we please make constructive suggestions?
Speaking of public housing, did anyone catch the article in the NYT about the public housing project Sonya Sotomayor came from? The gist of the article was that such places don't exist anymore. Basically said that the public housing complexes of old were capable of producing success stories such as Judge Sotomayor and Mayor Euille. The current ones are harmful festering grounds. Interesting stuff.
Here's a link to the NYT article:
http://tinyurl.com/l5z6hn
That NYT article makes for a good read. Interesting quote from Shirley Hightower the former president of the tenants’ association of one of the public housing projects being demolished
"You’ve had generations behind generations behind generations living in this public housing. This is not a time for celebration."
sounds like some of the "logic" our city leaders use while missing the extreme problem with what they are describing.
I also found a good interview with Renée L. Glover, the executive director of the Atlanta Housing Authority who led this decentralizing
http://tinyurl.com/m8d8jx
too bad we are stuck with Melvin Miller and Mayor Euille and their complete lack of vision.
"too bad we are stuck with Melvin Miller and Mayor Euille and their complete lack of vision."
Takea look at the new Affordable Housing Task Force report for their "vision"....its quite hilarious. now they want to apply Resolution 830 to what is termed "affordable" housing.
"I don't know, I don't know if I agree with other posters that are looping this crime in with other crimes associated with ARHA. From the outset, this crime seems like a pretty random thing that could've happened anywhere. I'm not quite sure how people are making the leap and associating this with public housing. "
In case you werent aware, Pendleton Park is Section 8 housing.
The Growler has never heard of any issue with Pendleton Park residents. However, the design of the building, with an open parking garage at the rear and a small pocket park between the building and the homes on N. West Street has long been a problem, especially when lighting fixtures in the garage were out of service.
Just like Adkins with its big interior court yards, boneheaded architectural design makes the problems worse by giving bad guys secluded places to operate from with impunity.
"A class action lawsuit? Really? Against whom? On what grounds? I know everyone's frustrated, but can we please make constructive suggestions?"
The city for concentrating crime, low income housing of a variety of types, and artificially restricting the quality of life for all involved. I don't think the blogger's suggestion is dumb.
just curious, but what happened to "and the public housing topic is now officially closed for the summer" seems like Ms Growler is fired up again ... and I for one am glad to see it.
"No we get consultant crap council crap and police crap over and over and over again. Has Officer Sprague been replaced or are we doing without a community police officer now?"
Good question. Anyone know the answer to this?
Readers here will undoubtedly be interested in an article in today's Gazette about yet another homicide in our neighborhood. Here's an excerpt:
"OVER AND OVER AGAIN, criminals are drawn to the area near the Braddock Road Metro station. Some say that a concentration of public-housing in the area is part of the problem, pointing to a 2005 murder that took place in the Andrew Adkins public-housing complex and a 2007 murder committed by a public-housing resident in Chatham Square. But Melvin Miller, who is chairman of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, said that he thinks some neighborhood residents have a tendency to overstate the relationship between crime and public housing.
“Some people see African-Americans standing on the corner and think that drugs are being sold, but that’s not true,” said Miller. “When I look at the police reports, I don’t see any indication crime is higher around public housing than anywhere else in the city.”
Seriously, is Miller out of his mind?? Are the police reports he looks at different from the ones I look at?? And who said anything about African Americans? It is SO-OOOO time for that man to go.
"Has Officer Sprague been replaced or are we doing without a community police officer now?"
If you would bother to join and/or show up for civic association meetings, you'd know the answer to this question.
I'm really tired of all the bitching. Get off your collective asses and join the freakin' ICCA, email Council, write a letter to the Gazette. Do something constructive besides bitch here.
" ... join the freakin' ICCA"
Yes, indeed. Our next meeting is Thursday, July 9 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street. The mayor, chief of police, and new Council members Kerry Donley, Frank Fannon and Alicia Hughes will all be there as well as our new community police officer Chris Stanton.
I missed the last meeting and I am a member, your comments about joining are wrong and rude.
Chris Stanton is the name of the new Community Officer. Thank you Growler, i look forward to the next meeting. I want to hear the Cities response to all this.
"'Some people see African-Americans standing on the corner and think that drugs are being sold, but that’s not true,' said Miller. 'When I look at the police reports, I don’t see any indication crime is higher around public housing than anywhere else in the city.'
Seriously, is Miller out of his mind?? And who said anything about African Americans?"
His response should tell you something. He equates public housing with race.
Public housing is all about segregation.
"Yes, indeed. Our next meeting is Thursday, July 9 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street. The mayor, chief of police, and new Council members Kerry Donley, Frank Fannon and Alicia Hughes will all be there as well as our new community police officer Chris Stanton."
Since the new Council members will be present, it would be great if we could get a BIG crowd at the meeting to demonstrate our seriousness. It would be nice to be taken as seriously as Del Ray. The more members (i.e. voters) who join ICCA, the more likely this is to happen.
"His response should tell you something. He equates public housing with race.
Public housing is all about segregation."
I was just going to point that out. The whole problem with public housing in this city is that its automatically associated with the issue of race.
One, that should tell you how crappy the city's anti-poverty progrma really is. And two, it should tell you that there is really never any hope for a solution to the problem of public housing in this City.
"“We’re asking for the public’s help to find out what he was doing in the area,” said Ashley Hilderbrant, who declined to explain the circumstances of his death. “Any information would be helpful to our detectives.”"
The public has answered; he was there because our area is a magnet for loitering by anyone who wants to loiter.
"The Growler has never heard of any issue with Pendleton Park residents. "
Here is a fact for the City to consider about that; Pendleton park is not owned by ARHA.
Here is a link to part 1 of the Gazette Packet article: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=330130&paper=59&cat=104
Once Again, Neighborhood Struggles with Murder
For many in the Parker Gray, news of another homicide was a familiar drill.
By Michael Lee Pope
Thursday, June 25, 2009
It’s a routine residents of the Parker Gray neighborhood have come to know too well. First, there’s a squadron of cruisers with flashing strobe lights. Then the yellow police tape goes up. Eventually a press release from city officials asking residents if they know any details of the crime. After family members have been notified, the victim is publicly identified. Then there’s the wait for results of the autopsy. In most cases, a suspect is arrested. Sometimes not.
Welcome to Parker Gray.
“It’s a problem,” admitted Melissa Luby, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1986. “Maybe we need more police coverage. It doesn’t seem to me that the community police here are as visible as they used to be.”
Whatever the reason, Parker Gray has become location of more murders than any other part of the city. Since 2005, nine of the 22 murders in Alexandria have taken place here. The latest happened last week, when a 45-year-old man from Pennsylvania was found lying in the 600 block of North Payne Street suffering from trauma to the upper body. Police officials refused to disclose the cause of death, although they identified the victim on Monday as Michael James Horton.
“We’re asking for the public’s help to find out what he was doing in the area,” said Ashley Hilderbrant, who declined to explain the circumstances of his death. “Any information would be helpful to our detectives.”
Horton was wanted by the United States Marshals Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force for possession of cocaine, burglary and violation of probation. A wanted poster issued by the Marshalls Service indicated Horton was considered “armed and dangerous,” describing him as an individual with “violent tendencies” who is a “known drug user.” Warrants were issued in September and December, and the task force began looking for him since February.
“Frankly we were a little surprised when we heard the news,” said Michael Bachman, supervisory deputy marshal on the task force. “We didn’t know he was down there.”
NEWS OF THE MURDER has rekindled long-simmering frustration among some residents that their neighborhood has become the city’s most violent enclave in the city. Meanwhile, prosecutors are gearing up for two murder trails next week involving a taxicab driver who was killed in the neighborhood earlier this year. Police officials say addressing crime in the neighborhood is a top priority, and they have already taken a number of measures to combat violent crime in the streets of Parker Gray. Police Chief David Baker said his department has stationed one community officer here as well as two residential officers. In recent years, he has also worked to use environmental design to reduce the opportunity for crime, such as increasing lighting and clearing shrubbery.
And part 2
“This is not an area of the city that’s targeted,” said Police Chief David Baker. “In some cases, people who have committed crimes in this neighborhood have indicated to us that they come back because they have legitimate family or friendship connections to this part of the city that go way back.” Many neighborhood residents applaud the work of police officials, who have implemented a Strategic Response System to use data analysis in deployment decisions. For some residents of the area, the challenges presented by violent crime in Parker Gray are more about the city’s planning policy than policing strategy.
“I believe that with all the enormous changes that have happened in our neighborhood in the last 20 or 30 years, the one constant besides crime is the presence of concentrated low-income housing,” said Leslie Zupan, president of the Inner City Civic Association. “In my opinion, that may serve as a magnet for criminal activity.” OVER AND OVER AGAIN, criminals are drawn to the area near the Braddock Road Metro station. Some say that a concentration of public-housing in the area is part of the problem, pointing to a 2005 murder that took place in the Andrew Adkins public-housing complex and a 2007 murder committed by a public-housing resident in Chatham Square. But Melvin Miller, who is chairman of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, said that he thinks some neighborhood residents have a tendency to overstate the relationship between crime and public housing.“Some people see African-Americans standing on the corner and think that drugs are being sold, but that’s not true,” said Miller. “When I look at the police reports, I don’t see any indication crime is higher around public housing than anywhere else in the city.”Decisions made in the middle decades of the 20th century concentrated a number of public-housing sites in the neighborhood, including the 15-unit Ramsay Home built in 1942, the 66-unit Samuel Madden development built in 1945, the 194-unit James Bland development built in 1959 and the 90-unit Andrew Adkins development built in 1968. Some neighborhood residents see the area’s history of racial segregation and public-housing concentration as factors that have created a complicated set of demographic challenges.
“This neighborhood is burdened with the naivete of social engineering,” said Sarah Becker, who has lived in Parker Gray since 1987. “Until the city comes up with a new brand for this neighborhood, the kinds of crime we’ve seen here will keep happening.” After news of the most recent murder in the neighborhood broke, Mayor Bill Euille requested that the city manager brief City Council members on crime in the neighborhood. Although he said he wanted to learn more about the data before commending on whether the area needed more community policing or different planning policy. “Crimes are going to happen, but why they are happening in this neighborhood is a good question,” said Euille. “I don’t want to prejudge or conclude anything until all the facts are in.”
"Readers here will undoubtedly be interested in an article in today's Gazette about yet another homicide in our neighborhood. Here's an excerpt: "
Why is it that Michael Lee Pope is the only jounralist who seems to get it enough to write unbiased stories about our neighborhood.
Carla Branch is a joke. Where are you Carla?
"“Some people see African-Americans standing on the corner and think that drugs are being sold, but that’s not true,” said Miller. “When I look at the police reports, I don’t see any indication crime is higher around public housing than anywhere else in the city.”"
Its funny thats not what the officers who work in the area say. They say public housing is a direct cause for the increased crime rate in our area.
"“Some people see African-Americans standing on the corner and think that drugs are being sold, but that’s not true,” said Miller. “When I look at the police reports, I don’t see any indication crime is higher around public housing than anywhere else in the city.”"
If public housing has no effect on the amount of crime in the area, then why is the police presence around the public housing projects so high?
Sometimes I think Miller doesnt quite get that his statements really dont equate with reality anymore.
Melvin Miller's statement about crime and public housing is not true. All anyone needs to do is get the crime statistics (also referred to as FACTS) and that will tell you the real story. There is a shocking correlation.
"“When I look at the police reports, I don’t see any indication crime is higher around public housing than anywhere else in the city.”"
So why do officers tell the local associations differently Mr. Miller? Why do they say public housing concentration is the problem?
And Councilman Gaines thinks Mr. Miller is competent enough to serve another term as chairman?
Could someone provide a history of the Pendleton Park Apartments? Who runs it? It seems to work out better than the ARHA properties. It's pretty quiet and uneventful and I've met many of the residents. Do they have to pay more rent than the ARHA residents do? I am wondering if its apparent success is because the building owner commands more respect than a city government agency. Have there been plans to redevelop it?
I really wish, however, that something could be done about the under-building parking. It's just a magnet for bad things to happen. And the parking is not needed. At any one time, there is at most 2 cars in there. And the side parking lot is never full. It'd be nice if they could just wall it in.
"“Some people see African-Americans standing on the corner and think that drugs are being sold, but that’s not true,” said Miller. “When I look at the police reports, I don’t see any indication crime is higher around public housing than anywhere else in the city.”"
The reason Miller would say something like that is that to indict public housing as a factor in crime in Parker Gray is really to indict his agency and their gross mismanagement and incompetence.
Who allows people to loiter at will on their properties?
I personally am getting really tired of seeing projects start -- and some even finish -- before any projects in our neighborhood even break ground. Specifically in Carlyle and Pentagon City. I know Payne St Apts is supposedely right around the corner, but I'll believe it when I see it.
And it adds insult to injury knowing that these projects did not have to include any public housing. Meanwhile, we get Bland.
Theresa Johnson is the Property Manager of Pendleton Park Apartments. A board of directors from a church (who own the building) actually make most of the decisions. There are telephone numbers for maintenance around the building, calling them can get you in touch with her.
Earlier I wrote on Mr. Miller's comments which I don't see, (rightfully so, I was extremely angry). However, other posters were able to make the point I was trying to get at.
If you look at Crime Reports and put in all offenses, I think it's obvious that Mr. Miller is not reading the right police reports.
Plus, if crime is the same in ARHA as anywhere else in the city, why the need for all the community officers in their properties?
South Del Ray doesn't have community officers nor does Park Fairfax.
DTJ
"For some residents of the area, the challenges presented by violent crime in Parker Gray are more about the city’s planning policy than policing strategy."
Here here!!!
"Many neighborhood residents applaud the work of police officials, who have implemented a Strategic Response System to use data analysis in deployment decisions."
Sometimes I wonder if this is truly working. When the second community officer wasn't replaced, this system was explained to us as the alternative.
I can't wait until July 9th, please put this date on your calenders. We need a huge turnout, especially since the new council members will be in attendance.
"If you would bother to join and/or show up for civic association meetings, you'd know the answer to this question."
EEXXCCUUSSEE me for living and hopefully not near you. Officer Stanton did not attend last month's civic association meeting so how the hell was I supposed to know his particulars. The ICCA is not the neighborhood end all be all.
"Could someone provide a history of the Pendleton Park Apartments? Who runs it? It seems to work out better than the ARHA properties. It's pretty quiet and uneventful and I've met many of the residents. Do they have to pay more rent than the ARHA residents do?"
I'm wondering if this is the key. My understanding is that ARHA residents pay a percentage of their income towards rent. And if that have no income, they pay nothing. And unlike the new welfare rules, there is no time limit or rule that if you've lost your job, you must be actively looking.
Is this system really helping people and their children? Shouldn't a child see his or her parent contributing to society in some way, not just sucking from it? This system also encourages those of us who pay for it to be resentful. I think the time has come to change this system.
"The ICCA is not the neighborhood end all be all."
Be that as it may, it is the only way we can collectively influence the City so please show up and participate. And if you don't like ICCA, then start a new civic association. In otherwise, quit your whining and do something constructive.
"Who allows people to loiter at will on their properties?"
At the Spa Court, and at Hunter-Miller Park there are multiple "No Loitering" signs, but zero enforcement. The city seems unwilling to crack down on loitering, presumably due to free-speech or freedom of assembly concerns. Based on my observations there they could discourage this activity by citing people for littering, public urinating, or public drinking. There seems to be a very high correlation between loitering and these other illegal activities. While I have seen drug activity on this block it does seem to be conducted by a small percentage of the loiterers.
Discouraging loitering and these other nuisance crimes might help send a message to the criminal element from other areas that this neighborhood is not a good destination for them.
Yesterday when I was out with my kids I saw a uniformed police officer on a bicycle patrolling the south end of Parker Gray. He wasn't just riding the streets, he was cutting through the alleys and vacant lots. That was nice to see.
Thanks APD!
""Who allows people to loiter at will on their properties?"":
Have you ever driven up Fayette at 2 AM in the morning, down Madison late at night, etc...
Its not hard to figure out the "who"
"Carla Branch is a joke. Where are you Carla?"
Carla? Shes too busy doing the bidding of Kellom in the organized Hughes ripjob to worry about murders in Parker Gray.
Apparently its not important enough for her website to report on real news, just to do the bidding of the local Democratic Party.
"I saw a uniformed police officer on a bicycle patrolling the south end of Parker Gray. He wasn't just riding the streets, he was cutting through the alleys and vacant lots. That was nice to see."
Maybe you saw our new community police officer. Not long ago he parked his car beside my house took his bike off the car rack and pedalled off.
From crime reports.com
Looks like we are having a crime wave again. Has anyone else seen this?
ASSAULT
25 Jun 2009
600 BLOCK N PATRICK ST
Distance: 0.78 miles
Identifier: 109127713-1
Time: 0652
Assault Offenses
Arrest
Assault occurred between two or more people who had a prior relationship or were known to each other. Note: The placement of this icon shows the general location of where a crime occurred (100 block) and not the exact location.
ROBBERY
24 Jun 2009
300 BLOCK N WASHINGTON ST
Distance: 0.58 miles
Identifier: 109127694-1
Time: 2336
Robbery
Pending
Unknown suspect robbed the victim at gunpoint. Description unknown race with scarf over his face. Note: The placement of this icon shows the general location of where a crime occurred (100 block) and not the exact location.
ROBBERY
26 Jun 2009
1200 BLOCK WYTHE ST
Distance: 0.87 miles
Identifier: 109127912-1
Time: 0145
Robbery
Pending
Unknown suspect robbed victim at knife point. Victim had been drinking heavily prior to this. Note: The placement of this icon shows the general location of where a crime occurred (100 block) and not the exact location."
26 Jun 2009
300 BLOCK N WEST ST
Distance: 0.61 miles
Identifier: 109127919-1
Time: 0408
Robbery
Open
Why isn't there any information on this one?
Yeah, this is just like what we always dreamed about. A nice walkable community where you can push your toddlers along and enjoy the scenery. Thanks Planning Staff, this is every bit of what you promised.
"I'm really tired of all the bitching. Get off your collective asses and join the freakin' ICCA, email Council, write a letter to the Gazette. Do something constructive besides bitch here."
I understand how this blogger feels, but I don't concur with his/her statement about not being able to complain about community problems that aren't being resolved.
I just read the last post from crime reports.com. Then I went to the site and did some searching. WOW. Lots of information there.
Growler, could you please add the crime report website as a link on this blog at the very top of the list? Or is there a way that we can have a constant, yet separate posting just for crimes that have happened in and around our neighborhood?
I ask because some people say that all we do is complain, but when you have data, aka... FACTS, all in one place, describing crimes in our neighborhood, for all to see, it shows people, "Hey, there is a reason for our complaints."
As an ICCA member I think that this blog and the information contained in it has helped our community in so many different ways. Alexandria Times mentioned it in their editorial on the North Payne Street homicide. So you can't really tell me that this site is not going unnoticed and only appeals to anonymous complainers.
Lastly, as someone else state PLEASE put July 9th on your calender and attend the ICCA meeting. You don't have to be a member, just come and show the new council members that we are united and upset about the crime in our neighborhood.
TAD
"Yeah, this is just like what we always dreamed about. A nice walkable community where you can push your toddlers along and enjoy the scenery. Thanks Planning Staff, this is every bit of what you promised."
I definitely think it is time for planning staff to be called to account but how. The Mayor buys both Hamer's and Miller's low income crap. Until certain population concentrations are dispersed, boozeries are either closed or the availability limited, and drugs harder to secure we're living yesterday not today and definitely not this homeowner's dream for tomorrow.
“Crimes are going to happen, but why they are happening in this neighborhood is a good question,” said Euille. “I don’t want to prejudge or conclude anything until all the facts are in.”
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Perhaps the mayor should pay a consultant to answer the "why they are happening in this neighborhood" question.
Is there a website for the ICCA? I am aware of the OTCA site but couldn't find anything for the ICCA.
"Is there a website for the ICCA? I am aware of the OTCA site but couldn't find anything for the ICCA."
Yes - that would be great. We need a place online where we can get info as to meeting times, place, and meeting agenda.
"We need a place online where we can get info as to meeting times, place, and meeting agenda."
Meeting fliers are delivered monthly to households within the ICCA boundaries and the Growler posted notice of the July meeting on her blog. Pay attention and otherwise give the vols a flippin' break!
"Yes, indeed. Our next meeting is Thursday, July 9 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street. The mayor, chief of police, and new Council members Kerry Donley, Frank Fannon and Alicia Hughes will all be there as well as our new community police officer Chris Stanton."
You asked, the answer already has been posted.
"Meeting fliers are delivered monthly to households within the ICCA boundaries and the Growler posted notice of the July meeting on her blog"
I live within the ICCA boundaries and have never once received a flyer. Please make a website. Flyers apparently don't always get delivered. And when they do, they get lost. A website would be very helpful.
"Meeting fliers are delivered monthly to households within the ICCA boundaries"
Email notification of meetings is also sent out to ICCA members.... another good reason to actually join the ICCA.
"Email notification of meetings is also sent out to ICCA members.... another good reason to actually join the ICCA."
That's wonderful.... but how do you join? Hence the question and requests for a website. Unfortunately some of us aren't available to attend all the meetings. Obviously relying on a flyer to be delivered won't always work.
Quite honestly if the attitude of some of you who are commenting on here are indicative of the ICCA as a whole maybe I shouldn't bother trying to get involved.
It's 2009. Websites aren't hard to come by or maintain. A Google Group, for example, could be set up and ready in under 10 minutes.
For those that have been helpful, thank you.
Dare I ask if I can get on an email list for the ICCA?
Doug -- Send an E-mail to the Growler and you will be placed on the ICCA mailing list.
In the past two years, ICCA officers and volunteers have personally distributed some 12,000 meeting flyers covering about 1,000households. (We also did a special flyer for a James Bland design meeting last year that covered all of the residences near the project.) Many participants tell us they showed up because of the flyers, so people are receiving them.
In these two years, the ICCA officers and members have testified at innumerable Council and Planning Commission meetings, attended meetings of City commissions and boards, written letters to the press, met with Council and the Mayor, organized petitions and neighborhood walk-throughs and organized a well-attended grand opening for the Hunter-Miller Park. Oh, we also put out a bimonthly electronic newsletter. A Web site is in the works.
Hi folks, the Growler's blog is a useful tool to vent frustration, but you are all right... the ICCA is in desperate need of a website to provide critical information to the neighborhood. The good news is that we're working on it. In the interim, please come to the ICCA meeting on Thursday, July 9 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street. The murder, recent crime spate, and what we can do about it are all on the agenda.
All are welcome and though debates can become heated, they are seldom venomous (honesty in advertising). We are all neighbors and typically treat each other with much more respect and compassion in person than anonymously over the blog. I implore you all to come and watch the dynamic between residents, City staff, elected officials, local businesses and developers at the meeting. The more of you who attend and join... the stronger and more forceful the community voice becomes. Please feel free to contact me or anyone else on the ICCA Board if you have questions or input. We're working hard and can use your help.
Collin Lee, ICCA 2nd VP
rcollinlee@gmail.com
"Growler, could you please add the crime report website as a link on this blog at the very top of the list? Or is there a way that we can have a constant, yet separate posting just for crimes that have happened in and around our neighborhood? "
I like this idea, would you be willing to do this Growler?
The robbery and assault are at ARHA projects; 600 Patrick is Ramsey anmd 1200 Wythe is Adkins.
I guess Melvin Miller didnt see these though.
"Yesterday when I was out with my kids I saw a uniformed police officer on a bicycle patrolling the south end of Parker Gray. He wasn't just riding the streets, he was cutting through the alleys and vacant lots. That was nice to see.
"
There have a been a ton of bike cops out so far this summer. Thats why the Horton murder is such a shock; the police presence in Adkins and Bland is palpable. They even use bike cops at 7-11 now to relieve the sheriff.
"Perhaps the mayor should pay a consultant to answer the "why they are happening in this neighborhood" question."
He wouldnt like the answer, trust me.
In the end, he cant demand the City Manager or Police explain why, he needs to come here on the ground and see it for himself.
Dear Growler readers:
I haven't read all the submissions but I did read the Gazette article this morning and my blood nearly boiled. I wrote a letter to the editor this morning that I shared with the Growler. The Gazette article was extremely problematic, but consistent with their public housing coverage of the past 5 years and likely beyond. Its never failed public policy but always race that seems to come to the forefront.
We voted with our feet by leaving Parker Gray this past summer, but I haven't stopped paying attention.
Melvin Miller and the Mayor should be ashamed, however neither has the good sense to be on the side of righteousness on this one. Concentated public housing has got to go! Resolution 830 has got to go. My fear is that it will take someone innocent bystander happening upon a murder while walking home from the metro to get anything to change.
Unfortunately I place no faith in our elected or appointed "leaders" they would rather focus on old politics rather than peoples present reality.
Gerri Madrid-Davis
Thanks Growler. I will email you shortly.
Thanks Collin for your response.
Gerri - thanks so much for not abandoning us!!!!!!!!!!!
FYI: The Alexandria Times says Horton was stabbed
The updated Alex Times article: http://www.alextimes.com/news/2009/jun/26/fugitive-killed-in-old-town/
"My fear is that it will take someone innocent bystander happening upon a murder while walking home from the metro to get anything to change."
Gerri - I share your frustration. But part of me wonders if even if there were a murder of an innocent, if anything would change. Melvin Miller can't even admit that crime is higher in the projects than it is in the SE Quadrant!! I am about to follow you out of PG because I am at the point that I don't things will ever change. My only hope is that the new council members we voted in can do something. But Alicia hughes is obviously not off to a good start on any front...
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