Parkchester Residents Plan Second Rally for Improved Safety, Better Communication
Rallying for Safety and Transparency
Parkchester residents are planning a second rally on October 13 to demand improved safety measures and more involvement from management in the condos. The community has been frustrated by a lack of responsiveness and transparency from those in charge, and they hope the rally will generate a response from the authorities.
A Frightening Incident Sparks Action
The need for action was highlighted by a frightening incident in August, where a man entered a residential building and climbed into a 27-year-old woman’s apartment while she hid in the bathroom. The intruder was arrested, but the incident left the woman feeling unsafe and planning to move out. The incident was captured on a neighbor’s doorbell camera video and deeply rattled the community.
Residents’ Concerns Ignored
Despite repeated calls for action, residents say their requests for safety improvements have largely been ignored by the Parkchester police department, condo management, and boards of directors. Peter Hamilton, who informally runs the Parkchester Watch Group on Facebook, said the previous rally in September was well-attended but yielded no presence or response from community leadership. "We just want to improve the community. You’d think they’d be happy to have us," he said.
Residents Share Concerns
Xiomara Cruz, a long-time resident, expressed concern about the lack of communication and the need for more transparency. "Before, I took it for granted that I was safe behind closed doors. Only after the incident did I realize the door is hollow and quite easy to break," she said. She and her husband are now considering reinforcing their door with boards or metal panels.
Residents Want More than Just Words
While some residents are considering taking more drastic action, such as owning a gun, others like Cruz are advocating for more urgent action, including installing more lights, cameras, and increasing law enforcement engagement in the community. "I don’t feel as safe here as I used to," she said.
Community Demands Transparency and Action
Residents are not just demanding safety improvements but also transparency from those in charge. They want to know the budget, staffing, and priorities of the dedicated police department. Hamilton has requested these documents in April but has received no response.
Conclusion
The Parkchester community has come together to demand action on safety concerns and transparency. As the community continues to evolve with new developments, residents hope that their voices will be heard and their concerns addressed. Will the upcoming rally lead to positive change? Only time will tell.
FAQs
Q: What is the Parkchester Watch Group?
A: The Parkchester Watch Group is an informal community organization formed by Peter Hamilton, who is actively involved in advocating for the community’s concerns.
Q: What are the concerns of the Parkchester residents?
A: Residents are concerned about improved safety measures, including more lighting, cameras, and increased law enforcement engagement. They also demand more transparency from the authorities, including the budget, staffing, and priorities of the dedicated police department.
Q: What is the response of the authorities to the concerns of the residents?
A: So far, the response from the authorities has been lacking, with many residents feeling ignored or dismissed.
Q: What is the next step for the community?
A: The community is planning to rally again on October 13 to continue to push for change and action.
