Dear Editor,
As we approach a significant milestone date here in Boystown/Lake View, we would like to share the following information with the community to recognize and thank all the persons involved in the hope of maintaining the momentum.
At a CAPS meeting on Aug. 7, 2013, after three months of citizens raising valid safety concerns, a dramatic and sustained improvement was implemented by the police department. We are very pleased to announce that after nearly a year the dramatic improvement has not only been sustained, but has also been bolstered and fine tuned like a well-oiled machine.
The safety we enjoy now on Halsted is the best we have seen in nine years, in our opinion. This was not accomplished by only one person or group of people, but by the co-ordination of many groups/persons working together to make this happen. Cooperation, mutual respect and communication are key; these are what make a neighborhood a real community and a great place to live safely. We would like to thank the following for their contributions to this achievement:
1 ) The Northalsted Merchants Association paid the cost of enhanced security who work with the police to keep us all safe. We have worked with Sean Kotwa, the vice president of the association, for many years and he has always shown concern for the neighborhood and public safety. We have heard the new president of the association, Ramesh Ariyanayakam, is doing a good job as well. Also, there are the other members of the security committee: David Sikora and Paul Cannella.
2 ) The Chicago Police Department, under the leadership of Commander Elias Voulgaris, has transformed the police department into a very responsive, "in touch" and efficient organization that works not only harder but smarter. He made decisions that may have been unpopular with some to properly add staff to midnights but his strong leadership has been instrumental in making our streets safe at night. Former Commander Kathleen Boehmer who also did a great job has stayed in touch with some of us and shown she cares about our district by doing drive throughs in the neighborhood even years after she was promoted out of our area. The results have been truly remarkable.
3 ) The bar/club owners/managers/staff have played their part by working with the previously mentioned organizations to stop crime by keeping watch and communicating with police/enhanced security when needed.
4 ) The enhanced security hired by The Northalsted Merchants Association is top-notch and highly professional/highly motivated. We cannot say enough good about them.
5 ) Ald. Tom Tunney and Ald. James Cappleman are to thanked for their efforts, especially for the addition of a special entertainment district unit and officers. This team dedicated to Halsted street has greatly increased police visibility.
As citizens/residents, we all have a role to play as well.
Also, when you see security and police, thank them for being here and get to know them.
Sincerely,
Ron G. Woods and Mark B.
Neighborhood watch and concerned citizens