Children seeing people run from police through their backyard, waking up to the sound of a gunshots, watching drug deals.
These were some of the scenes described by West and Southwest Side residents as hundreds of them turned out Wednesday to voice their concerns about crime in their neighborhoods at a meeting with Madison Police Chief Noble Wray.
“Allied Drive is not the only problem on Madison ‘s West Side, ” said Suzanne Sarhan, who owns property there, prompting hundreds to rise to their feet in applause.
Ald. Thuy Pham-Remmele, 20th District, who set up the neighborhood listening session for Wray, said the safety problems need both short- and long-term solutions.
“I don ‘t ask for any quick fix, ” she said.
Lisa Subeck has more.
These areas of Madison have seen a dramatic increase in crime, gang activity…as has the rest of the City. It is a problem that is affecting all of us. Our neighborhoods are changing. The violent and disruptive behaviors of students in our schools is a reflection of this. The Police Department has been asking for help and speaking out about the increased gang activity. Their union supported Ray Allen in the Mayoral race. Hopefully, the Police Department and the Mayor’s Office can work together. I hear people say, so often, that Madison is turning into Milwaukee. It is beginning to look like it!