While business owners and residents say they've seen more cops lately, they also know that the police department is short on resources and the neighborhood can only get so much outside help. "People realize they cannot rely solely on the police," says Olivette Wade, program manager at the Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC), which is organizing the March 13 meeting.
The neighbors have plenty to talk about: On February 20, a 23-year-old man was shot and killed on Cherry Street at 26th Avenue.
On December 28, 2002, a 25-year-old was shot and killed at 22nd Avenue and East Cherry Street. And rumors are circulating that a prostitute's body was dumped behind a small 23rd Avenue South and South Dearborn Street grocery store a month ago, though police have no record of it. Meanwhile, on March 5, two armed men opened fire on four people inside a car at Ezell's Fried Chicken on 23rd Avenue and Jefferson--a block and half away from Cherry.
Adrienne Bailey, the COPC's director, says the meeting--at Garfield Community Center, in the heart of the neighborhood--will offer residents a chance to get organized and potentially pursue federal funding for neighborhood-based crime prevention programs.
"There are no officials coming; this is just for the community," Bailey explains. "People really need an opportunity to voice their fears."
While most neighbors are looking forward to the gathering, others are doubtful that another meeting will alleviate the violence. "It's been a hot spot for a while," points out Mulu Abate, manager of La Louisiana restaurant on East Cherry. "There's still a long way to go."
