Updates

July 31, 2015 | Press Release

Nadeau Statement on Shootings in Park View - Office of Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau

“In addition to increased police presence, we are working to address long-term public safety issues in the area. In our public safety walk at Georgia and Lamont last week we heard from many residents who were concerned about loitering, drinking and drug use in the area. In my conversations with area businesses, they share residents’ concerns. Many of them are in the process of implementing measures recommended by MPD – cameras, no loitering signs, and barring notices to prohibit specific individuals from being near their property. In addition, MPD made several arrests related to drug use and public drinking in the last week.

“When I was an ANC, the Council attempted to pass anti-loitering laws. Unfortunately, there was no path for them, given the fact that the courts would strike them down. That said, MPD has the tools to address illegal activity such as drug use and public drinking without anti-loitering laws.

“The other partner in this is the Department of Behavioral Health, who is working with us to address chronic alcoholism. We’ve had them pass through recently to offer services, which can take longer to have an impact but ultimately is more successful than simply asking people to move along.

“In addition, the Neighborhood Development Company is leading a local task force on public safety focusing on the Georgia Ave and Lamont St block. This is a grassroots and collective approach for bringing together residents, businesses, property owners, and city representatives to help troubleshoot these issues and proactively improve neighborhood conditions. ANC Commissioners Bobby Holmes, Rashida Brown and Kent Boese have been active members of this task force. I am working in partnership with this group to coordinate on action steps from our recent public safety walk. I encourage you to join in that discussion. Please reach out to my office if you’d like more information.

“While we have made progress in the past couple weeks, last night’s shooting was a terrible thing, and I hope our sustained efforts can prevent more like it from happening.”

About Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau

In her many years of service to the community, Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1) has brought perspectives from a career that spans the non-profit, public and private sectors. She is committed to strengthening our schools, increasing affordable housing and promoting government transparency and the highest ethical standards. Prior to joining the Council, she was a strategic advisor to faith-based, Democratic and environmental non-profits, and is a former ANC. Follow her on Twitter @brianneknadeau or at Facebook.com/brianneknadeau.

# # #