Georgetown — During the day, East Bay Park is a tranquil, family-oriented place where kids play, runners work up a sweat and fishermen launch their boats.
But, after the sun goes down, it’s a place, at times, where drugs are sold, residents are sometimes attacked and other illegal actions occur.
Those are the complaints Georgetown City Councilman Paige Sawyer said he has been receiving from people who live in the East Bay Park area, which is why he has helped organize a special meeting to start to address the issue.
Sawyer said he has heard that speeding around the park is also a problem residents want looked into by police.
According to Georgetown police records, there were 22 reported crimes at East Bay Park in the year ending this past September.
The most repetitive crime was automobile break ins, followed by damage to property.
Other crimes reported include armed robbery, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct and possession of stolen property.
After hearing the concerns, Sawyer said he spoke with Police Chief Paul Gardner and they decided it would be best to set up a community meeting for residents to express their feelings.
Sawyer said most of the crime at East Bay Park takes place after dark in the summer, so he is hoping preventative steps will be in place before the return of summer.
“I am hoping there can be more of a police presence so we can make that area as safe as possible,” Sawyer said.
The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Georgetown Police Department on Highmarket Street.
By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com
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Posted by: Martin Alfonsi On: Sunday, November 29, 2009 11:13 AM
Comment Title: There HAVE been other neighborhood meetings.
The Georgetown Police Department held several meetings in local neighborhoods this past summer.
To say this is something that should be done elsewhere is disingenuous to say the least. Let's give everybody credit for trying to solve a problem.
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Posted by: On: Friday, November 27, 2009 4:51 PM
Comment Title:
They sell crack on G street. Why don't you do something about that?
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Posted by: On: Thursday, November 26, 2009 6:52 PM
Comment Title:
Paige, you are doing an outstanding job. That's why we voted you back in. If people spent as much time trying to solve the problems as they do on e-mail just to get their name in the paper,Georgetown would show a little progress.
You are one of the city officials who care about Georgetown.Keep up the good work. See you at the meeting.
Semper Fi
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Posted by: Weekender On: Thursday, November 26, 2009 9:48 AM
Comment Title:
Speeding and stop sign running are definitely a problem in the historic downtown. You can find a speeder almost anytime you look. Georgetown is not safe for children and can even be scary crossing the streets with all the stop sign runners. I yelled at a lady, as a pedestrian, during the Boat Show for running a stop sign near our house, she apologized and then went on to run the next one. I slammed on my brakes and honked at another last weekend. Only the police have the power to get these arrogant wreck-less drivers under control. But then again, will they? Do they really even care? Do they really want to help improve our town and make it safer?
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Posted by: On: Thursday, November 26, 2009 7:23 AM
Comment Title:
Paige can't seem to do anything about speeders on Highmarket, Prince, St James, etc., etc. However, doing what he is doing keeps his name in the paper. Reminds me of Obama and his meetings and summits to solve problems... NOT!! Paige is presenting himself as the savior ...
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 4:32 PM
Comment Title:
Is there anyone living in the area with a criminal past? When did all this start?
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Posted by: Jamie Sanderson On: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 12:20 PM
Comment Title:
With all due respect, Paige, there are other areas of the city that need such meetings - in the neighborhoods - to address these types of issues. There's no mention of planned meetings after the one in this story. I am hoping for such action in my neighborhood: Bayview. My family and I encounter speeders all the time, some of which don't bother to even stop at the stop sign.
The renovations at the park here are in jeopardy because people actually drive right up to the playground equipment and leave their cars there. I have called the city police twice for this.
I do hope that other meetings will be planned in the future, and that other council members will initiate the process.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:31 AM
Comment Title:
Why are you having this meeting at the Georgetown City Police Department? This is a neighborhood problem and should be held therein. Probably another one of Paige's stupid suggestions.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:16 AM
Comment Title:
Here it comes Georgetown. Big money taking over again. First we had to have a boat landing at maryville bridge then Parks & Rec. just bought 30 acres of land on 521. I wonder how long it will be before East Bay Park is taken away from the public so some Rich person can build condos on this prime property.Another landmark we need to protect not give away for development and our grandkids not be able to enjoy it. I understand the concerns but we need to protect East Bay park.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:10 AM
Comment Title:
Great leadership Councilman. Thanks
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