Tuesday, December 21, 1999
Avondale vows to reclaim streets
More cops, security camera are pondered
BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Avondale business owners said Monday they are looking into installing a surveillance camera at Burnet and Rockdale avenues and hiring police to patrol the area as a deterrence to loitering and crime.
The meeting was called by the Community Public Safety Advocate Group in response to a shooting Saturday on Burnet Avenue in which at least two people were treated for gunshot wounds to their legs.
Nine business owners in the Burnet Avenue district pledged during Monday night's meeting to take back their streets from loiterers and drug dealers. Police officers at the meeting vowed to continue to support the business owners and step up patrols in the problem areas.
“The concern level has risen to the point where it's necessary now for us to take this street back,” said Tom Jones, chairman of the Community Public Safety Advocate Group, which fights crime, drugs and blight in Avondale.
“I think if we don't do this, it's going to cost us more money in the long run just complaining about it. Unless we do something to help alleviate the problem, we, in essence, become part of that problem,” Mr. Jones said.
Eula Hunter, 81, owner of King's Burnet Avenue Thrift Shop at 35031/2 Burnet Ave., said the crime is making her think about closing the business she has owned for more than 20 years.
“If my customers say that they are afraid to come in this area, then the business automatically dries up,” she said.
To demonstrate their united support, all of the business owners signed a form Monday giving police permission to go onto their properties and arrest people involved in illegal activities.
“They're going to see they're not working with one business owner any more,” Mr. Jones said. “They're working with an entire street of people who are coming after you.”
Lorna Thompson, owner of It's All Dat Hair Salon, urged the group to fight together against the loitering and drug-dealing.
She said she was afraid for her life when bullets came flying nearby her salon at 3480 Burnet Ave.
“I've been in the shop before and they came spraying bullets,” said Mrs. Thompson. “And me and my son had to literally get down on the ground and pray for God that the bullet didn't hit the window.
“That's wrong, especially when you've been in business for years and you're building a clientele — you don't really want that type of traffic,” she said.
Regarding Saturday's shooting, no arrest has been made.
Police said the two victims were among a group of men arguing near the intersection of Burnet and Forest avenues at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Then someone emerged from the side of the building at 3505 Burnet Ave. and fired at least eight shots from a 9mm gun, police said.
Police said a third suspect was probably injured, but that person's whereabouts are unknown.
When Cincinnati City Council installed a surveillance camera at Burnet and Northern avenues, business owners said, the crime moved elsewhere.
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