Pubdate: Fri, 29 Jun 2001
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Surrey Leader
Contact:  http://www.surreyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236
Author: Diana Bennett

GARBAGE IS ONE THING, NEEDLES ARE ANOTHER: RESIDENTS

Frustrated with central Surrey's prostitution scene, 200 residents took 
their troubles to council Tuesday night. They came away vented, with 
another meeting promised within the next 10 days.

"We don't look out our front doors and see green lawns," said group 
organizer Linda Tylor, holding two containers up for council. "Condoms, 
needles, this is what we see."

Council members listened for 30 minutes as residents wearing badges marked 
"Community in Action" described the condition of their neighbourhoods, the 
crime they witness every day, the impact it has on their lives, and the 
actions they want council to take.

"We want a community as safe as the one you live in," resident Stephanie 
DeRapp said to council members. "I cannot have my child play in my front 
yard for the woman who walks by with her injectable."

Green Timbers resident Howard Martin told council of the harassment 
children experience on their way to school. His son, while walking one 
block from home to Cindrich Elementary School, was invited into a 
stranger's car.

"What happens if all of the people like us leave?" Martin asked council. 
"It will mean further deterioration (of communities.)"

On her street, DeRapp says, four houses are for sale.

Linda Tylor read to council segments of a letter from a homeowner planning 
to sell.

"We are no longer safe. There is a danger to children. We live in fear of 
retaliation."

The group asked council to initiate short-term solutions immediately while 
continuing to work towards a long-term plan of action - a plan that 
includes amending bylaws and meetings involving all levels of government.

"We need increased policing around our hot spots," DeRapp said. "Public 
safety initiatives are not working. Adopt-a-street does not work in my 
neighbourhood. It's one thing to pick up garbage - it's another to pick up 
needles that may be infected."

The creation of "bubble zones" around schools and parks were among the 
group's demands - with RCMP patroling the areas.

Council promised that city staff would look into the concerns. McCallum 
suggested a committee of residents and local agencies meet monthly to 
devise solutions.

"I've made the commitment to meet within the next 10 days," he said. "There 
will be more commitments once we get a full report from our staff." The 
mayor also commented on the opposition that communities mount when shelters 
and facilities are proposed.

"It's an example of what we face, trying to establish a balance," McCallum 
said, referring to the negative reaction Newton residents have had to a 
70-bed facility proposed for their neighbourhood.

"It's not easy sitting up here."

Tylor says the group has reservations based on council's track record. 
"They held meetings a few years ago with concerned citizens and nothing 
came of that. If it's just getting together once a month and having a bitch 
session and nothing gets done ... that's not what we have in mind."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens