Pubdate: Thu, 19 Dec 2002
Source: American Press (LA)
Copyright: 2002 Shearman Corporation
Contact:  http://www.americanpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/926
Author: Warren Arceneaux, American Press
Bookmarks: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/drug+free+zones
http://www.mapinc.org/area/Lousiana

LCHA RESIDENTS WANT 'DRUG-FREE ZONES'

In an effort to rid their neighborhoods of drugs, residents of housing 
projects owned by the Lake Charles Housing Authority have asked that they 
be deemed Drug Free Zones.

The designation would mean people committing drug violations on the 
properties would face stiffer penalties.

The Lake Charles City Council passed a resolution asking the state 
Legislature to declare those neighborhoods Drug Free Zones at its regular 
meeting Wednesday.

"This was done at the request of residents who want to get drugs out of our 
neighborhoods," said Jackie Lewis, president of the LCHA resident advisory 
council.

"We wanted to do something positive that would let people know that we do 
not want any drugs in our communities," she said.

Ben Taylor, president of the LCHA board of commissioners, said he was glad 
residents took the initiative in getting the projects declared Drug Free Zones.

"It is fantastic that residents are the ones who brought this up, who asked 
that this program be implemented," Taylor said.

"They are sending a message that they do not want people bringing drugs 
into their communities."

The Legislature must pass legislation to declare LCHA properties Drug Free 
Zones. That legislation is currently being prepared.

In other news, the council purchased 12 four-door sedans for the patrol 
division of the Lake Charles Police Department and amended the 2002-2003 
fiscal year budget to appropriate $102,000 to replace radios used by the 
Ward 3 Marshal's Office. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake