Pubdate: Mon, 21 Jul 2014
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2014 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Mitch MacDonald
Page: A1

RESIDENTS SHAKEN BY MURDER MEET CIVIC LEADERS

Mayor stays silent on meeting with residents of Brows Lane

Charlottetown residents left shocked by last week's murder have banded
together in wake of the tragedy to tackle the issues of drugs, safety
and security in the city.

Residents living close to the scene of last weekend's murder at 182
Brows Lane, as well as the mayor, two city councillors and at least
one MLA, met at an undisclosed location Sunday night to discuss the
incident.

However, exactly what was discussed in the closed meeting is still
unclear.

Mayor Clifford Lee remained tight-lipped after the meeting and said he
had been asked by residents not to comment on what was discussed.

"It wasn't my meeting and out of respect to the residents, that's my
comment," said Lee. "I'll be honest, I regularly meet with groups of
residents across the city. It was a meeting chaired by the residents."

While organizers also declined The Guardian's request to have a
reporter sit in on the meeting, it was clear the discussion was
spurred by last Friday's stabbing and that part of the conversation
addressed a drug problem in the city.

A 17-year-old Charlottetown woman is in the midst of a first-degree
murder trial after a 45-year-old man was stabbed to death last Friday.

The incident shook up members of the community, although multiple
sources told The Guardian that residents had previously raised issues
about the apartment where the stabbing took place to Charlottetown
police. City police did not have a representative at Sunday's meeting.

Coun. Melissa Hilton, who represents the ward, was not able to be
reached by The Guardian for a comment after the meeting.

Coun. Mitch Tweel, who has been vocal about the city's drug problem,
was also invited by organizers.

Tweel also did not want to give specifics about the meeting but did
point towards a drug problem and said it's an issue that's "consistent
across the city."

"There is a greater awareness now. Residents are saying enough is
enough we want our neighbourhoods back and ( for them to be) safe and
secure," said Tweel. "They pay big taxes and want that quality of life
they had a number of years ago. You're talking about the health and
vibrancy of neighbourhoods and communities, and they don't want it
compromised in any way, shape or form."

Tweel said the next step will likely be additional meetings, as well
as residents creating a plan of action to meet with various city officials.

"You've got to keep in mind the police department did a tremendous job
with Operation Clean Sweep, however, we're right back to where we
started," said Tweel, referencing a massive drug sting operation
carried out in January.

"Make no mistake, the community is not looking for words. They want
action."

Mayoral candidate Philip Brown had also attended the meeting and
credited residents for stepping up and taking action.

Brown said he felt the meeting could eventually lead to a
neighbourhood association being formed in the community.

"Hopefully it will develop into something long-term with results... I
fully support neighbourhood associations coming forward to keep
neighbourhoods safe and secure," said Brown, who suggested
Charlottetown adopt a policy similar to Halifax where start-up funds
are given to associations. "I was very proud to say that I was there
to see this neighborhood taking a big step forward."
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MAP posted-by: Matt