She said the problems seem to be centered in at least two areas: The intersection of Pleasant and Belle avenues, and a community of homeless people living in blue tents across the railroad tracks from the street where she lives, Tiffin Avenue.
“They’re coming into our neighborhood, and they’re meeting up with people on corners, and making exchanges, and then going back over across the tracks,” Lockwood said.
Lockwood was the third person in recent months to complain to council about drug problems in their immediate areas. The other two were from the Prospect Hill and Armondale neighborhoods, both on Hamilton’s West Side.
“There’s prostitutes walking up and down Belle Avenue,” Lockwood said. “I have friends that live at Belle Tower, and they tell me there’s prostitutes who are coming into the yard over there as well. It’s pretty much out in the open. Anybody can see this. All they have to do is open their eyes, and it’s right there.”
Lockwood said she witnessed what she believes was a prostitution meet-up just last month.
“I don’t have any young children. Mine are grown. But there’s people who have young children, grandchildren in these neighborhoods, and for this kind of thing to be going on, seeing these activities — heroin needles are being found in the alleys where young kids ride their bicycles — it’s a problem in Hamilton.”
Police Chief Craig Bucheit said his officers have been “actively working with Lindenwald residents to address neighborhood concerns.”
“One very successful way we have done this,” Bucheit added, “is though PROTOCOL (People Reaching Out To Others: Celebrating Our Lindenwald) meetings where dozens of passionate and engaged Lindenwald residents come together to work with one another and the police to address concerns.”
Frank Downie, who leads PROTOCOL, said he is satisfied with the police efforts to deal with the drugs and prostitution. Among other things, the city has been in contact with area businesses, such as motels, that seem to attract such clientele and warned them they could be shut down if problems persist.
Downie said there’s always at least one council member at PROTOCOL meetings, and at least one police representative, with Bucheit attending meetings several times a year.
It’s difficult for police to immediately press charges, Downie noted: “They must adhere to rules and regulations when apprehending perpetrators, obtaining search warrants etc. and conduct themselves in such a manner that when a case does go to trial, the charges stick.”
Downie and Bucheit both encouraged Hamilton residents to use the police non-emergency number of 513-785-1300 and the City of Hamilton 311 Service Request through the city’s website, at www.hamilton-city.org/RequestTracker.aspx to report crimes, traffic concerns, request vacation house watches, or to inquire about other city services.
HOW TO GO
The next PROTOCOL (People Reaching Out To Others: Celebrating Our Lindenwald) meeting will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Miami University Hamilton’s Conservatory.
For a ride, or more information, contact unkblunt@gmail.com.
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