Mott Park residents discuss, golf course, crime watch, revitalization plan

About 70 people at the Mott Park Neighborhood Association meeting June 3 discussed Mott Park Golf Course, the crime watch and a neighborhood revitalization plan.

"We're making a difference in our neighborhood," said Susan Burhans, association president, referring to the groups rally at the Mott Park Golf Course last month. "The park and golf course are mowed and we're pleased with the results."

Ron Taylor, head of the neighborhood watch group, reported the purchase of five CB radios, five sets of magnetic signs for vehicles, and five LED lights for the cars used to patrol the neighborhood.

"We've recruited volunteers to help and I'm feeling safer already," Taylor said.

"This is a deterrent — we're not getting out of our cars. We're observing and reporting," Burhans added.

City Administrator Greg Easton confirmed the mayor's commitment to mow the park and golf course every other week until July, when the management of the course goes out for bid to private organizations.

"Mayor Dayne Walling has hired part-time people to maintain the parks," he said. "And the mayor has also agreed that either he or I will be attending your neighborhood association meetings."

Burhans announced a neighborhood revitalization plan that calls for immediate action on producing a property inventory, code enforcement, cleaning vacant lots, developing a good neighbor policy, public safety initiatives, recruiting area coordinators, maintaining the golf course and increasing the association's membership.

"These are building blocks to help us reach our long-term neighborhood goals," Burhans said. "Our plan is only as good as the people behind it. We need your time and commitment."

"That vacant uncared for house next store affects my house," said Nena Woodall, the group's parks and recreation coordinator. "Our city doesn't have the money — they don't have the funds to keep up. Neighbors have to step up and help out."

Councilman Sheldon Neeley (6th Ward) said many of the items on the revitalization plan are ordinances which can be enforced. He also pointed out new video cameras and signs that will be used in the area to deter crime.

"Call the city when your neighbor plays loud music all the time. Call when the grass of a vacant home needs to be cut. We just passed a new ordinance that prohibits basketball hoops in the middle of street," Neeley said. "Don't put yourself in harms way — report the activity to the police."

The annual picnic will be held July 17 at Mott Park. Rockin' Art in the Park is scheduled for Sept. 11.