Potter Longway group concentrates on block captains

The Potter Longway Neighborhood Association Nov. 15 agreed to form a committee to establish the goals, objectives and duties of block captains for their crime watch. About a dozen volunteers agreed to meet Nov. 22.

The group's goal is to have a person assigned to each block of the 3,000-person residential area.

The group also agreed to look into developing a red alert system, a neighborhood communication structure that distributes vital information about possible criminal activity by cell phone, computers and e-mail.

Sample forms used by other neighborhood associations for blight referrals and communication with city councilman were distributed. Organizer Rob Gill said the group could use the same forms with some modifications.

Gill also distributed information about grant money available from the Greater Community Foundation of Flint. Ideas for grant requests included money to set up community gardens, purchase lawn and snow removal equipment, enhance Longway Park signage and develop a community entrance gateway at Branch and Davison roads. "We want to keep our neighborhood safe and make it beautiful," Gill said.

Future events include a neighborhood Christmas party sponsored by the Eastwood United Methodist Church from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 4

The meeting ended with a call to action.

"Talk is cheap," said one member. "Action shows you really care. When we cut a neighbors lawn or clear snow from an elderly person's driveway it shows we care."

The group will meet next at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Eastwood United Methodist Church, 3312 Whittier St.

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