Residents of one centre city St. John’s neighbourhood are hoping to form a Neighbourhood Watch program to address the rising incidence of criminal activity and drug use in the area.
One concerned resident says the people involved are vulnerable, are suffering from severe mental health and addictions issues, and appear to have no supports.
Frustrated and fearful residents are too afraid to speak publicly about the growing problem for fear of retribution, and don’t know where to turn.
Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary has spoken with residents and admits, it’s a problem, but the city’s hands are tied.
She says the city’s involvement is limited to property management, but when it comes to needed social supports, that falls with the provincial government.
She says the breakdown happens when people are housed without the appropriate supports in place. She commended the work being done by non-profits in the community, but the area of social work and addictions assistance has to be dealt with on the provincial level.
Residents of the Rabbittown/centre city area are being invited to a meeting this Wednesday evening, October 26 at 6:30 at the Hub on Merrymeeting Road to discuss forming a Neighbourhood Watch.