A significant part of CCRA’s mission is to advocate for a safe, clean, diverse, and supportive neighborhood. As we listen to “the buzz” about the uptick in violence and homelessness, we want to be proactive and effective in our response. It was clear that there was a disconnect between the community and our Ninth District Police. Homelessness seemed to be ubiquitous and violence was erupting around too many corners.
The December 2, 2019 meeting organized by CCRA in response to neighbor’s concerns resulted in two action items for CCRA: a member-driven task force would be created to help CCRA focus on solutions to local issues of violence and homelessness, and CCRA would go “on the record” urging Mayor Kenney and City Council to institute a “Focused Deterrence” model program to address violent crime.
Fourteen members of CCRA met on January 16th as a kick-off to the formation of The CCRA Shared Public Spaces Task Force. A lively and solutions based conversation ensued. This group will help guide CCRA in “next steps” to address both local violence and homelessness. If you are interested in joining this “think tank”, please contact Travis Oliver, CCRA’s Operations Manager.
In addition, the Board of Directors resoundingly supported a pointed letter of support for the “Focused Deterrence" program was sent to Mayor Kenney, as well as all members of City Council and the acting Police Commissioner. To read a copy of the letter, click here.
CCRA is intent on being the “Peopled Powered Voice of the Community”. Please feel free to let us know your concerns about the functionality of our local government and most importantly, get involved as we work on creating local solutions to make Philadelphia an even better place to live, work and play!
