Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
This photo was taken tonight at 9:15 across from Dickerman Park. No lights. Not safe to walk thru the drug addicts set up!
Hey Billy, just wanted to give you a heads up on something. There are homeless drug addicts living at Dickerman Park on Craigie Street. I called the city, they were basically appalled that I called. They actually sighed at me when I said they should not be in there especially with needles with children.
The woman said on 311 that “it was a public space & they have every right to be there.” I then Called the police & they said “it’s a public space.” So my response was “so people can bring all this garbage & needles into a park with children?” Response was “well…yeah”.
They had a tent up today along with lots of garbage. They also sleep there at night. So needles are ok, dogs aren’t? So as I stood outside the park early this morning, a 4 year old with her grandmother wanted to enter the park to run thru the sprinklers but the grandmother was too afraid to go in because she feared there might be needles and human feces on the ground!
Very sad situation all around. People should be aware of what is happening here.
Thank you! Take care!
I would say contact your City Councilor but it will likely be a waste of time. They refer you to 311. The city has lost its sense of community due to the lack of response to the needs of its residents. I am sure the SPD hands are tied and the space shots at City Hall think its ok if its not in there neighborhood.
It is clear, the lack of concern for public safety, traversable sidewalks and streets, increased traffic and car exhaust pollution, out of control rodent infestation, deteriorated municipal buildings, and lack of respect for our city workers and public safety.
All while we install expensive bike lanes, poorly placed curbing, flower beds in the middle of streets which will not be properly maintained. Traffic calming items slowing police, fire and ambulance response. Poor management by the Mayor and City Councilors.
As property owners and businesses are hit with increased water bills, CPA, parking and building permits and other fess. The bigger insult major sites being developed throughout the city with millions of additional office and residential space generating more tax dollars only to be spent on staff (@ 184,000.00 to do the Mayor’s job.
Property owners and renters need to step up and call these elected officials out. Reduced parking means renters have no where to park during street sweeping and snow storms, The additional fees now being proposed and INCREASE in the CPA TAX. That affects everyone and causes the sale of multifamily homes which end up as high end condo’s to create affordable housing. Run families, elderly and others out to add more low income housing in a city that has more than it fair share of subsidized affordable housing.
SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE!