Lake Highlands: Town Center + All LH Development

[Mballar]

Who or what entity would have oversight of a "Lake Highlands Police Department?" What other neighborhoods in Dallas' corporate city limits have their own police department? I understand trying to supplement police services where they are lacking, but this sounds too much like trying to function as a separate municipality, or at least is a move in that direction. I'M AGAINST IT.

[LakeHighlands]

Who or what entity would have oversight of a "Lake Highlands Police Department?" What other neighborhoods in Dallas' corporate city limits have their own police department? I understand trying to supplement police services where they are lacking, but this sounds too much like trying to function as a separate municipality, or at least is a move in that direction. I'M AGAINST IT.

Don’t think of this as a full blow police department. It is more of a skeleton form Police Department. The Lake Highlands Police is almost all police officers and nothing more. It is not a multi level set up like a flow blow police department. The LHP are performing the simplest duties; patrols and public safely.

It would cost millions and millions of dollars for LH to have a full scale police department. The area does not want to duplicate what DPD does, but have one agency instead of the 15 plus security firms and ENP. Also a police office has the power to do things where as security does not. The LHP will aid the DPD by doing what DPD can not do. There are a lot of things DPD does that LHP will not do. I really don’t know how to explain it; they are just police officers and nothing more.

The Lake Highlands Public Improvement District would be the body that set this up. The LHPID will work out an agreement and contract with DPD in how the LHP will be set up. The direct oversight will be from the LHPID, but the PID Board will have members from the City of Dallas, DPD, LHAIA and other groups in LH. The LHP will work very close with the DPD.

I think Las Colinas has its own police. http://lascolinastexas.com/sub_pages/safety.htm

The other PIDs in Dallas could do this, but they do not make enough money nor is it much of priority to them as it us the LH. Crime is a problem and LH wants to fix this problem. Vickery Meadows PID has a program set up with Crime Strike and Crime Strike can write a citations that goes on resident’s rents. We need something with real authority to make a difference in LH. Crime Strike won’t cut it.

From what I was told the plan was for the LHPID to originally go to DPD and City of Dallas and pay them 5 to 7 million a year for extra police coverage in LH.
Can you take a guess at to what they said? “We can’t, we don’t have the man power, we can’t find that many recruits, we can’t guarantee we might not have to pull them if something else happen in the city, we might get into legal trouble (poor areas can’t pay for more police), and on and on. THE SAME OLD SONG from the City. So instead LH has to do it this way. All they want are more patrol officers and police to come when residents call.

but this sounds too much like trying to function as a separate municipality, or at least is a move in that direction. I'M AGAINST IT.

Are you aware of what a PID can do? I have included it so everyone can see. A PID has the ability to do A LOT. Do you live in Lake Highlands? This is up to Lake Highlands residents and LH residents alone. LH as an area already spends millions of dollars on ENP and Security Services. I know most people here are tired of the crime and many more things that should not take place but do because our city government is overwhelmed.


LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE


CHAPTER[0] 372[0]. IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS IN MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES


SUBCHAPTER A. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS



§ 372.001. SHORT TITLE. This subchapter may be cited as
the Public Improvement District Assessment Act.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. . .


. . . § 372.003. AUTHORIZED IMPROVEMENTS. (a) If the
governing body of a municipality or county finds that it promotes
the interests of the municipality or county, the governing body may
undertake an improvement project that confers a special benefit on
a definable part of the municipality or county or the
municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction. A project may be
undertaken in the municipality or county or the municipality's
extraterritorial jurisdiction.
[(b) A public improvement project may include:
(1) landscaping;
(2) erection of fountains, distinctive lighting, and signs;
(3) acquiring, constructing, improving, widening, narrowing, closing, or rerouting of sidewalks or of streets, any other roadways, or their rights-of-way;
(4) construction or improvement of pedestrian malls;
(5) acquisition and installation of pieces of art;
(6) acquisition, construction, or improvement of libraries;
(7) acquisition, construction, or improvement of off-street parking facilities;
(8) acquisition, construction, improvement, or rerouting of mass transportation facilities;
(9) acquisition, construction, or improvement of water, wastewater, or drainage facilities or improvements;
10) the establishment or improvement of parks;
(11) projects similar to those listed in Subdivisions (1)-(10);
(12) acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of real property in connection with an authorized improvement;
(13) special supplemental services for improvement and promotion of the district, including services relating to advertising, promotion, health and sanitation, water and wastewater, public safety, security, business recruitment, development, recreation, and cultural enhancement; and(14) payment of expenses incurred in the establishment, administration, and operation of the district.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended
by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 76(c), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts
2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1341, § 3, eff. June 16, 2001.

[Mballar]

Do you live in Lake Highlands? This is up to Lake Highlands residents and LH residents alone.

To the extent that you need assistance, cooperation, and most importatntly permissions from the City of Dallas to accomplish your goal, don't bet on that statement. In my opinion, it's very naive to think so. City Government will always trump a neighborhood association. . .but don't take my word for it. . .lets see if the LH Police Department becomes a reality. I won't hold my breath.

[LakeHighlands]

To the extent that you need assistance, cooperation, and most importatntly permissions from the City of Dallas to accomplish your goal, don't bet on that statement. In my opinion, it's very naive to think so. City Government will always trump a neighborhood association. . .but don't take my word for it. . .lets see if the LH Police Department becomes a reality. I won't hold my breath.

I’m talking about the people who are in the boundaries of the PID. It is up to them to sign the petition. The PID needs the support of the community and I think that is the biggest obstacle of any PID. (50 of the property value land owners.) If the PID passes the petition then it will be easy to form after that. The City is not going to oppose the LH PID since the idea came from them in the first place. The City will only benefit from a LH PID.

[Urban Interest]

I was also very disappointed that David Weekley stripped that area of all natural vegetation! I wondered if maybe they were going to replant some trees once the homes were built, but based on the size of the tract, I'm not sure how they would do that. LH, do you think they'll just build on it as is (w/o trees, etc.)? So disappointing.

Also, great news about the PID, TIF, Kingsley Square and LPD. Please keep us posted--this is great!

[WestTexan]

The proposed LH PID, with its focus on public saftey, is a truely great idea! If I owned real property in Lake Highlands I would be a HUGE supporter.

This is exactly the way I belive public funds should be utilized to improve a community. Versus using TIF dollars, to incentize investors to demolish apartment communities that are home to low/mod income families - which I'm still not convinced is right.

This LHPID idea is not without precident in Dallas. On a much smaller scale, the Prestonwood PID has a similar objective of improved public saftey. For over 10 years, the Prestonwood PID has funded a dedicated 24/7 neighborhood police officer to patrol the neighborhood. The neighborhood is also part of a regular DPD beat. The PID has an effective track recort of reducing crime.

[LakeHighlands]

I received this petition in my email this week. If there is anyone in Lake Highlands not aware of this petition I hope you download it and get some signatures.

Drug paraphernalia = rolling papers, flavored tobacco products
(such as swisher sweets, etc.) flavored and unflavored cigars/
cigarettes sold individually, shore boys, pipes, glass tubes, baggies
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 7, 2005

Attention HOA Presidents and Homeowners in Lake Highlands,

To enhance the quality of life in our community, we feel it is prudent that retail stores (convenience, liquor, tobacco stores) cease the sale of items considered to be drug paraphernalia.

Attached is the Lake Highlands Drug Paraphernalia Sales Petition. Please print this petition and circulate it among your neighbors. We need to gather as many signatures as possible. Once all of the signatures are collected in your neighborhood, we ask that you mail the forms back to address below.

We need the petitions back by Thursday, June 30th.

Please send petitions to:

LHAIA
C/O Steve Wakefield
9916 Wood Forest Dr.
Dallas, TX 75243

OR

You may email Sean Christopher, Executive Vice President of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association, at Seanchris@att.net and he will have someone pick up the petitions.

If you have any questions please email Steve Wakefield, President of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association, at swakefield@brlaw.com.



Kindest Regards,
Sean Chris

Edit......................................

[gc]

Are we still in the land of the free?

[Auburn]

^Yeah... I dunno' about asking retailers to stop selling items that MIGHT be considered drug paraphernalia. If the items aren't illegal, retailers shouldn't be asked not to sell it. I'm not sure this falls under the umbrella of the LHAIA. These items are pretty general and not SOLELY drug equipment.

[tamtagon]

To enhance the quality of life in our community, we feel it is prudent that retail stores (convenience, liquor, tobacco stores) cease the sale of items considered to be drug paraphernalia.

Drug paraphernalia = rolling papers, flavored tobacco products
(such as swisher sweets, etc.) flavored and unflavored cigars/
cigarettes sold individually, shore boys, pipes, glass tubes, baggies.

That should be chore boy, I believe.

That petition should be against the law.

[frankchitown]

Empty soda cans, honey bear bottles, and even a potato can be used as drug paraphernalia, even Ms. Butterworth herself...shouldn't these be outlawed too?

[LakeHighlands]

It’s very easy to make a judgment from sitting behind a computer and not actually living in the area and seeing first hand the problems that area residents face. First the items listed above are used for drug paraphernalia. This is a real problem at Forest/Audelia shopping centers. Residents from the APARTMENTS go to these stores, hang out in large numbers in the parking lots making a lot of noise and smoking stuff they used the rolling paper for. To get the money for the drugs, they often rob people and break into houses. Drugs also bring more serious crimes to the area.

That intersection is a huge problem. The homeowners will not shop at the Albertsons in that retail center because of the problems in the parking lot. Albertsons has said that it is considering closing the store. Shop lifting is also a major problem in that store. DPD is not much help in these cases because DPD considers the acts minor and will take a long time to respond if they come at all.

The point of this petition is to put force on retailers to clean up their act. These stores know fully well what they are doing and how this is hurting the community. It is to make it harder for certain people to get supplies to do their drugs. This is just a small part of a MUCH LARGER program to RID LH of ALL negative elements.
Do you think any quality retail establishment (Ann Taylor, Barnes & Nobel, GAP, Whole Foods, etc) want to be located next stores like the ones at Forest/Audelia?

Do you think Highland Park, University Park, South Lake, Highland Village, Allen, Coppell; etc would let stores in their city operate like some of the store in LH? NO!!

If they don’t why should we?

It seems like people who do not live in LH (other parts of Dallas), are quick to pass judgment on an area they know little about. All I can say is that the LH leaders are going to clean up LH and rid LH of all negative effects. What are you doing in your district?

I know that some people on here are younger, but you guys need to remember LH is mostly an older, family orientated, and conservative community.

Anything that impacts the quality of life in LH falls under LHAIA responsibility.

Mission Statement
To develop and implement action plans to protect and enhance the quality of life in our community.

The LHAIA is the people of Lake Highlands. It is solely made up of homeowners and business owners in Lake Highlands that all have a vested interest in the area. They are not PAID!!! But they work as hard if not harder than people who work for city governments. This is NOT like Dallas City Hall, where people do not need to live in Dallas, and many people at City Hall do not have a vested interest in the City.

Last year the LHAIA gave out a quality of living survey to all the homeowner associations in LH.

http://www.lhaia.org/PDFfiles/QLS.pdf

According to the survey attributes Falling below Expectations:
1) 77% said Balance of Housing
2) 76% Quality of Retail
3) 76% Maintenance of multi-family housing
That’s the overwhelming majority.

From the LHAIA Retail Market Survey 2002
“Conclusion -despite 82% occupancy, retail available does not address the needs of most middle and upper income families.”

75% of residents report being “dissatisfied”* with retail shopping available in Lake Highlands.
http://www.lhaia.org/PDFfiles/2002/r...tation0427.pdf

I am, and I know many others are tired of all the Dollar Stores, Tobacco Stores, Check Cashing, Pawn Shops, Washaterias, and numerous drug paraphernalia selling convenience stores. These types of establishments cater to the APARTMENTS and not to the homeowners in the area. These establishments also draw more crime, and tend to look blighted.

I fully support the LHAIA and anyone who will flight to rid LH of ALL negative elements in the community. They are doing what the people want! The message will ring loud and clear that if you want to participate in criminal activity or be a negative influence on our community, we are going to do everything in our power to make you leave LH. I think LH has been nice for too long! That’s how things got to be where we are today. They have many actions plans in place that will kick A** and take names!

[rantanamo]

I don't even know where to begin. I always ask myself if the world even listens to itself or even understands even 1% of itself. I think Canada seems to get it just a little bit. Texas sure doesn't.

[txRNGr]

I don't even know where to begin. I always ask myself if the world even listens to itself or even understands even 1% of itself. I think Canada seems to get it just a little bit. Texas sure doesn't.

the nice thing about the United States of America is people have the right to voice their opinion, additionally people have the right to vote in a majority rules fasion. this petition is a great example of these two rights that every American enjoys. some residents of Lake Highlands have an idea, and have a chance to make this idea a reality by a petition which shows the will of the people in this area. however, i seriously doubt that this petition will be successful. this seems like a rash attempt to fix a problem which is much larger than this petition. the only true way to save Lake Highlands is the path which the LHAIA and its residents are persuing, through the TIF and the PID...this path may be longer but people must be patient, they will eventually see their efforts pay off in a much larger and more substantial way than this petition could ever produce. we dont want to scare off legitimate businesses because a very few amount of its customers are using their products in the un-intended way. i have faith that Lake Highlands residents have enough vision and intelligence to keep their focus on the real solutions to revitalizing their community and not some quick-fix.

Edit: if this petition is doing well maybe I was being rash to conclude that it wouldnt go anywhere at all. if its what the residents want i will support their decsion.

[rantanamo]

That's all I'm saying. They have all the right in the world to do as they like. But its not fixing anymore than any other gentrification. We choose as a society to push away problems rather than tackle them. I had always seen LH as a diverse community that chose to take these problems on.

[txRNGr]

agreed!

[LakeHighlands]

The petition is a small part of a much larger agenda to clean up the area. It’s not a quick fix. This petition is 1 of say 20 things that all together will deal a devastating blow to these negative elements. The petition did not say the companies it is going after, but it for specific companies. Good retailers have nothing to worry about. Good apartment residents also do not have anything to worry about, but if you are one of the individuals or companies that hurt our area; I would constantly be looking over my shoulder, because we are going to hit you over and over, and go down every single avenue that we can to make you clean up your act or leave.

I wouldn’t shed a tear if we lose stores like “Condoms to Go,” “Hostile Pipes,” “Cigarette Plus”, etc. Plus What?

BTW: Last time I checked the petition is doing quite well.

[LakeHighlands]

LH does not give up!

Strip club opponents frustrated by delays
Challenge to law preventing alcohol sales still in courts

06:47 PM CDT on Saturday, June 4, 2005
By WENDY HUNDLEY / The Dallas Morning News


Don Cleveland often gets questions about the large, exotic-looking building across the street from his business in northeast Dallas.


"They don't know what's there," Mr. Cleveland said. "Some people say, 'Is that a church?' "

Far from it.

PT's Gold Club is a strip joint that opened more than a year ago, despite a fight by residents and business owners to keep it out of the dry area along Plano Road, south of Miller Road.

Opponents then redirected their efforts toward defending a new law preventing PT's from selling alcohol as a private club. A challenge to the law, which remains in effect, is stalled in the courts.

"It's frustrating for me that we haven't made any progress," said Rep. Bill Keffer, R-Dallas, who co-wrote the law that prevents sexually oriented businesses in dry areas from obtaining private club exemptions to sell alcohol.

"Community concern has not gone away," Mr. Keffer said. "People on the strip club side are hopeful that given time, people will forget about it and tolerate it. That's not the expectation of this community."

Calls to the owner of PT's for comment were not returned.

While the law was aimed at that club, it also affected several other sexually oriented businesses that operate in dry areas throughout Texas.

Owners of these businesses responded with a lawsuit, challenging the constitutionality of the law. Last year, both sides asked a federal judge for summary judgments in the case.

They're still waiting for a ruling. Strip club opponents launched a campaign last summer to fund legal efforts in support of the law.

They raised several thousand dollars, and the money is being held in escrow until the case moves forward, Mr. Keffer said.

The law, however, doesn't prevent drinking at the club.

PT's operates as a bring-your-own-bottle business. The distinction allows it to have all-nude dancers.

Mr. Keffer said the law is intended to hit strip clubs financially.

"They make the lion's share of the money from liquor sales," he said. "Even though the parking lot's full doesn't mean the owners are making the kind of money they anticipated."

Mr. Keffer said the ability to sell drinks "makes a difference in the long-term viability of the operation. It's my hope and the community's hope that there is not long-term viability for this operation."

From a police standpoint, there would be some advantages to the club having a permit to sell alcohol.

"If they had a liquor license, you could search them anytime they're open, without a search warrant and without probable cause," said Sgt. Rod Dillon, with the Dallas Police Department's northeast operations division.

Records show that police officers have been called to PT's more than 40 times since February 2004, when it opened. Most of the calls were for fighting, thefts and acts of criminal mischief inside the club or in its parking lot.

The number of crimes in the area increased from 2003 to 2004, according to police records. But Sgt. Dillon said it is unclear whether the increase is related to the club's presence.

Tim Phillips, who works across the street at Hall Graphics, said PT's "hasn't had any impact on our business."

Mr. Cleveland, owner of Hightech Signs, said he was concerned that the strip club would attract other sexually oriented businesses such as adult bookstores. But that hasn't happened, he said.

"It would be better not to have it," Mr. Cleveland said, referring to the club. "But it hasn't caused any problems."

Down the street from PT's, one restaurant owner had different concerns.

"With them offering free buffet, it's gotta cut into my business," said Terry Chapman, who has owned Paper Sack Deli & Catering for 20 years.

"How can you be so busy without a sign?" Ms. Chapman said as she stood behind the counter last week in the empty deli. "It doesn't seem fair."

E-mail whundley@dallasnews.com

or call 469-330-5641


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...112b12a2b.html

[rantanamo]

Am I the only person who found some of that language scary?

[LakeHighlands]

Bill Keffer lives in LH and is a state representative. LH fought PT’s and even had the state make a law to forbid PT’s from selling alcohol in a dry area. The good thing is that did not only affect PT’s in LH, but all SOB (sexually orientated businesses) state wide in dry areas.

If you go around I-35, there is other SOB around strip clubs, but none came here. Why? Everyone saw what happed with PT’s and would have to be crazy to try to open any adult orientated business (books stores etc)in LH.

PT’s wish we would go away, but as long as they are in LH, we will never forget or take our eyes off of them. LH also raised several thousand dollars to fight PT’s.

Something else other owners of negative business see, is if you come to LH, we will go after you and making operating that type of business in an area like ours difficult. If PT’s never went to North LH, those other SOBs in dry areas in other part of the state would still have their liquor license.

Peer Pressure!!! These other owners are not happy with the owner of PT’s. PT’s should have stayed out, but because they didn’t other places have to live with the regulations our area pushed to pass.

Basically word gets around in these industries; SOB, apartments, etc don’t go to LH unless you are going to operate a business that benefits the community. Same thing with the Drug Paraphernalia petition. It will wake up some of these business owners. The area gives plenty or warnings. If people or companies choose to ignore the wish of the community then be prepared to face the consequences.

[chiboi]

I am not saying I love these types of places, but I think it is naive for us to think we are going to live in a large city like Dallas and have no sexually oriented businesses. I personally don't want to live in a society where religous fanatics and other groups with delusions of their exagerated importance and grandeur dictate what everyone does. There are strip clubs all over this town, for people to go to one located in that odd location it is probably the people who live in that area, and therefore is serving a purpose wanted by the residents of LH. Like the deli owner said, they are so busy. Therefore the people of LH want it and it therefore should stay.

[WestTexan]

I personally don't want to live in a society where religous fanatics and other groups with delusions of their exagerated importance and grandeur dictate what everyone does. There are strip clubs all over this town, for people to go to one located in that odd location it is probably the people who live in that area, and therefore is serving a purpose wanted by the residents of LH. Like the deli owner said, they are so busy. Therefore the people of LH want it and it therefore should stay.

A large goup of LH resident are saying that SOBs do not fit thier community standards. A community should have the right to influence the type of businesses that exist in thier neighborhood. It has nothing to do with religious fanatasism. It is simply that this type of business does not meet the standard of the average LH resident. That's far diffent than saying this type of business should be illegal in any form or location.

I think you are way off in you assumption that PT's primary market is LH residents. This business is well locate to capture the strip club-deprived Garland/Mesquite market that wears its name on its shirt. Clearly, if PTs is hurting the lunch crowd at a convinience store, we are talking about a blue collar market.

[LakeHighlands]

A large goup of LH resident are saying that SOBs do not fit thier community standards. A community should have the right to influence the type of businesses that exist in thier neighborhood. It has nothing to do with religious fanatasism. It is simply that this type of business does not meet the standard of the average LH resident. That's far diffent than saying this type of business should be illegal in any form or location.

I think you are way off in you assumption that PT's primary market is LH residents. This business is well locate to capture the strip club-deprived Garland/Mesquite market that wears its name on its shirt. Clearly, if PTs is hurting the lunch crowd at a convinience store, we are talking about a blue collar market.

Well said WestTexan!!!

[txRNGr]

Lake Highlands, how many people attended the town hall meeting at LHHS to discuss the future of PT's when it was attempting to relocate from its old NWHwy location? If I remember correctly it was over 1,000 LH residents. A state official said that it was the largest town hall meeting he had ever seen. All I know is the outpour of resistance to this business proved that the neighborhood didnt want anything to do with it. I have also heard reports that people drive a considerable distance to get to PT's which would suggest that its pulling the bulk of its business from outside LakeHighlands. Dont get me wrong, im all about free business, but im also about letting a neighborhood decide whats best for its own interest and Lake Highlands has already made a statement against PTs. I think it should find somewhere else to go.

[LakeHighlands]

Lake Highlands, how many people attended the town hall meeting at LHHS to discuss the future of PT's when it was attempting to relocate from its old NWHwy location? If I remember correctly it was over 1,000 LH residents. A state official said that it was the largest town hall meeting he had ever seen. All I know is the outpour of resistance to this business proved that the neighborhood didnt want anything to do with it. I have also heard reports that people drive a considerable distance to get to PT's which would suggest that its pulling the bulk of its business from outside LakeHighlands. Dont get me wrong, im all about free business, but im also about letting a neighborhood decide whats best for its own interest and Lake Highlands has already made a statement against PTs. I think it should find somewhere else to go.

I’ll see of I can get the exact number but I know it was over 1000 people. In addition to that several thousand signatures were collected to stop PT’s for receiving its liquor license. PT’s was a wake up call for other owners and companies that think they can build any kind of negative business they want in LH.

My guess is that the owner thought that LH would not have a problem with this location since it was in the industrial part of LH. Wrong! He got kicked out of site one, (Lawther, Northwest Hwy) and he better believe this community will not give up until he is out of site two in LH. I believe there is a time and place for everything. He and others that run business that negatively affect LH, need to take a good look at the LH map and locate at least 3 mile from LH boundaries. Those that choose to stay need to be prepared for litigation, fines, and laws passed that make it more difficult for them to operate in LH.

[LakeHighlands]

Still pushing forward. LH puts even More Pressure on Cleaning Up the Apartments.

Operation Kitchen Sink
A creative approach to apartment crime is putting the heat on would-be criminals
June 2005
Brent Flynn / Lake Highlands Advocate

It’s almost taken for granted that older, lower-income apartment complexes are havens for criminals of almost every sort. A recent flurry of drug-related gang activity, along with a series of murders in Lake Highlands’ highly concentrated multi-family housing units near Forest and Audelia, only reinforces that perception.

The Autumn Ridge Apartment complex had three murders in just over a month last fall. The Providence and Bent Creek apartments were the scene of two more murders in quick succession. All three complexes had become home to drug dealers moving into the area from South and East Dallas.

But the Dallas Police Department, through its new saturation enforcement program, is trying to show apartment residents and nearby homeowners that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Operation Kitchen Sink is the brainchild of the Northeast Division’s Deputy Chief David Brown. He recalls that during a retreat last year, Chief David Kunkle challenged every DPD commander “to step it up, be creative, and take risks to get results.”

“I came back to the station and put Operation Kitchen Sink together,” Brown says.

As for the origin of the name, he says it just seemed appropriate.

“Because I’ve been at this station for four years, and I was thinking that we had done everything but throw the kitchen sink at the problem,” Brown says. “And now we’re doing that, too.”

The program kicked off in mid-December at the three crime-ridden Lake Highlands apartment complexes, and the results are encouraging. The Northeast Division recently completed a fourth round at the Pebbles apartment complex on Park Lane, and is preparing for a fifth round at apartment complexes in the area around Buckner and Peavy.

“‘We have seen an absolutely amazing decrease in crime,” says Northeast Division Sgt. Rod Dillon. ‘We saw a 30 percent decrease almost immediately.”

The idea is to work with apartment owners, managers and residents to reduce crime using a variety of prevention and enforcement measures. Probably the most visible aspect of Operation Kitchen Sink is the nearly month-long, 24-7 police presence at the selected complexes.

Sgt. Dillon explains the process:

“During the day; we have four to eight Interactive Community Police officers and Undercover narcotic units making buys,” he says. “At night until 5 a.m., we have an entire group called Fourth Watch patrolling the properties.”

The officers in the targeted areas go door-to-door to talk with residents and let them know they are there, as well as engage in enforcement activities such as traffic stops in investigate suspicious behavior.

“We’ll stop people crawling over a back ice, and we’ll find that they’re carrying a hand gun or crack,” Dillon says. “Because the officers are right there and there are so many of them, within three or four days the crime activity will dry up. The bad guys get the idea.”

During the initial 28-day sweep, 189 arrests were made, 50 of those for felonies. Officers also wrote 1,189 citations during the operation.

Another element of the program is to setup Crime Watch groups at the apartment complexes such as those found in residential neighborhoods. The DPD enlisted the help of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association and nearby homeowners’ associations to help organize the apartment communities.

Steve Wakefield is president of the Woodbridge Homeowners’ Association and of the LHAIA. He has been attending the Crime Watch meetings at the apartment complexes and says the goal is for committee members to act as a resource for volunteers at the apartment Crime Watch groups.

Each complex has several block captains who report to a Crime Watch chairman. The chairman coordinates with the DPD on a weekly and monthly basis.

“I think that there’s a sense that within the complex themselves, law-abiding citizens are as fed up with the situation as the neighborhoods around them,” he says. “It did seem like there was some trepidation because some of the volunteers hadn’t been in that type of role before.”

Dillon says part of that is the transitory nature of apartment living.

“It’s a challenge because they don’t see it as a long-term place to live. But we’ve been getting huge turnouts at the meetings.”

Wakefield thinks the real question is if the decrease in die crime rate will last through the summer, when more people are out and about.

“The question is going to be can they keep it working long term and keep the apartment residents involved. I’m encouraged by the approach of Chief Kunkle and Deputy Chief Brown, but I think it’s too early in the game to tell if it is going to work.”

The next phase of Operation Kitchen Sink, Dillon says, is to do maintenance visits to the apartment complexes. An undercover group and ICP officers will go back for a couple of days periodically to check in and make sure the drug activity hasn’t started back up.

“We want to let them know- that we haven’t forgotten about them just because we don’t have 14 officers there every night.”

Terri Woods, former president of the LHAIA, says the police can only accomplish so much. At some point, property Owners and managers have to take responsibility for the security of their residents and surrounding neighborhoods.

“Apartment owners have both the ability and the responsibility to assist in preventing and discouraging criminal activity,” Woods says.

She cites statistics showing that Lake Highlands has a higher percentage of renters (67 percent) than Dallas as a whole (57 per cent). That is due in part to the glut of apartment units, but also because this part of Dallas is in Richardson ISD.

Wakefield agrees.

“Absolutely the density of apartments in this area is part of the problem. In addition to that, ‘we have a lot of old complexes that are not well maintained or well managed.”

District 10 Councilman Bill Blaydes has been trying to get all initiative passed at City Hall that would allow the city to tear down some of the more dilapidated, crime-infested complexes in Lake Highlands. The properties would then be rezoned for uses other than multi-family.

In the meantime, Blaydes says he’s happy with, what the Dallas Police Department is achieving with Operation Kitchen Sink. As of earlier this year, the Northeast Division led every other division in crime reduction with a decrease of 11 percent.

“They’re deadly serious about cleaning up the area. We are becoming more and more intolerant as our crime numbers stay at high levels,” Blaydes says. “What it’s doing is empowering people living at the complexes. It gives them heart that somebody is there to help.

[Urban Interest]

Okay, Operation Kitchen Sink makes a lot of sense to me--it's creative, it's supported by the community, and it's obviously effective. In addition, I support the community's effort to get tough on code enforcement and add a LH police department. But a petition to get businesses to stop selling items that could be "considered drug paraphenalia?" Are you kidding me?

First of all, these are private businesses operating in a free market. They are free to sell whatever to whomever they choose. There's not a judge in the world who would let you get around that if this is challenged in court (and I assure you that it would be). Second, this could easily lead to business owners trying to "profile" certain purchasers to determine why they may be purchasing these products and then declining to sell to some but not others, even though that's not written in the petition and is not necessarily the intent behind the petition (although I can't help but question that, too). Third, just because a store owner might suspect that someone is going to use one of these items for his or her drug habit doesn't mean that the individual will. Fourth, the first time I try to go into a store in LH and try to buy zip loc baggies, but I can't b/c the store isn't "allowed" to sell them, I'm never going back into that store. If enough residents feel similar outrage, then eventually those businesses will see an overall decline in sales.

I completely understand LH's sense of urgency in getting rid of the rampant crime, and I think their efforts thus far have been admirable and show the community's spirit. But they need to continue to think logically and within the bounds of basic legal principles, and not start acting out of desperation. That petition reeks of desperation and is a waste of the residents' time.

[txRNGr]

During the initial 28-day sweep, 189 arrests were made, 50 of those for felonies. Officers also wrote 1,189 citations during the operation.

its amazing that this many arrests could be made in about a month. I would expect these numbers to show up for a large neighborhood, not a single apartment complex.

“I think that there’s a sense that within the complex themselves, law-abiding citizens are as fed up with the situation as the neighborhoods around them,” he says. “It did seem like there was some trepidation because some of the volunteers hadn’t been in that type of role before.”

Dillon says part of that is the transitory nature of apartment living.

“It’s a challenge because they don’t see it as a long-term place to live. But we’ve been getting huge turnouts at the meetings.”

its great to hear that apartment residents want to take part in cleaning up their home. by getting them involved in the process, many of them may start to have more pride in their residence and will try to deter crime as much as possible. i feel sorry for the law-abiding residents in these apartments. its hard enough for neighbors, who are concerned for their children's safety, living outside the complex, knowing that all this crime is around. however, i couldnt imagine raising kids inside these complexes...im sure many of the residents are ready for a change.

[LakeHighlands]

LOOKING AHEAD
Thanks for term No! 2 -- I’m ready
June 2005
Bill Blyades – City Councilman represents District 10/Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands Advocate

On May 7, you, the electorate of District 10, honored me by returning me to the Dallas City Council for a second two-year term. I’ am grateful to you for allowing me to continue to work for the changes in District 10 that I started during my first term as your councilman.

I pledge to you that I will continue my efforts with the Dallas Police Department to lower the crime rate in our area so that we can once again walk any street in the district without fear. Chief Brown and the men and women in blue are working hard to raise morale and, as a result, better performance standards within the Northeast Division.

I pledge to you that I will continue to expose bad ownership and management practices among our multi-family neighbors. However, you need to know that the State Legislature is in the process of taking the teeth out of Senate Bill 1010, passed in 2004, which gave city attorney offices across the state broader powers of enforcement for criminal activity than they have ever had.

At least the Legislature is allowing us to keep the code violation fee structure in place that was adopted by the City Council last year and that became effective Sept. 1, 2004. That fee structure will continue to make it very expensive to be a bad operator/owner in Dallas. Just ask the ownership of Newport Landing, White Rock Trail, Sutter’s Wood and Toscana. I expect big changes in coming months because of the additional operating costs of these and other complexes in District 10.

Finally, I pledge to you to continue all- out efforts to make the Skillman/”Walnut Hill” Town Center a reality during this second term. In fact, we are well on our way with two major developers at two locations along Skillman and one along Royal for major residential/retail/office development on land currently being used for aging and poorly operated multi-family complexes.

We will never remove all multi-family from this district. We do not want to do that anyway, as 60 percent of Dallas residents must, or choose to, live in multi-family housing. A balanced mix of multi-family and single-family developments makes for a healthy urban environment.

We are truly an urban neighborhood and no longer a suburban neighborhood. As Chief Brown told us at my last Town Hall meeting, we must, as single family homeowners, reach out to the many good folks in the area complexes and help the 90 percent good, law abiding citizens clean up their living conditions with the same vigor we show ridding ourselves of the 10 percent who refuse to be law abiding.

Again, I thank you for allowing me the distinct honor of serving you downtown on the City Council.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s unfortunate that the state took away some of the City of Dallas power to go after nuisance properties.

[LakeHighlands]

I completely understand LH's sense of urgency in getting rid of the rampant crime, and I think their efforts thus far have been admirable and show the community's spirit. But they need to continue to think logically and within the bounds of basic legal principles, and not start acting out of desperation. That petition reeks of desperation and is a waste of the residents' time.

For some reason I do not think they are referring to zip loc bags at Tom Thumb.

Everything that these people are doing is VERY well planned. Picture yourself walking up to a group of people putting a puzzle together. You and many others have not seen the final picture or know what the puzzle will look like in the end. To you it is just a bunch of jigsaw puzzle pieces that does not make sense, but the people putting together the pieces know exactly what they are making. This petition is one piece of this puzzle. The TIF, and numerous others things are pieces of this puzzle. This plan was started a couple years ago and the end result will equal a LH that is very different from many things people see today. I can already see the puzzle coming together in only two years. There is a 2014 goal and mission that were set in 2004.

Unlike a normal puzzle this one has 3 possible outcomes depending on the City of Dallas. These people are putting the puzzle together to fit picture A, (which is the best scenario) but incase a hard wind blows and a few pieces fall off (City does something really stupid), it can be altered to make picture B work. For everyone on here picture A is the best scenario. Then there is picture B, an altered puzzle A that will do many great things for the area, but will hurt another area.

Finally, there is picture C. (I really never thought this would happen, but the more I hear about it the more uneasy it makes me.) In this scenario, the people are working hard putting the puzzle together, but the wind blows too hard and pieces fall off. They pick them up and try again, and again the wind blows and pieces fall off. They attempt to save what they can and try to make picture B, but are too tired. You look and see fewer and fewer people working on puzzle, until one day you look at the puzzle and no one is working on it. You walk over and take a good look since there is no one blocking the view of the puzzle. For the first time you are able to see what these people were trying to accomplish. The puzzle is 1/4 complete, but there is no one left to work on it. The remaining pieces to complete the puzzle are no where to be seen. Where did they go? They are with the people who pour their lives into making this puzzle. With them goes the knowledge and everything else the community has tired so hard to build. Now as you watch the puzzle the weather takes its toll. Everyday more and more pieces blow away, until one day that puzzle was only a distance memory. (Just look directly west of LH from Abrams/Skillman). In the end everyone is hurt under the alternative. I hope I never have to see scenario C.

I would sit back and think about what all these people are doing before I go around bashing their efforts. THEY are doing something. There are hundreds of people who give countless hours helping to improve LH. The neighborhoods spend millions of extra dollars from HOA dues to fund ENP and security. I see so many people that are giving so much of their time to making the area work. I know one thing for sure, if these people stopped tomorrow. LH would fall apart in less than a year. You need to look no further than Vickery Meadows to see what will happen if these residents stopped caring. Most of the people in LH can live anywhere in DFW. They can live in places like HP, UP, Highland Village, Plano, Southlake, Rockwall, etc and not have to do any of the extra things residents have to do here. (The easy life.) If the homeowners flee LH, with the density of apartments it can turn into one of the worst areas in Dallas. The city already can not police what it has, how will the city be able to take care of itself with less taxes and more crime?

What the residents of LH are doing is nothing but helping the city. From the TIF to the PID, to all the other things. They are building up the tax base as well as providing and area with great schools and shopping, when everything is completed. Sure somethings may seem harsh now, but that is only to fight and stop the negative elements.

[LakeHighlands]

Early Success
Information I found out today.
A store that recently opened (Forest/Audelia) had a whole wall full of Rolling paper, chore boys, glass pipes, and knives. (I didn’t even know what a chore boy was until it was explained to me today.) On Saturday, after some “heated” debate (putting it lightly) the store decided to pulled all rolling paper, chore boys, glass pipes, and knives from its shelves. The owner also said he did not mean to upset the community. They do have photos of what they store looked like prior to the store pulling these items off of their shelf.

Other news, Doc’s Food Store on Forest/Abrams was going to be shut down on Friday. The owner got on the floor on his knees crying with some sob story that his wife is pregnant and that if his store was shut down he wouldn’t be able to feed his family. His store is still opened, but might not be for much longer.

What gets me is that these people are warned and give chance after chance after chance to fix code problems, to bring their establishments up to par. He knew he could not sell pornography, but did it anyways. It was in plain view of all who walked in to the store. Every man, woman, and child was exposed to it which is illegal in this area. I believe at some point you have to draw the line. If you break the law, then be prepared to face the consequences. Violations at this location were code and health.

Next week the leaders of Lake Highlands, current and past two city council members from LH as well as the current president of the LHAIA, and largest business owners will be meeting with the City Attorney Office. This meeting be to discuss how the city prosecutes (lack there of) Chapter 54 and code violations. It will address the concerns of this community and highlight the fact that the city needs to do more and the area will not settle for the status quo.

In addition to everything else that is going on a more powerful way to deal with slumlords, poor property owners, and business is being devised. The new entity will be known as the Lake Highlands Attorney Group that will be made up of lawyers from all across Lake Highlands. The purpose of this group is to file law suits against anyone or company that has caused harm to residents. It will make a point to go after poor property owners of apartment complexes and retail stores that have a negative effect on property values.

[Urban Interest]

LH, we haven't heard any updates in a while. I noticed that this thread was slowly inching its way toward the bottom of the main page. Any updates on the TIF, sign project, Town Center, Skillman shopping center, etc.?

[rantanamo]

You should have let it sink out of sight.

[rangerfan]

So the advocate stated that LA fitness was going to be putting a 50,000 square foot facility in the kingsley square development.

I currently belong to 24 hr anybody have any experience with LA Fitness? Just curious what to expect.

Also said that CVS will replace MiCocina. MiCocina will move to a larger space with more outdoor seating. A family run Italian joint, a locally owned burger joint and some others I can not remember.

But the good news is it is 100% leased and demolition will begin next month per the advocate.

[freewaytincan]

Here in Richardson, the CVS took up so much space, it's ridiculous. In that place used to be a gas station, a convinience store, and three retail spots in a strip. Now it's just one CVS and its parking. I don't care how bad things may get at times, but this is not worth it. And I just flat out don't like CVS, so that could just be my bias speaking.

[LakeHighlands]

LH, we haven't heard any updates in a while. I noticed that this thread was slowly inching its way toward the bottom of the main page. Any updates on the TIF, sign project, Town Center, Skillman shopping center, etc.?

I have updates on everything, but can't put some of it up until July 1st. I have an Advocate Article about Kingsley Square, but have to wait until July 1st to post it. As soon as I can I will post the rendering of the new center.

There will also be some construction at another center close by. (Audelia/Walnut Hill) I'll get everything up soon.

[txRNGr]

LA Fitness bought out the Signature Athletic Club in North Dallas on Preston Rd between Spring Valley and Belt Line. I was a member of Signature for 3 years before LA Fitness bought it around last Christmas. I think that the Preston location is just a starting point so they can get their foot in the door of the Dallas market, I believe they will soon be closing this location and building many others. They have pictures, renderings and future locations posted all over the front lobby of the club. The pictures look nice, I am assuming they are from out of state. Overall they run the club with good quality. I definately think it will be a valuable asset to the Lake Highlands area. Their website... http://www.lafitness.com/ offers links to the Belt Line/Preston location along with three other locations that appear to not have opened yet.

[Auburn]

I am glad to hear that something is getting started @ WH and Audelia. That little quandrangle looks really rough (and IS pretty rough, for that matter).

On another note, I heard that the petition for removing (what could be perceived as) drug paraphernalia from the shelves of local retailers has done well. Although I'm not sure how I feel about this petition, I DO support the efforts of the LH residents to shape their community (which includes the businesses that are supported by the residents) and to rid the area of crime. I did not realize that the area around Docs at Forest/Abrams had gotten so bad -- not sure how it compares crime-wise to WH/Audelia.

I do understand and agree with LakeHighlands that folks who criticize are the same folks who do not provide any alternatives to the plans that are already in action to solve a particular problem. And LH HAS to be pro-active to MAKE things happen in the community. The area is not just going to stay a wonderful place to live without some effort being put into the problems (crime). So, I don't understand why the LHAIA does not do more to PUBLICIZE what is going on and what the "master plan" is????? Using LakeHighland's puzzle analogy, the LHAIA is gathered around the puzzle putting the pieces together but unwilling to share the big picture with their community. LakeHighlands, you say there is a plan and that everything is well thought out and being executed -- why is this not communicated? One of the most fundamental elements of leadership is being able to communicate a VISION. If we all had the same vision, I really think there would be more involvement and excitment about what is going on. I don't know your roll in the LHAIA's activities, LakeHighlands, but can you address the lack of a communicated vision?

[Urban Interest]

Well said, Auburn. I think you've raised very valid issues.

I find that even the LHAIA website is somewhat anemic--it can take weeks before you find new information on there. It's very frustrating for me b/c I'm always anxious to know what's going on. It seems like, unless you're part of the "in crowd," you're just supposed to sit back and catch information as you can get it from those who are in the know. Very frustrating.

[txRNGr]

I have updates on everything, but can't put some of it up until July 1st. I have an Advocate Article about Kingsley Square, but have to wait until July 1st to post it. As soon as I can I will post the rendering of the new center.

There will also be some construction at another center close by. (Audelia/Walnut Hill) I'll get everything up soon.

LakeHighlands its July 3rd...we're all waiting and very interested in these updates and new renderings. Dont keep us waiting any longer and please tell us what you know, the suspense is killing me!

[KBilly]

I am glad to hear that something is getting started @ WH and Audelia. That little quandrangle looks really rough (and IS pretty rough, for that matter).

On another note, I heard that the petition for removing (what could be perceived as) drug paraphernalia from the shelves of local retailers has done well. Although I'm not sure how I feel about this petition, I DO support the efforts of the LH residents to shape their community (which includes the businesses that are supported by the residents) and to rid the area of crime. I did not realize that the area around Docs at Forest/Abrams had gotten so bad -- not sure how it compares crime-wise to WH/Audelia.

I do understand and agree with LakeHighlands that folks who criticize are the same folks who do not provide any alternatives to the plans that are already in action to solve a particular problem. And LH HAS to be pro-active to MAKE things happen in the community. The area is not just going to stay a wonderful place to live without some effort being put into the problems (crime). So, I don't understand why the LHAIA does not do more to PUBLICIZE what is going on and what the "master plan" is????? Using LakeHighland's puzzle analogy, the LHAIA is gathered around the puzzle putting the pieces together but unwilling to share the big picture with their community. LakeHighlands, you say there is a plan and that everything is well thought out and being executed -- why is this not communicated? One of the most fundamental elements of leadership is being able to communicate a VISION. If we all had the same vision, I really think there would be more involvement and excitment about what is going on. I don't know your roll in the LHAIA's activities, LakeHighlands, but can you address the lack of a communicated vision?

I concur -- well said, Auburn!

In light of this petition, which is now being emailed to everyone on the LHAIA email list -- with the sneaky 'read receipt' flag activated that any 10 year old with Outlook experience can catch and refuse a send-back -- I am wondering about the wisdom of some of the images used on their website to illustrate this "problem."

In one part of the page, they ask in bold, along with 4 pictures:

Which would you rather have in your neighborhood?
A. This shopping center -or- B. This shopping center?

Now, in the 2 pictures of what we are obviously supposed to think of as "undesireable neighbors," besides a "target" cigarette store, we see signs for a business and mail center, a dry cleaners, a tailor and a cellular store. All, I'm sure, locally owned an operated and hardly what I would think of as crack-magnets.

In the "desirable center" we see a McDonald's, a Corner Bakery, a Pier 1 and a Pearle vision. All national chains with little local sense of who LH is.

If I owned any of these businesses in what LHAIA has pegged, on a public site with such innuendo, you can bet your sweet a$$ that I would have my lawyers crawling up their backsides yesterday. So, I'm interested in what others would have to say after seeing it here: LHAIA page (scroll down about 3/4 of the page).

It seems like zealous overkill of the worst kind to me.

[gc]

Chore boy looks like something to do the dishes with.

Yes, I would be pissed off too. Expect nothing less from the fine folks in Lake Highlands.

[Milkman Dan]

Chore boy looks like something to do the dishes with.

How many times have you gone into a discount cigarette store looking to buy a washrag for the dishes? Have you ever been in a discount cigarette store in your life? Tell you what, go across Central on Hall (outside of your contrived uptown bubble), and look at the small convenience store there before you get to Ross. Isn't it wonderful! It truly represents all that Dallas has to offer - pipes, glass tubes, "dish rags" <wink wink>, rolling papers, etc. Now look at all the lovely loitering on the front steps! Some of the people there are holding brown paper bags and taking occasional sips out of something... wonder what it is?? Probably just a refreshing iced tea to energize before getting home and cleaning the house! Scrub those dishes, and we can even use the rolling papers to wipe up our messes with!

People like yourself would NEVER have lived in uptown 10 years ago when the REAL urban grit was around. Now that it's completely sanitized (and devoid of any real character whatsoever) you sit around denigrating what other communities are doing trying to protect themselves in any legal way possible. LH has been struggling with gang, drug and crime problems for years now. I don't even agree 100% with this petition, but credit the community for standing up for itself.

Once you've moved out of uptown into a real community with real issues (not the occasional BMV that horrifies the uptown bubblites) then come back here and give your input. Until then, enjoy living on the cutting edge of urban life in uptown Dallas, where everything is fake and has been fabricated within the last 5 years to appease those who think living in an apartment when they are 35 is cool.

[St-T]

^sooooooooooo bitter!

[tamtagon]

Thank you for the website link, KBilly - that's some good stuff.

I, too, appreciate the efforts of LHAIA to create a safer environment. The geographic growth of Lake Highlands neighborhoods resulting from desires to manage gentrification in NE Dallas has very successfully generated positive community awareness and cohesiveness.

We want the message to resonate loud and clear to these landlords and store owners that the sale of drug paraphernalia IS NOT and WILL NOT be tolerated in Lake Highlands.

However, this sentence copied from the website sums up the foolish path LHAIA has taken with that petition. Rubbing alcohol and Reynolds Wrap are among the most common drug paraphernalia. What cha gonna do 'bout that? It is impossible, IMPOSSIBLE, to force people to stop taking drugs. It probably is true that the good residents of Lake Highlands do not want to be seen by any of their neighbors when buying personal use drug paraphernalia so close to house, anyway.

Every petition item on LHAIA's grocery list has functioning replacements. If product prohibition is going to be the way in Lake Highlands, the Area Imporvement Association should stop beating around the bush and start by forbidding the sale of alcohol.

LHAIA is running amok with zealous neighborhood extractions, and is at risk to become as destructive to the integrity of Lake Highlands as their vagabond targets.

[Milkman Dan]

My point was not to bash uptown (I work on McKinney) - it was to say that unless you are living near these problematic areas and understand 1sthand the issues surrounding them, you look like a sheltered simpleton saying things that amount to "dishrags are only used for cleaning"... this is especially true coming from those living in uptown, where the greatest threat to eternal happiness is a parking lot in FRONT <gasp> of a retail center, or a trolley that could block traffic for a minute or two while it's passenger gets off.

But, alas, I forget myself: I am on the message board that is the first and last word on what should be built or allowed in Dallas. I apologize for the failure to conform. LH, you MUST be inclusive of everyone in the community, even the drug addicts! (never mind that we in uptown kicked 99% of our minorities out of the area 10 years ago) LOCK STEP!

[Mballar]

LH, you MUST be inclusive of everyone in the community, even the drug addicts! (never mind that we in uptown kicked 99% of our minorities out of the area 10 years ago) LOCK STEP!

Are drug addicts and minorities synonymous in your mind? The literal read of your statement would suggest so.

[gc]

Milkman you know me well. Thanks for the psychotherapy.

[Columbus Civil]

Are drug addicts and minorities synonymous in your mind?

They are in Lake Highlands.

[WestTexan]

^It is just unbelievable to me that anyone would be critical of LH's efforts to clean up its neighborhoods. You may believe that the rights the crack-addicted are being trampled by this effort; but the courts do not. For over 40 years communities have passed ordinance to restrict the sale of drug paraphernalia, and as far I know these ordinance have never been declared unconstitutional. You people are arguing in favor of easy access to paraphernalia that is used with drugs that absolutely destroys lives and families. There is no other reasonable use for those glass pipes than to smoke crack or meth.

Using tax incentives to displace low-income families is a whole different issue. To me that is an issue that requires debate and discussion, not ridding the community of drug paraphernalia.