Things Afoot in the SW Quadrant

[macboots]

There has been a lot of activity in the SW quadrant recently. Some neutral, some negative. I often work in my garage next to the alleyway that goes to the old Jewish Center and warehouse, and there is definitely an uptick in people going through there.

The warehouse was being lived in by a few homeless. JSO arrested one for trespassing, the others were forced out and the building was secured by some neighborhood residents in coordination with the JSO.

The Drew Manor (aka the Castle) is being lived in by multiple individuals. The second story windows open and close throughout the week. There are several unsecured windows on the first floor. Additionally, someone is removing the tile from the roof and stacking it up. Depending on the age and condition of the tile, it can be quite valuable. Obviously removing portions of the roof will only accelerate the demise of the structure and it is very sad to see.



Taking a walk this evening, looked like a probable drug transaction went down at the bandstand in Klutho Park. Two young guys were sitting at the top of the staircase. Another guy in his late 20s rode up on his bicycle, literally threw his bike to the ground forcefully, and made a transaction with the others. JSO was contacted.

I had a UPS package containing some valuable automotive wood trim for a car I'm restoring stolen off my porch. Fortunately it was found by Kim behind a vacant house with only two pieces missing. I'm sure the guy who took it was expecting electronics or something. While valuable, there isn't a strong street market for vintage Jaguar wood trim which is why I'm sure he ditched it! She turned the remaining pieces over to the JSO (my address had been torn off the box), and they were able to track me down as I was working on the car in the driveway. Big thanks to Kim and JSO!



Anyhow, not happy about the uptick in shenanigans. Something needs to be done to secure the Drew Manor and Jewish Center. The empty lot where part of the Jewish Center burned down is also a major eyesore. The disc golf has been awesome for the park, and is bringing in people from all over the city. It's terrible that they see an overgrown lot while they walk through Klutho...

Cheers,

- Will

[movedsouth]

Will: I will gladly help secure the Drew mansion. I think this would be a great block captain project. Once in a while I check the front porch when I walk the dog at night. Last time I cleaned it was like 2 or 3 weeks ago, when it had the usual homeless camp. I haven't seen any homeless inside, but you are right, it is possible that some are living inside. Most of the downstairs windows appear to be sealed (e.g. the one to the basement in the front). I am not sure what it looks like on the back.

As for the Jewish center: No idea what the plan is on that. I believe the property is still under Hionides' (sp?) control. He posted two mothballing signs a couple months back, but I don't think there has been any action on it. I agree the lot is a mess right now, and NOT MOTHBALLED.

Mothballing, at a minimum, would require the lot to be mowed and the building to be secured.

[macboots]

There are definitely homeless camped out in there. In fact today a women in her 20s was there handing clothes to people inside through the window on the front porch. There's also quit a bit of empty tin cans and foodstuffs scattered along the sidewalk/grass in front, and a nice collection of used condoms around the side.

Almost certainly they are using the window on the side of the house that faces the dentist's office as access. The window is open and unsecured, and there is a cinderblock underneath to help you hop up and in.

Cheers,

- Will

[fsu813]

We'd like to check out the house, remove anyone squatting there, and appropriately secure any unsecured openings on the 1st floor (not very many, maybe 3) next Sunday (8/5/12) sometime....

[Gloria]

Reggie has put up some PSOS plywood that you are more than welcome to use.

The most important thing is to just block off the windows as best as you can. Make it hard to get in and show that we care about the house.

And that it is being watched.

Good looking out.

It takes a village to save a neighborhood.

[macboots]

This is the window in question that I believe people are using to get in and out. It is on the side of the house facing the dentist's office.



Difficult to see through the chain link and vegetation, but there is a cinder block propped up on end to help you get inside. There is a loose piece of plexiglass covering the bottom of the window opening.

Here you can also see one of the portions of the roof where the tile has been removed. Very sad.



Cheers,

- Will

[movedsouth]

so sad about the roof. Recently, a neighbor also observed in another house where the intruders left a piece of plywood "hinged" so it could be pulled up, but looked solid until you tried to pull it up. We may need to double check the existing boards and maybe re-attach them.

[Gloria]

Easy to figure out. If someone is taking those tiles, it is to repair their roof.

Look around.

Any roof repair going on?

Anyone live close enough to put a camera on the castle?

I'll drive by today and see about popping up a piece of plywood on that window.

[fsu813]

It looks like we'll have about 6 or so people there on Sunday to clear out the house, then board up all the unsecured openings.

We'd like to make sure no one is living in there at the time it's boarded up first, otherwise they'll just break out though another opening.

[jbm32206]

Is there an organized clean up for this coming Sunday (Aug 5th), if so post the time and I'll be there.