Old Louisville Journal, July 2005

Crime in the Neighborhood...
LMPD Officers Speak to the Property Improvement Committee

Louisville Metro Police Chief Robert White, outgoing Fourth Division Major Larry Watkins, and Lt. Michael Brandon discussed the future of the Fourth Division headquarters in Central Park, LMPD structure and operations, crime statistics for Old Louisville, and answered questions related to current criminal activity in the neighborhood at the June 9, 2005, meeting of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council Property Improvement Committee (PIC). Major David Ray, the new Fourth Division Commander as of June 11, 2005, was also introduced.
Herb Fink, PIC Chair, opened the meeting with an historical overview of the police presence in Central Park. Chief White acknowledged issues related to space and maintenance at the Central Park facility, but he reiterated that moving the division elsewhere is not on his or the Mayor’s radar screens.
Chief White said his primary goals are to maximize the availability and ability of the current force to fight and prevent crime. He supports upgrading department technology and restructuring procedures in order that jobs, such as routine report writing, can be assigned to civilian personnel, which will free up more officers to be on the streets fighting crime. The degree of efficiencies that result will determine whether the Chief decides to increase force numbers.
Reassigning majors is one way the Chief seeks to improve the department; he feels it fights complacency, brings fresh ideas and expertise to neighborhoods, and sustains the department energy level. Hence, Major Watkins now heads the Eighth Division in eastern Louisville; Major Ray perviously headed the Third Division in southwest Jefferson County.
Lieutenant Michael Brandon summarized neighborhood crime statistics for the past month and acknowledged that citizen’s perceptions of crime levels can differ from police statistics. Discrepancies between the two can be caused when citizens do not report crime information or the suspicion of criminal activity to police. Chief White said citizens should always promptly report crime information or suspicious behavior by calling the LMPD tips hotline, 574-LMPD (574-5673). LMPD dispatch, 574-7111 should be called to report a crime that has already taken place; 911 should be called when a crime is in progress.
Most people at the crowded meeting commented that crime was definitely up in the neighborhood, and many of them had been victims. They voiced complaints that in some instances, officers had cavalierly told them that crime is what one should expect if one lives in Old Louisville. Chief White said such attitudes on the part of police are unacceptable and should be reported.
Major Watkins said that drugs are the major problem in Old Louisville at this time; he urged patience, indicating that the police are laying the groundwork for an imminent, major effort to solve the problem.

Major Larry Watkins was the guest of honor on his last day as Commander of the LMPD Fourth Division at a reception hosted by Helga Ulrich at
her home on June 10, 2005.
Sergeant Doug Sweeney presented Major Watkins with a plaque expressing appreciation from the officers of the Fourth Division. Rick Tapp baked the cake for the occasion

To everything there is a season...
Hard Work Makes A
Second Street Garden Grow

When Jan Cieremans and Holly Liter moved into their home on South Second Street in January, 2003, they found a back yard in need of much repair and renewal. After two years of hard work, the fruits of their labor will be on display during the Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour on Saturday July 9, 2005, and Sunday, July 10, 2005, from 10:00AM to 5:00PM.
Holly says the garden was a veritable jungle complete with a huge dead tree, a huge mound of soil which had been excavated by the previous owners to create a pond, and ugly chain link fencing. The mound, she discovered, also served as a burial ground for someone’s deceased dog!
Today the yard is an inviting oasis featuring a refurbished goldfish pond surrounded by aquatic plants, flowers, holly bushes, and a container bald cyprus. Japanese and red maple trees have been planted. New wooden fencing, a tent gazebo, and a swing and slide set for their 13-month old daughter, Emily, complete Jan’s and Holly’s garden. Both are self-proclaimed novice gardeners who have obviously learned a great deal.
Eleven other gardens will also be on the tour. New this year will be a preview of a landscape rehab in progress of a privately owned, but open to the
public, neighborhood park. Art in the Garden will again be held at the DuPont Mansion Bed and Breakfast where artists will be painting and exhibiting their works in the mansion’s backyard during both days of the tour.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 the day of the tour. Advance tickets can be obtained through July 8, by calling, writing, e-mailing, or visiting the Old Louisville Information Center in Central Park. Phone: 502-635-5244, or E-mail: olnc@bellsouth.net. Cash, check, or VISA/MC accepted. A fax order form may be downloaded at www.oldlouisville.org. Day-of-tour tickets and maps will be available in front of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Court. Tickets are good for both days. No rain dates or refunds.
Complimentary refreshments will be available in Haskins Hall in the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. Water will be available at each garden. Restroom facilities will be identified on the map.

More than the seasons have changed in the back yard of Jan Cieremans and Holly Liter.

Gail Wynters was the featured song stylist at last month’s
First Sunday Concert in Central Park.
This month’s concert will take place on Sunday, July 3, 2005, at 4pm
and will feature Bluegrass Music.
Bring a chair or blanket and celebrate
part of your holiday weekend in the park.

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