Minutes

September 09, 2008

Sylvan Heights Neighborhood Association
Meeting Minues – 9/9/2008

I. Criminal Activity

Neighborhood crime had previously been isolated to a few locations, but criminal activity has increased in recent months. Examples include:

  1. Multiple accidents on 38th Ave. North
  2. Shootings on Elkins & 38th Ave. North
  3. Drugs and Crime in and around Park Ave. School playground was stopped due to police activity and reports from neighborhood

The SHNA Officers and Steering Committee have been actively working with police to address these problems. Several officers were in attendance at this week’s neighborhood meeting.

  • Lieutenant Pylkas
  • Sergeant Tripp - Community Sergeant available during daytime hours. Sergeant Tripp is responsible for all community issues and recurring problems.
  • Sergeant Humes - Responsible for officers on the street
  • Officer Ward - Zone officer, responsible for patrolling Sylvan Heights area
  • Sergeant Chick - West Precinct Detective’s Sergeant

In the past 30 days, 79 calls have been handled by the police. This number includes both reports from citizens into the police, as well as proactive stops made by the police. 33 calls were made to Skyview Apartments, and 12 calls were made to Chamberlain. Other focal areas include Elkins and 38th, the area surrounding Discount Tobacco, and Nevada and Colorado, where auto burglaries have been a recent problem.

At the Skyview apartments, fewer calls have been made following the arrest of a man with 14 outstanding arrest warrants. He had been responsible for many of the “shots fired” calls. The arrest involved Operation Safe Streets, with K-9 units, helicopters, and additional forces.

A recent double-shooting at 38th and Elkins should not be a cause for concern for neighbors. The crime was directed at a specific target. Neighbors should not consider themselves at risk to these criminals.

II. Instructions for Reporting Criminal Activity

For crimes in process, call 862-8600 or 911 (if it is an emergency). For community issues and recurring problems, contact Sergeant Tripp with the West Precinct.

Drug related activity should be reported to 244-DOPE. All reports to 244-DOPE must be addressed by the police. Be sure to get a case number.

Another method of reporting criminal activity is through the Nashville.gov web site. Follow the “Public Safety” link any provide details of the crime in the Criminal Activity Tips section of the site.

If you see criminal or suspicious activity, report it. “Nothing is ever too small to bug us about” – Sgt. Tripp

III. Neighborhood Watch

The Sylvan Heights Neighborhood Watch will be organized to provide feedback to police and to distribute information to neighbors. Volunteers are needed to be Block Captains, who are responsible for communicating to about 10 nearby neighbors. Block captains will filter information up to the Director of the Neighborhood Watch and also share information with his or her block.

Please see the www.sylvanheights.org web site and email notifications if you are willing to volunteer. Additional information will be provided in the near future.

IV. Neighborhood Beautification

The Sylvan Heights Neighborhood Association is seeking volunteers needed to help with Neighborhood beautification. The group will generate ideas for beautification and pursue efforts such as mailbox repair, alley clean-up, and others. Some neighbors have already made progress on the alley clean-up, and they will be assisting the SHNA in its efforts.

To volunteer, please see the www.sylvanheights.org web site or contact the Sylvan Heights Steering Committee.

V. SHNA Elections

Interim elections for SHNA officers will be held at the November neighborhood association meeting (Nov. 11th at 7:00 PM at Park Elementary). The standard elections will still be held in February. The following positions are currently vacant:

Vice President
Responsibilities include support of President when needed
Lead membership drive in Feb-March
Secretary
Record meeting minutes and maintain accurate membership lists

Depending on election outcomes, vacancies on the Steering Committee may also need to be filled.

To report Metro Codes violations: www.nashville.gov/codes/report_violations.aspx
Brush pickup schedule: www.nashville.gov/recycle/brush.htm
SHNA Crime Watch group: groups.google.com/group/SHNA-CrimeWatch
SHNA Talk group: http://groups.google.com/group/SHNA-talk