minps 04-19-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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breeding ground for crime. Speaking of which, where is the diversity in the LPD? I don't think I've ever seen a person of color among its rank. Address the underlying causes of gun violence instead of making a knee jerk reaction. What about the car jackings that have happened this spring? What do those have to do with basketball? There are larger issues at hand. Britt Irvin Location: Submitted At: 2:13pm 04-19-21 1 oppose the recent temporary removal of the basketball hoops at Madison Park. It was mentioned in the Mayor's statement on April 16th that the anti-racism task force will be looked to as we ensure all members feel safe and welcomed everywhere they go. My question is did the anti-racism task force have an opportunity to advise on the decision before it was made? I am also greatly discouraged by the racism within our community that the Safer Lakewood page can provide evidence for. I would like to know if the anti-racism task force will be making a statement to the community. The root cause must be addressed otherwise the superficial, temporary solutions will be short-lived and we seek sustainable change. Randy Brown Location: Submitted At: 1:14pm 04-19-21 The dismantling of our basketball court has happened without explanation. Those of us who want it back are being asked to trust the police, that the decision is for our safety, and in our best interest. It is my pointed goal at this meeting, to ask that the hoops be put back immediately, and in turn, request that the police and our government officials show the concerned citizens some trust that we are banding together to solve the issue of violence in our park. Trust that we will be crowding around the court to make sure we can be there to help resolve any basketball related conflicts. Trust that our neighborhood players AND cleveland players will be welcomed. Trust that we are interested in getting families involved. Trust that residents in birdtown (like myself) and those nearby want to be a part of creating a fun atmosphere around the basketball court. Trust that our congregation around the basketball court will prove to be an observable, tangible, and undeniable change. Trust that we will shatter the narrative that basketball attracts violence and or crime. Trust that we are changing that narrative to "basketball at madison park is inclusive and inviting to people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Basketball at Madison Park, is fun, 7 days a week." Zlatko Coralic Location: Submitted At: 12:53pm 04-19-21 I'm rather surprised and dismayed that we would yet again take down the hoops in Lakewood. The community has fought for years to get them back and stress their importance to the community. Removing them is another short sighted attempt to address violent incidents. From what we understand, the shootings didn't happen because of foul calls and wins/losses. We only hurt our kids when we both remove outlets to play outside and build bonds through sports. Casey Davis Location: Submitted At: 11:25am 04-19-21 My position regarding the reaction by city officials to remove the hoops at Madison parks echoes the comments already submitted. The narrative around "unsavory people, criminals, and outsiders" being the cause of violence in our parks and then narrowed down to the the basketball courts in general is an old and tired excuse that needs to stop immediately. These issues can be remedied by community involvement, as demonstrated on Saturday when we all gathered at the court to brainstorm and collect tangible solutions to keep violence out of our parks. You are blessed with invested residents who are ready and willing be a part of the solutions that move us forward instead of the continuous steps backwards that seem to always be taken at the drop of a dime when anything happens anywhere on or near a basketball court. I think we have been more than patient and have remained calm despite how outrageous this all is. But me personally my patience is running low with how this city is dealing with the FACT it is an URBAN community with a large population of underserved that are being labeled and outright discriminated against.