Description
There is a parking lot behind Firehouse 19 Trauma Center (corner of Nash and Edwards - parking lot is on Nash). Last night some guy was parked there, got out and urinated, then got back in his car and proceeded to role what appeared to be marijuana joints for about 15 minutes (the urinator was in the passenger seat, there was someone else in the driver's seat. They were rolling with the car's map light on, so it was pretty easy to see). We called the police to come over; they came, but too late (I only saw them drive by, pretty quickly, about 45 minutes after we called). The car was still there but the guys were no longer in it. This parking lot has been a haven lately for loitering, noise, drug activity and what appears to be prostitution activity. There needs to be major surveillance and police presence around here. We need to feel safe in our homes and community.
19 Comments
Ben (Admin)
Thanks for reporting this. If this persists we should alert the owner of the building. Please continue to document the occurrences.
RTM
J-
Thank you for reporting this issue. I agree that more police presence in this area if East Rock is needed. On numerous occasions I have called the police on men loitering in front of Gloria's (corner of East and State) and as of late they are pan handling and openly drinking. One evening two weeks ago I had to call about a man ringing my bell, banging on the door and screaming. Not a good feeling.
the plant lady
Do you have a block watch? If so bring this up at your meeting. If not think about starting one. Also speak to your neighborhood Police contact. They are really helpful about getting results with this kind of a problem.
Another idea is light the night. Very bright lighting might deter this.
Good luck
md (Guest)
The same kind of behavior has been going on behind the Clifford B's Clinic parking lot on Edwards/Foster Sts and the St James Church parking lot on Lawrence/Fosters Sts... not sure of prostitiution activity but late night loitering, noise, possibly drug activity and illegal use of dumpsters on property; also some car vandalism when parked cars are not able to find street parking on street cleaning days, etc.
Guest (Guest)
I agree!
Ben (Admin)
Has anybody seen NHPD in our neighborhood recently? I have not seen a neighborhood officer in at least 6 months.
RTM
I called the police on the man ringing my bell, pounding on my door and screaming. It took them 15 minutes to get there and by that time he is was gone. Other than that occasion, police presence in East Rock has been weak.
Chris L
RTM what did the man look like? I had some random guy (older looking white guy, wearing all black, skinny and looked like he had used drugs pretty frquently) walk on my poarch and try to open our door. We was yelling at himself and then walked towards Lawerence St.
robn (Guest)
How could the NHPD possibly prevent crime in East Rock when they're WAY too busy not preventing murders in Newhallville.
RTM
Hi Chris. I did not get a look at him. I live on the 2nd and 3rd floors of a house and went down to the front door when my bell was rung. i dare not open the door once he started screaming and pounding. Went back up to cal the police. By your account of what happened, it could certainly be the same man.
Mark
Thank you for documenting these issues, it is very helpful.
Treehuggger (Guest)
Good news, some but not all of the bad actors from this address have left the neighborhood, at least for now. Ben, thanks for the suggestion way down at the bottom of the list but it takes incredible persistence to move this issue even the tiniest step forward. Please keep this issue open until the multiple problems with this property are addressed are addressed and we can feel safe in our homes.
Park problems (Guest)
More of the same happening in the park between Lawrence and Eagle. Increasing frequency of people driving in for drug deals (day and night), not just drug use.
Ben (Admin)
Hi,
Is this still happening?
We have officers walking the streets now and they could keep an eye on this area.
J (Guest)
The situation has greatly improved since I reported this. There has occasionally been loitering and noise but nothing like what was going on. Because this parking lot is dark and tucked-away, it will likely always be subject to people behaving badly. I think the police should continue to keep an eye on it. That is great news about officers walking the streets now. Thanks!!!!
XNHRES (Guest)
Similar incidents have also taken place behind the Clifford Bayers clinic for years. High taxes paid by East Rock residents are being used for services elsewhere in New Haven. They city has NHPD officers in neighborhoods trying to keep the number of homicides down, with gang and drug dealers better protected than people that have invested years in the East Rock community. As an ex East Rock home owner (almost 30 years). I miss the neighborhood, markets and being in New Haven, but Im glad I got out when I did.
Closed Ben (Admin)
Great! I'll close out the issue.
Thanks,
Ben