LYNN — Neighbors from all over the Pine Hill neighborhood descended upon 6 Bellevue Road Saturday morning to talk about ways to keep their community safe.
The meeting, organized by Donald Castle Jr., served as a way for community members to talk about some of the problems that have arisen in the neighborhood, such as speeding and other illegal activities.
Representatives from the Lynn Police Department were present for the meeting, as well as City Councilors Fred Hogan and Dianna Chakoutis.
‘We’re just trying to keep the neighborhood safe, clean and drug-free,” said Castle. “It’s kind of a simple concept.”
Castle indicated that he and other neighbors in the area have witnessed drug deals taking place on street corners in the neighborhood. Also in a nearby cemetery, there is a shaded area where residents have witnessed illegal transactions. Castle and others asked that one branch of a tree that provides safe haven for such deals be removed.
Police Sgt. Mike O’Connell was present at the gathering and talked to residents about when they should call 911, as well as how they should identify suspects and relay information to the police.
O’Connell also stressed to residents that they should not confront individuals, but instead inform the police department of the possible issue.
“Like we had to tell Don (Castle) don’t go walk down there and ask somebody even if you think that they are up to (something). That’s why you pay us,” O’Connell said. “We’re very happy to come down and take care of it. I don’t want anybody going and getting into a confrontation with somebody and having it escalate into a violent situation.”
The neighborhood is creating a private Facebook group for the community and will continue to communicate via email to relay information to nearby residents.
