Post by Clipper on Aug 4, 2008 11:32:20 GMT -5
I just read a piece in the OD about a traffic stop in N Utica that resulted in an arrest for drugs and outstanding criminal warrants. In the comments section is a comment from someone that says "Wow" because it happened in N Utica, where police patrols are "boring."
How can people be so ignorant to what goes on around them? I lived in N Utica before moving here to Tennessee. I also worked nights at the OD and had the opportunity to drive about the city at night, checking on my drivers. I watched drugs being dealt in the N Utica shopping center, and at Fast Trac on the corner of Keyes Road. I saw sales of zig zag rolling papers challenge the sales of milk and bread at some the the convenience stores. I saw fights at Babe's and other N Utica bars and businesses. I saw fights and assaults at Denny's, and I saw prostitution arrests at N Utica motels. Then there are the motels on Herkimer Road where rooms are more often rented by the hour, instead of by the night, and the amenities are touted as being water beds and mirrored ceilings instead of a pool and a continental breakfast.
I have to laugh when I see the complacency of people thinking they are in a "safer" place in N Utica. Crime is not confined to the inner city, and when you cross over the Bagg Square bridge, you are crossing a bridge, not over a rainbow. You cross into the North side of the same city that you are crossing out of the "inner" portion of. You don't cross into Utopia or Oz.
If a cop is bored patrolling N Utica, he needs to get out of the parking lots and patrol. There is enough crime and illegal activity, along with traffic violations, to keep ANY policeman busy for his entire shift, if he goes out and actively pursues it.
I lived in and love N Utica, but I am not about to leave my wallet on the seat of my truck and leave the doors of my home unlocked. If my kid or grandkid came home with a pocket full of money, I wouldn't think it came from a kool aid stand. If my kid was out at midnight (which they would not be) I would be wondering what activity they were taking part in. I don't think many teens go out to catch lightning bugs any more.
I simply scratch my head when people can live in this disillusionment in N Utica, and let the rest of their hometown fall into ruin, with nothing but disdain, and complacency, as long as it isn't happening on their street. I can't wait to move back to the area, but I will not be leaving the house unlocked or leaving anything of value unguarded. I will still keep a loaded weapon at the ready to dissuade home invaders and protect myself.
How can people be so ignorant to what goes on around them? I lived in N Utica before moving here to Tennessee. I also worked nights at the OD and had the opportunity to drive about the city at night, checking on my drivers. I watched drugs being dealt in the N Utica shopping center, and at Fast Trac on the corner of Keyes Road. I saw sales of zig zag rolling papers challenge the sales of milk and bread at some the the convenience stores. I saw fights at Babe's and other N Utica bars and businesses. I saw fights and assaults at Denny's, and I saw prostitution arrests at N Utica motels. Then there are the motels on Herkimer Road where rooms are more often rented by the hour, instead of by the night, and the amenities are touted as being water beds and mirrored ceilings instead of a pool and a continental breakfast.
I have to laugh when I see the complacency of people thinking they are in a "safer" place in N Utica. Crime is not confined to the inner city, and when you cross over the Bagg Square bridge, you are crossing a bridge, not over a rainbow. You cross into the North side of the same city that you are crossing out of the "inner" portion of. You don't cross into Utopia or Oz.
If a cop is bored patrolling N Utica, he needs to get out of the parking lots and patrol. There is enough crime and illegal activity, along with traffic violations, to keep ANY policeman busy for his entire shift, if he goes out and actively pursues it.
I lived in and love N Utica, but I am not about to leave my wallet on the seat of my truck and leave the doors of my home unlocked. If my kid or grandkid came home with a pocket full of money, I wouldn't think it came from a kool aid stand. If my kid was out at midnight (which they would not be) I would be wondering what activity they were taking part in. I don't think many teens go out to catch lightning bugs any more.
I simply scratch my head when people can live in this disillusionment in N Utica, and let the rest of their hometown fall into ruin, with nothing but disdain, and complacency, as long as it isn't happening on their street. I can't wait to move back to the area, but I will not be leaving the house unlocked or leaving anything of value unguarded. I will still keep a loaded weapon at the ready to dissuade home invaders and protect myself.
