Citizens look to create watch
FAIRCHANCE – Concerned citizens and borough officials met Wednesday to discuss ongoing problems at Fairchance Community Park and to begin organizing a neighborhood watch group. The handful of people who attended the meeting said disorderly juveniles are wrecking havoc at the park. Those in attendance complained about animal abuse, drugs and vandalism.
The juveniles, according to the citizens, torture ducks and other animals at the park, use vulgar language, urinate on picnic tables and damage buildings and other property.
Borough officials admitted that the park has problems with unruly juveniles and vandalism, but maintained that they are doing everything they can to keep the park clean and safe.
Mayor Thomas Tanner said borough police officers patrol the area as much as possible and that the park is one of the nicest in Fayette County.
“Yes, we’ve got problems. But everyone has problems. We’re working to solve our problems and the state police have agreed to help us set up a neighborhood watch group,” he said.
Tanner said six juveniles were recently caught riding bicycles down the sliding boards at the park and said citations will be issued.
Borough officials said a hard stance will be taken against anyone who violates the rules of the park, which are no profanity, no smoking, no littering and no disorderly conduct. Rules also state that there is to be no trespassing after dark and that violators will be prosecuted.
Borough Councilman Neil Brown said the borough only has one full-time office and relies on part-time officers. State police also provide protection when no borough officers are on duty.
In addition, Brown said council recently voted to hire an additional part-time officer after hearing complaints from residents about activities occurring at the park.
“We’re going to focus on starting a neighborhood watch group and do what we can to keep this park nice,” Brown said.
Several citizens who attended Wednesday’s meeting expressed concern that juveniles have been mistreating ducks at the park.
Brown said no animals should ever be mistreated at the park, but reminded residents that borough officials can’t provide protection for ducks and other animals at the park.
Brown said there are more then 70 ducks at the park and that the birds are creating a mess. The borough is working with a state agency to see if about half the ducks can be removed and transported to a safe environment, he said.
Brown said residents are encouraged to report criminal activity at the park. Borough police can a will file citations against the offenders if the witness is willing to testify, he said.
Borough officials said they are hopefully state police will be able to conduct a neighborhood watch meeting in the borough within the next several weeks.
Information regarding the meeting will be released when it becomes available, officials said, noting that public participating is crucial is the watch group is to be successful.
Borough officials also reminded residents that the majority of juveniles in the borough are “good kids” who shouldn’t be lumped in with the juveniles who are creating problems at the park.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, a youth group from Calvary Apostolic Church in Uniontown removed litter from the park.