Can anyone tell me who to call/email about a quasi abandoned, crazy littered drug house on my street? I'm not sure who to alert in the city, but we have prostitutes coming and going, kids smoking crack in it's disgustingly littered back yard, windows broken or literally hanging on the structure, etc.
It's a very dangerous place, and it's getting worse. I would think that there is someplace/someone in the city that could do something....
First, call DCRA to board it up if it is abandoned. If not, call you ANC, and show up for the next PSA meeting. It is a very good idea to document any and all activity that you see. If there are grounds for noise complaints/domestic violence, or if you witness drug activity, you should call 311/911 as the situation requires. If fights occur outside the place, or if they have other criminal activity that appears to be creating violence on your block (or overtly intimidating residents and visitors -this would include a visible drug trade, or visible drug use), you may have a good candidate for Operation Crackddown (in which case you should follow the same approach outlined above).
Obviously prostitution would also qualify (it's basically a civil nuisance case). Call either DCRA, or DPW (I think DCRA) if the backyard is really bad and tell them you are afraid it might be breeding rats. Your PSA Lt. should be able to help you and they should pass on any info you gather to the US Att.'s Office.
I'm going to document activities (not sure how to do that without getting slugged...), and call DCRA on Monday. It really is a breeding ground for rats. The drug activity is pretty scary. It's hard to document it, because they cover up the crack rocks in their fists if anyone comes near. The kids/adults that smoke crack usually come around at night, and they smoke and leave before any police officer would have time to come around. I guess just calling, and calling, and calling would do the trick eventually.
Ok, it may not be possible to get photos (do not try if it will be obvious). I don't know if they live where you can shoot photos from your home. I suggest starting a garden out front (if possible). theat is a great reason to be in your front yard, and a good way to come into contact with other neighbors that also might not like what is going on. I have no idea how long you have lived in the house, but a good thing for all of us to remember is that most residents (no matter how long they have lived here) don't like people fouling the block with drug use, litter, prostitution, ect. You can start walking home, or walking the dog, ect. by passing the house in question. Just be creative, but try to avoid putting yourself in danger. Most of the time these guys will do nothing because it is easier, but sometimes they do act (and protecting a house might be worth it to them), so better safe than sorry. When we've had vacant houses on my block with broken fences that dealers use to gain access/stash drugs, we've gotten together in groups and repaired the fance and called the cops every time we've seen something going on (i.e. the dealer returning for his stash). In our case, the cops did not catch the guy in the act, but he did stop using the yard after the cops took his stash. There may be time when you are "gardening" that these guys will approach you and talk to you, but I've never been threatened for gardening in my own yard. Just make sure that you actually plant something.
yes, call 727-1000 and ask for the department of transportation. there is a person that works there who used to do coordination work for ward 5. she also gave me the numbers for the department of public works--202-645-8507 and the dcra at 202-442-4374. when you call these numbers, make sure you take down the names of the person on the voicemail because these are the main people who are in charge of ward 5. inked is correct that the city will get involved about rodent issues. i know all this because i recently made a purchase in ward 5 and i am having trouble with children running wild, trrespassing, and littering. some of the people over there are so bad that it's s darn shame and i can't understand how some people would even want to live this way. the block is a quiet block, but it's just got some bad apples on it who are rotten to the core and there is a certain property on it near the end of the block that is a number one nuisance and attracting more nuisances. most of my issues on my block are with children and not really drugs, but i am sure there is some activity going on. we have seen smaller children who claim to carry weapons and some older boys/young men in alleys over there hanging out. i have not seen any "purchasing or exchanging," but i am sure that whatever goes down in the alley ain't nice. i have called police several times regarding the children issue and i have resorted to filing service requests on dc.gov for even the smallest things regarding the block or the nuisance property, in order to leave a papertrail and to bring attention to these issues. like my block, i think yours has been neglected so long that people stopped complaining and it's not just a fear thing. i can see the culture of alot of similar places in the area and know that the people don't give a damn to the point they won't do anything or they are participants in the bad behavior. after i bought my property, i loved it but then found myself outside sitting in my car crying and asking myself what i had done to deserve this, in an area where some people don't know how to act. i go through periods of hating the block and it's occupants, but everytime i feel hateful, i look up through my tears and pray about it because i know someday, ALL OF NORTHEAST DC will get better. i don't want innocent families to be displaced, but i do want that quadrant of the city to be where decent people live too. the only "reputable" parts of the city should not just be georgetown and dupont circle. grass and class can grow in ward 5 too. just keep your head up, pray about it, and keep checking out sites about the area, like this site. everytime i look at this site, it gives me hope because i see all the new businesses opening and it makes me momentarily forget all about all the strife and triflingness that plagues some northeast neighborhoods. i know i am off on a long tangent, but try these numbers i listed above and please come back to let us know what happened. meanwhile, keep yourself out of harms way and stay on the path while you try to better your neighborhood. one day, all the trash will be gone and you will be able to smile at the pretty roses. keep praying about it and it will get better. there's so much good happening and about to come, it can't get any worse.
one more thing i forgot to add--when you call dcra and dpw, tell them this is a multi-agency issue that needs a taskforce to come in and investigate on all levels. also, in addition to this and mentioning rats on the premises (really, there are), tell them there is also trash, which probably is too, aside from that trash that takes drugs and is a public nuisance on your block. also, you want to get in touch with the sargeant at the ward 5 police station at 1805 bladensburg road, ne. i don't know that sargeant's name, but call the station and they will tell you. also, it probably would not hurt to write a letter to cathy lanier or get in touch with her assistant, who is nola joyce, at 202-727-4218. since ms. lanier has been recently heading things up in ward 5 (i've been assuming you are in ward 5), she will be well aware of why you have decided to contact her and she can put a boot in the butts of the ward 5 police station so that they can stay on top of your neighborhood situation. i pray all this helps you come to a speedy and safe resolution. it's going to warm up soon and we all know these kinds of issues can get worse. we want to nip it in the bud right now so we can enjoy our summer.
8 comments:
Off topic...
Can anyone tell me who to call/email about a quasi abandoned, crazy littered drug house on my street? I'm not sure who to alert in the city, but we have prostitutes coming and going, kids smoking crack in it's disgustingly littered back yard, windows broken or literally hanging on the structure, etc.
It's a very dangerous place, and it's getting worse. I would think that there is someplace/someone in the city that could do something....
Please help!
Thanks much in advance...
First, call DCRA to board it up if it is abandoned. If not, call you ANC, and show up for the next PSA meeting. It is a very good idea to document any and all activity that you see. If there are grounds for noise complaints/domestic violence, or if you witness drug activity, you should call 311/911 as the situation requires. If fights occur outside the place, or if they have other criminal activity that appears to be creating violence on your block (or overtly intimidating residents and visitors -this would include a visible drug trade, or visible drug use), you may have a good candidate for Operation Crackddown (in which case you should follow the same approach outlined above).
Obviously prostitution would also qualify (it's basically a civil nuisance case). Call either DCRA, or DPW (I think DCRA) if the backyard is really bad and tell them you are afraid it might be breeding rats. Your PSA Lt. should be able to help you and they should pass on any info you gather to the US Att.'s Office.
Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOO much, Inked!
I'm going to document activities (not sure how to do that without getting slugged...), and call DCRA on Monday. It really is a breeding ground for rats. The drug activity is pretty scary. It's hard to document it, because they cover up the crack rocks in their fists if anyone comes near. The kids/adults that smoke crack usually come around at night, and they smoke and leave before any police officer would have time to come around. I guess just calling, and calling, and calling would do the trick eventually.
Thanks a ton for your blog and your support.
You are an angel.
Ok, it may not be possible to get photos (do not try if it will be obvious). I don't know if they live where you can shoot photos from your home. I suggest starting a garden out front (if possible). theat is a great reason to be in your front yard, and a good way to come into contact with other neighbors that also might not like what is going on. I have no idea how long you have lived in the house, but a good thing for all of us to remember is that most residents (no matter how long they have lived here) don't like people fouling the block with drug use, litter, prostitution, ect. You can start walking home, or walking the dog, ect. by passing the house in question. Just be creative, but try to avoid putting yourself in danger. Most of the time these guys will do nothing because it is easier, but sometimes they do act (and protecting a house might be worth it to them), so better safe than sorry. When we've had vacant houses on my block with broken fences that dealers use to gain access/stash drugs, we've gotten together in groups and repaired the fance and called the cops every time we've seen something going on (i.e. the dealer returning for his stash). In our case, the cops did not catch the guy in the act, but he did stop using the yard after the cops took his stash. There may be time when you are "gardening" that these guys will approach you and talk to you, but I've never been threatened for gardening in my own yard. Just make sure that you actually plant something.
yes, call 727-1000 and ask for the department of transportation. there is a person that works there who used to do coordination work for ward 5. she also gave me the numbers for the department of public works--202-645-8507 and the dcra at 202-442-4374. when you call these numbers, make sure you take down the names of the person on the voicemail because these are the main people who are in charge of ward 5. inked is correct that the city will get involved about rodent issues. i know all this because i recently made a purchase in ward 5 and i am having trouble with children running wild, trrespassing, and littering. some of the people over there are so bad that it's s darn shame and i can't understand how some people would even want to live this way. the block is a quiet block, but it's just got some bad apples on it who are rotten to the core and there is a certain property on it near the end of the block that is a number one nuisance and attracting more nuisances. most of my issues on my block are with children and not really drugs, but i am sure there is some activity going on. we have seen smaller children who claim to carry weapons and some older boys/young men in alleys over there hanging out. i have not seen any "purchasing or exchanging," but i am sure that whatever goes down in the alley ain't nice. i have called police several times regarding the children issue and i have resorted to filing service requests on dc.gov for even the smallest things regarding the block or the nuisance property, in order to leave a papertrail and to bring attention to these issues. like my block, i think yours has been neglected so long that people stopped complaining and it's not just a fear thing. i can see the culture of alot of similar places in the area and know that the people don't give a damn to the point they won't do anything or they are participants in the bad behavior. after i bought my property, i loved it but then found myself outside sitting in my car crying and asking myself what i had done to deserve this, in an area where some people don't know how to act. i go through periods of hating the block and it's occupants, but everytime i feel hateful, i look up through my tears and pray about it because i know someday, ALL OF NORTHEAST DC will get better. i don't want innocent families to be displaced, but i do want that quadrant of the city to be where decent people live too. the only "reputable" parts of the city should not just be georgetown and dupont circle. grass and class can grow in ward 5 too. just keep your head up, pray about it, and keep checking out sites about the area, like this site. everytime i look at this site, it gives me hope because i see all the new businesses opening and it makes me momentarily forget all about all the strife and triflingness that plagues some northeast neighborhoods. i know i am off on a long tangent, but try these numbers i listed above and please come back to let us know what happened. meanwhile, keep yourself out of harms way and stay on the path while you try to better your neighborhood. one day, all the trash will be gone and you will be able to smile at the pretty roses. keep praying about it and it will get better. there's so much good happening and about to come, it can't get any worse.
one more thing i forgot to add--when you call dcra and dpw, tell them this is a multi-agency issue that needs a taskforce to come in and investigate on all levels. also, in addition to this and mentioning rats on the premises (really, there are), tell them there is also trash, which probably is too, aside from that trash that takes drugs and is a public nuisance on your block. also, you want to get in touch with the sargeant at the ward 5 police station at 1805 bladensburg road, ne. i don't know that sargeant's name, but call the station and they will tell you. also, it probably would not hurt to write a letter to cathy lanier or get in touch with her assistant, who is nola joyce, at 202-727-4218. since ms. lanier has been recently heading things up in ward 5 (i've been assuming you are in ward 5), she will be well aware of why you have decided to contact her and she can put a boot in the butts of the ward 5 police station so that they can stay on top of your neighborhood situation. i pray all this helps you come to a speedy and safe resolution. it's going to warm up soon and we all know these kinds of issues can get worse. we want to nip it in the bud right now so we can enjoy our summer.
Ne Diva, Please come live on my block. You sound awesome!
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