Concerns about crime, traffic block-ups and loud noise coming from the bars and taverns downtown were just a few of the issues aired during a recent town meeting hosted by Gov. John deJongh Jr. for Savan residents.
During the meeting, residents pushed for more foot patrols in the area and spoke of open drug trafficking in the streets. They also discussed the need for more surveillance cameras, streetlight maintenance and monitoring of everything from illegal lottery ticket sales to the dumping of excess litter along the roadways, according to a Government House release.
The Wednesday night meeting was the most recent in a series of public forums hosted by the administration. The event brought together representatives from the Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Police and Agriculture departments, along with Public Works, Fire Services and St. Thomas-St. John-Water Island Administrator Barbara Petersen.
At the meeting, Nicole Turner Wilkinson from Public Works told residents that the department has received federal approval for plans to repair the portion of Fireburn Hill that collapsed last October during Hurricane Omar. Work should begin in about a month, she said.
Meanwhile, District Police Chief Rodney Querrard Sr. said the department is concerned about the number of gun-related incidents occurring in the neighborhood. Police have taken 184 guns off the streets this year and will continue to "fight against the presence of illegal weapons in our communities," he said.
Noting an increase in complaints of loud music coming from bars and restaurants in the community, Querrard said the department has also stepped up its patrols, and will look into concerns about bars that remain open after 2 a.m.
On a similar vein, DLCA Commissioner Wayne L. Biggs talked to residents about the moratorium currently in place for newly established bars and taverns in Savan. He said a task force is being set up to make sure "bars and restaurants are operating within the scope of their license and within the noise ordinance," according to the release.
Several abandoned buildings in the area have either been demolished or have been marked for demolition, officials added later. Agriculture Commissioner Louis Petersen also spoke about the department’s problems with vagrants sleeping in Market Square and told residents that vandals have stolen light bulbs from the bungalow.
The next town meeting on St. Thomas will be held Nov. 4 and will focus on residents in Anna’s Retreat and Estate Tutu.
