Residents say no to ball courts

SOUTHEAST GLENDALE — Proposed construction of a new basketball court at Carr Park has some neighbors worried about an increase in crime in the area.

Neighbor Norbert Style, accompanied by other residents of the area, addressed the council during Tuesday's City Council meeting on their concerns.

"I'm here to talk about Carr Park and [ask] how the mayor can help save the park from the violence that goes on … the drug abuse, the fights, the graffiti and vandalism, the noise pollution and the drug selling," Style told the council.

Style and other neighbors have approached city staff over the past several months, prompting city officials to postpone construction of the basketball court until after discussion, City Manager Jim Starbird said.

After the court was torn down last year, crime has decreased in the area. Neighbors are concerned about repercussions of a new court coming in, Style said.

"The whole point to not erecting the basketball court is to cut down on the violence at the park," he said.

Council members discussed the issue with Parks and Recreation Department Director George Chapjian and looked at the options available for dealing with the new court.

"We've been talking about this for about three months … I think one of the issues is a simple one — increase a little more control," Councilman Bob Yousefian said.

To increase safety for neighbors and park patrons, a stronger security presence would be preferable, he said.

"I'm hearing it's not just your regular kids roughhousing there, these are some serious folks — there's serious drug dealing going on," Yousefian said.

Chapjian mentioned that staff is looking into installing a security system with cameras at the park, as well as other measures designed to keep track of what is going on.

Council members also mentioned adding a fence around the park and providing better lighting.

It is not just opposition to the court that is playing into ideas on what to do with the park, Starbird said.

"The park also has plans for a picnic gazebo, and we've had differing opinions from members of the community as to what should or shouldn't come to the park," he said.

The issue will come before the council for a decision on June 5.

"It's coming to you shortly because we have to make some decisions about its design," Starbird told the council.

"I will tell you, it's not as simple as it sounds — there is concern about the way the park is used even during the daylight hours and noise and activities there … different people will have different ideas about how to solve the problem and what the uses there should be."