East Utica Residents speak out
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: October 3, 2011
It's an effort to better their community, even if it seems like an uphill battle.
East Utica residents spoke out Monday evening at the East Utica Concerned Citizens Meeting.
They say they have had enough of their neighborhood problems.
And one woman is doing everything she can to turn it all around.
East Utica resident, Frances Doti is not afraid to let her voice be heard.
During Monday's meeting, she had one main issue that needed to be addressed.
"My main concern is the drugs. They are popping up all over the area. We keep fighting them, they keep coming back," said Doti.
The monthly meetings are held to let those who live in the area speak to city officials about concerns they have.
Chairperson of the meetings, Lucretia Hunt, says that it is important for those who have any sort of problem speak out so that they can get closer to resolving the problem.
"We can't go out and actually grab a drug dealer. Basically, we're supposed to be the eyes and ears of the police of the whole city," said Hunt.
Officials who attended the meeting to listen to the community's concerns say it's a good way to express different problems, and then go about what needs to be done to make it right.
"If it was something of a drug nature, we have several drug units and a special operational unit that I could forward the information to," said Utica Police Officer, John Abel.
Concerned residents want to continue to address the different issues and make a plan to better their community.
"We've got to start enforcing our laws because if we don't, we're doomed," said Doti.
Frances Doti also says that part oft he problem is that many people who live in the area complain about the issues, but do not want to do anything about it.
She hopes that more people will come to these meetings to find solutions.
East Utica residents spoke out Monday evening at the East Utica Concerned Citizens Meeting.
They say they have had enough of their neighborhood problems.
And one woman is doing everything she can to turn it all around.
East Utica resident, Frances Doti is not afraid to let her voice be heard.
During Monday's meeting, she had one main issue that needed to be addressed.
"My main concern is the drugs. They are popping up all over the area. We keep fighting them, they keep coming back," said Doti.
The monthly meetings are held to let those who live in the area speak to city officials about concerns they have.
Chairperson of the meetings, Lucretia Hunt, says that it is important for those who have any sort of problem speak out so that they can get closer to resolving the problem.
"We can't go out and actually grab a drug dealer. Basically, we're supposed to be the eyes and ears of the police of the whole city," said Hunt.
Officials who attended the meeting to listen to the community's concerns say it's a good way to express different problems, and then go about what needs to be done to make it right.
"If it was something of a drug nature, we have several drug units and a special operational unit that I could forward the information to," said Utica Police Officer, John Abel.
Concerned residents want to continue to address the different issues and make a plan to better their community.
"We've got to start enforcing our laws because if we don't, we're doomed," said Doti.
Frances Doti also says that part oft he problem is that many people who live in the area complain about the issues, but do not want to do anything about it.
She hopes that more people will come to these meetings to find solutions.
