I know a little old lady who lives in Hillcrest. I’ve given her a ride to church on occasion. She’s talked about the frequent gun discharges. Some folks at church are trying to get her to move.
A few years back, I visited Hillcrest as a reality check when Asheville City Council was debating the need for reinforced drug interdiction. Four cops were parked on the first street. On the next parallel street, I was third in line at the drug drive-thru. Guys held crack in baggies up to the car windows. I had taken a friend, a wrestling trainer, who used to work with kids in public housing, as a bodyguard. He was afraid to return for a second round of data collection after dark.
The question is, where does one turn if they want to feel safe to step onto their porch? Government cannot stop crime. They’re too involved with perfecting the décor on buildings to create a new urbanism feel. On occasion, they will sponsor a gun buyback on the questionable assumption that hardened criminals will turn over a new leaf for $50. Community outreach to raise awareness about gangs is another tool in the box.
Meanwhile, Hillcrest is going to get a new gate so my little friend will not be able to get rides to church, and city council has as one of its strategic goals the development of a comprehensive plan for public housing – to use the force of government to increase the availability of affordable housing stock.
