Loitering issue will linger

With no real solution having been identified for the concerns expressed over youth hanging out at Washington Park Plaza, we thought it was appropriate to share some ideas regarding how to potentially address the issue. 

The situation has seemed to lessen in severity (it was reported at the last Newcastle City Council meeting that there were no further complaints), but we feel that walking away from the issue will only allow those concerns to reappear in the future. 

The city council seems to agree that a no-loitering ordinance is not the solution to the problem, but an appropriate response to the actions of youth gathering at Washington Park Plaza — and the level of disrespect that was shown to property owners — is still something the community should talk about and implement. 

We have heard a number of different excuses made for these individuals, but we believe it is dangerous to not attempt to hold them  accountable for their actions. If the community simply lets youth continue to disrespect private property (even when it is identified as a public space), those actions will continue and spread to other areas of the community. 

We also know that consequences for poor actions are a fact of life, and if our children don’t learn that important lesson now, then how can we expect them to carry it into their adult lives? We have heard it said that some of these kids receive little guidance at home, but those who promote the idea that  “it takes a village to raise a child” should welcome this as an opportunity for the community — or village — to step in and provide that guidance. 

Talk to the kids in your life, encourage them to do the right things themselves and to speak up when they see others doing things that aren’t appropriate. Community members need to be aware of what is going on and say something when they see activities that are not appropriate. 

One of the arguments in favor of allowing teenagers to continue to use Washington Park Plaza for their gatherings is that there is always someone around, whether it is inside a nearby business or driving by. If that is true, the community only benefits if citizens speak up and inform the appropriate authorities when poor and/or illegal activity is witnessed. 

We also encourage business and/or property owners that are concerned about activities on their property to look into installing cameras. Yes, it is an expense, but it could save you time and money in the long run. 

The Newcastle Police Department is willing to address any illegal activities, but there has to be evidence of who committed the act and when it happened — both of which can be provided by video. Cameras can help to catch perpetrators and hold them accountable for their actions. Littering alone can carry up to a $750 fine and would, hopefully, prevent future littering. 

We want to see the youth in this community have a place to congregate and visit. We know this is an important aspect of life, but at the same time, not holding these individuals accountable for their actions can be detrimental to their future and the future of Newcastle and Weston County. 

Respect for property must be taught to avoid potentially worse damage in the future.