HARBOR GATEWAY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A sliver of land in Harbor Gateway South is about to be transformed in to Los Angeles’ first “pocket park.” It’s just 1,000 square feet, but it’s having a big impact on the community’s sense of safety.
“It takes care of the sex offenders and keeps the kids off the street gives them somewhere to play,” said resident Janet Shour.
Until now there was no green space in the 13-block neighborhood, but there was an unusually high number of registered sex offenders – more than 130 of them at its peak. Full Article
“It takes care of the sex offenders…” – I guess that just about sums it up. When you have a big hammer, all the problems look like small nails. Thanks to Buscaino for leading the fear mongering mod and overlooking the inconvenient truth regarding the statistics. The problem just moves somewhere else as these folks just wash their hands of the problem. Where is the accountability to the other places like this that these people will have to move to. A judge ought to step in and rain on the parade with an ex post facto clause. Justice is needed here. Not for the mob, but for those who are simply trying to live their lives according to the parameters already established.
The question that begs is: “Where Will They Go – Joe?!” That is what the officials of the surrounding communities should be directing to you know who…
Its kind of ironic. In years gone by, people opposed any “pocket parks,” arguing that they were too small and pointless as a park and would do nothing but provide a gathering place for street gang members ho endangered the community. I guess now it is more preferable to have a bunch of street gang members hangin gout alog the sidewalk.
I drived by that area.. it’ll become a dump in no time…
It’s curious that nearly 50 years after the Watts riots, blamed on escalating tensions from segregation, the City of LA would sanction this abhorrent practice and in fact utilize conniving tactics to deepen the wounds. It’s as if they’re indiscreetly and publicly taunting this population who are already backed into a corner. Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Meanwhile HUD sits quietly on the sidelines. Their Mission Statement:
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.
I don’t see an exclusionary clause for 290 registrants.