COUNCILMAN TAKES TO THE STREET TO SEEK BETTER WEST BALTIMORE

Mitchell Meets Residents At Corner Known For Drugs

For at least eight hours yesterday, things were a little different at
Pennsylvania Avenue and Laurens Street. Instead of the illegal drug
activity that normally takes place, there was City Councilman Keiffer J.
Mitchell Jr., who had set up a table with a sign proclaiming: "Taking Back
Our Communities One Corner at a Time."

A lack of drug treatment, dilapidated housing, unemployment and crime were
among topics discussed. Some criticized Mitchell, saying he was merely
politicking for votes.

A Democrat who represents the 4th District, Mitchell said he plans to spend
the next three Tuesdays at other West Baltimore corners known for illegal
drug activity. He picked them based on crime reports and his observations,
he said.

And even his announced visit yesterday couldn't completely quell the
momentum of street disturbances near Pennsylvania and Laurens. Early in the
day, a fight between two men resulted in one being taken to Maryland Shock
Trauma Center for a cut he received when he was pushed into a store display
window.

Mitchell said his neighborhood effort was not a campaign gimmick, but
instead was his way of letting residents know he is there to help. "I've
talked to at least 10 people today who want drug treatment," Mitchell said.
"I had one guy who came up to me who said he has been dealing for three
years and that he wanted out and that he wants to get his education. We got
him in touch with some things."

Lisa Williams, 39, a self-described former prostitute and drug addict, told
Mitchell she is ready to turn her life around and asked him to help her
find a job.

Williams - who didn't know who Mitchell was when she stopped by his table -
said she has been free of heroin and cocaine for more than eight months but
hasn't had a job in about nine years.

Zachary Scott, 40, chatted with Mitchell in the morning.

"I talked to him about trying to get a job with the city," Scott said from
a laundromat across the street. "He gave me some referral slips and that's
about it. I don't know his track record since he's been in office, but I
know a little bit about his family. I think he's doing a little good by
being out there. Just in one day I've seen a difference in the drug activity."

Joyce Green, vice president of the Upton West Community Association, and
Lynn Harris, president of the Sandtown-Winchester Improvement Association,
both said they'd like to see Mitchell out in the district more often.

"I think it's a good thing to come out and meet the people and see what's
going on on this corner," Green said. "People who can't get to him downtown
can get to him right here, but he should do it more than once. Our
neighborhood needs vast resources, including development."

Harris told Mitchell that merchants at The Avenue Market are suffering
because of illegal drug sales in the area. "The addicts are taking over the
market," Harris said. "People really don't want to come to the market
because they're afraid."

Mitchell said he intends to be at Poplar Grove Street and Edmondson Avenue
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday.