CRACK HOUSE WON'T DRIVE NEIGHBOR FROM CENTER BLUFF

I am a resident and concerned citizen of Peoria's Center Bluff and have the
unfortunate privilege of having a "crack house" next door.

I have sat in my house and observed drugs and money exchanging hands in
broad daylight. I am awakened numerous nights by car horns announcing
arrival and often loud voices outside my bedroom window. I have watched
approximately 75 different cars come and go in the course of the last seven
months. Most have no license plates or temporary ones.

My neighbors and I have been very persistent in calling the narcotics
officer, who arrives after the action is finished and reports to us that
nothing is going on. We do, however, get excellent results when our
problem-oriented policing (POP) officer is notified. She goes above and
beyond the call of duty to assist the neighborhood.

I have no intentions of allowing illegal activities to drive me out of my
home. But where do I go from here? It seems my community is perceived by
many as a lost cause. It isn't. There are fine people living here who are
great neighbors and are very concerned that our stable, quiet community is
being overtaken. Many fear for their children and grandchildren and are
contemplating moving.

I would like to see the city make a stronger effort to shut down these drug
operations. When the neighborhoods call with complaints, they would like to
know that they do not fall upon deaf ears.

Sharon Draper

Peoria