NEIGHBOURS TO 'THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX'

Some City residents living near 201A Street and 56 Avenue have decided to
hold a public meeting, in hopes that community members can take back a
neighbourhood that is currently challenged by drug and prostitution
problems.

The meeting, set up at Captain's Galley Fish & Chips on Tuesday, Oct. 12, is
for anyone 'interested in being part of the solution,' said Park Place
strata president Zosia Ettenberg and Maple Manor manager Lorne Seifred.

"We're hoping to draw tenants and owners from all the buildings in the area,
from my building, the Villa, Park Place, everywhere. We're also hoping
property managers are there and business owners," said Seifred.

"There isn't going to be finger pointing, we just want to identify the
problems and come up with solutions. Whether that involves community
patrols, we don't know," he said. "Our goal is to build a better, healthier
community where families can feel safe again."

Langley RCMP Const. Brit Elam has been working in the area and will be at
the neighbourhood meeting, along with a representative from Block Watch.

"I fully support what Lorne is doing. It's nice to see people getting
involved instead of saying it's the RCMP's problem," said Elam. "We're going
to be there to brainstorm and to think outside the box."

Seifred took over Maple Manor management eight months ago when the building
was having problems with criminal activity, he said. "My building used to be
the biggest culprit, prostitutes were living here," said Seifred. "We've
made a lot of progress, but we're not perfect."

Ettenberg said she's seen some improvement since the phone booth was removed
west of 203 Street, on 56 Avenue.

It was used by drug dealers and users setting up deals. The City asked Telus
to remove it.

"We have people sleeping in our carport, we're cleaning up needles," she
said.

"There are five or six pregnant women in the apartment behind the Stop N'
Shop that are scared to have children here. We need to look for solutions."

Anyone is welcome to come to the meeting. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.