LCHA RESIDENTS WANT 'DRUG-FREE ZONES'

In an effort to rid their neighborhoods of drugs, residents of housing
projects owned by the Lake Charles Housing Authority have asked that they
be deemed Drug Free Zones.

The designation would mean people committing drug violations on the
properties would face stiffer penalties.

The Lake Charles City Council passed a resolution asking the state
Legislature to declare those neighborhoods Drug Free Zones at its regular
meeting Wednesday.

"This was done at the request of residents who want to get drugs out of our
neighborhoods," said Jackie Lewis, president of the LCHA resident advisory
council.

"We wanted to do something positive that would let people know that we do
not want any drugs in our communities," she said.

Ben Taylor, president of the LCHA board of commissioners, said he was glad
residents took the initiative in getting the projects declared Drug Free Zones.

"It is fantastic that residents are the ones who brought this up, who asked
that this program be implemented," Taylor said.

"They are sending a message that they do not want people bringing drugs
into their communities."

The Legislature must pass legislation to declare LCHA properties Drug Free
Zones. That legislation is currently being prepared.

In other news, the council purchased 12 four-door sedans for the patrol
division of the Lake Charles Police Department and amended the 2002-2003
fiscal year budget to appropriate $102,000 to replace radios used by the
Ward 3 Marshal's Office.