#NOMORECRIME PRESS CONFERENCE
The MacGregor Super Neighborhood and Riverside Civic Association and a host of residents are banning together to express outrage at increasing crime in our community after five people were shot in a fight that spilled into the streets of Blodget and Ennis last week. This is just one example of a rash of shootings and violent activity in our community.
As the nation celebrates Presidents’ Day, this day is overshadowed by the continuous threat of crime and violence, particularly related to area bars. In the Riverside Terrace area alone, there are nearly 10 bar establishments in a single-family residential community with little parking or security. While some bars are good neighbors, others are a hotbed of crime. Any given night, rapid gunfire can be heard while families are feeding the children dinner. Enough is enough.
Mayor Turner’s recent announcement of a $44 million plan to combat the city’s rising crime gives hope, but we stand united to ask the city and county leaders to bring immediate and swift action to our community.
Here are our immediate requests:
That City of Houston suspends occupancy licenses at bar/club/convenience stores immediately after a violent occurrence until an investigation is completed by an investigative authority.
That the City of Houston deny occupancy permits to bars/club/convenience store that heavily rely on shared parking agreements or do not have adequate parking (excluding neighborhood street parking) to meet city requirements.
That TABC end license agreements for a location in perpetuity, so that the license can not be used by the next bar/club in the same location.
That the City of Houston adopt a zero-tolerance police to violations of the city’s noise ordinance.
WHEN: 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 21, 2022
WHERE: Riverside Park, 2600 Calumet at Live Oak
WHO: Community activists and neighbors
Invited guests: Mayor Sylvester Turner, HPD Chief Troy Finner, HPD Commander Caroleta Johnson, Texas Southern University Police, Harris County Constable Precinct 7 May Walker, Harris County Constable Precinct 1 Alan Rosen, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Council Member Sallie Alcorn, State Rep. Shawn Thierry, Senator Borris Miles, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green and Andy Kahan of CrimeStoppers.