Concerns Aired at OPCL Meeting

We would like to thank 3rd Precinct Captain Guevara and Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kirschman for facing a tough crowd and responding to Ocean Park neighbors’ concerns and frustrations about the ongoing and frequent disturbances/illegal activity at the boat ramp, the police response to the July 25 firearm found on the street on West Stratford and the August 5 shootings. President Danny Murphy set expectations for civil discourse and for the most part the audience in person and large group online were compliant. Little new information was offered by Capt. Guevara about the shootings. Under further questioning by residents seeking a better understanding of what happened on August 5th, he relayed that a car pulled up and shot into the crowd and that the investigation continues along all avenues including drug or gang related activity. Director Kirschman reported that all the infrastructure for cameras at the boat ramp is in place awaiting the back ordered cameras: initially 3 cameras with possibility of 4 more. He brought up the drawbacks and limitations of a gate if installed: long lines waiting for it to be opened (lines happen now as boats back up waiting to launch), a gate will not stop people from entering the area after hours. He clarified that employees are directed to call police when incidents happen. Here is a recording of the meeting: August 12 Civic League Meeting. Meeting minutes will be available shorty.