Cops Inaugurate Top 10 Fugitive List

by Paul Bass | May 31, 2011 12:41 pm

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Posted to: Dwight, Campaign 2011

A campaign-season press conference Tuesday about wanted crooks turned into a sidewalk seminar with skeptical young “Tre” neighbors who had questions about ski masks and a vanished hoops court. The official and unofficial back-and-forth took place Tuesday morning at a press conference in a park on Kensington Street, the heart of the Dwight-Kensington or “Tre” neighborhood that continues to see much of the drug-related shooting that has put New Haven on edge. The event reflected how crime is emerging as the number-one—and -two and -three—issue in the mayoral campaign season, which traditionally begins in earnest after Memorial Day. Although violent crime went down last year, New Haven ranked as number four in a business website’s list last week of the country’s 10 most violent cities. That ranking arrived as the city saw a rash of eight shootings in 48 hours, and as this murder rate so far this year has soared (to 15 so far). Mayor John DeStefano and a battery of top cops unveiled a board at the press conference showing the mug shots of six people wanted for violent felonies. They’re six of the 10 New Haveners on a new monthly most-wanted fugitives list the city plans to distribute in hopes of getting help from citizens. By the end of the week, officials plan to have the list up on the department’s website. The idea, said Police Chief Frank Limon and Assistant Chief John Velleca, is to track down violent criminals whom the cops can lock up right away—unlike targets of more extended investigations. The people on the list all have outstanding warrants. (Four pictures didn’t appear because the suspects are juveniles, Limon said.) Officials summoned police district managers from throughout the city to attend the event. Limon also reported that the city cops served 52 warrants in the past week, initiated 67 drug investigations, stopped 30 “suspicious persons,” issued a slew of traffic citations, and launched saturation patrols in neighborhood hot spots. Clifton Graves, one of three Democrats planning to challenge DeStefano in a Sept. 13 party primary, watched from the side of the press conference and took notes. Afterwards, he dismissed the top-10 list as “just reactionary electioneering.” He said he plans to release a crime-fighting plan soon. Neighbors crowded to watch the event and regularly interjected notes of skepticism. Some watched from across the street by the gate to the courtyard of the Ethan Gardens complex, a former cooperative now run by the growing Pike International company (and the site of an infamous 1969 murder of a suspected Black Panther informer named Alex Rackley). Others walked up amid the reporters and called out their own questions. One man called the reporters’ questions “silly” and said crime had to do with a lack of jobs; DeStefano spoke of the city’s recent job growth (the highest in Connecticut in 2010). He also spoke with the man after the press conference. “I just want to know why the cops ride around in ski masks!” called out another young man, who identified himself as “Wiley Don,” a local rapper. “Ski masks?” DeStefano asked, looking to the cops behind him for clues. When the conference ended, DeStefano approached Wiley Don along with Lt. Luiz Casanova, who heads patrol. The three talked about ski masks. “Officers that are working extensive investigations” sometimes wear them, Casanova explained to Wiley Don. “We’ve got to protect their identities,” for their safety. “You’re provoking violence when people see a ski mask,” WIley Don persisted. Casanova (pictured) said that usually cops with ski masks are traveling with a larger group of officers, clearly identified as cops, without masks. Afterwards, Wiley Don was asked what he thought of Casanova’s explanation. “I wasn’t listening,” he said. He said he’s a “street artist” who plans to speak out for grassroots people’s concerns. DeStefano spent a while talking with a man across the street (pictured at the top of the story) who complained that police recently stopped him after work and arrested him on a warrant for a home invasion in Woodbridge. “I don’t even known where Woodbridge is!” he insisted. Several neighbors complained that instead of putting up most-wanted mug boards, the city should give young people in the Tre stuff to do. One complaint was about a nearby basketball court that disappeared. “Hassett knocked it down!” complained one young man, referring to the neighborhood’s top cop, Lt. Ray Hassett. Asked later, Hassett confirmed that he helped get rid of the court, which was a block away behind the old Timothy Dwight School. Neighbors complained about the court, he said. Drug dealers regularly operated there, as did other mischief-makers, he said. “The kids who really wanted to play basketball,” he said, “were afraid to play.” Achievement First has since bought the old Dwight School and is rebuilding it. The area is fenced off. This month’s top 10 list features: • Darris Snow, 20, wanted on charges connected with stolen autos and fights.

• Floyd Harris Jr., 49, wanted on charges related to a stabbing.

• Kevin J. Jones, 35, wanted on charges connected with a shooting.

• Donnie Andrews, 17, wanted on charges related to a shooting.

• Tyrone Stevenson, 21, wanted for allegedly setting a fire after a dispute.

• Howard Tahmon, 35, also wanted for allegedly setting a fire after a dispute.

• William D. Hill, 19, wanted for charges in connection with a street robbery.

• Kevin Rivers, 18, wanted on charges related to an armed street robbery.

• Adrian Clark, 24, wanted on weapons charges.

• Oscar Rosales, 30, wanted for a stabbing. (The Independent does publish the names of people wanted for crimes and missing, when the police seek the public’s help and feel there is a public danger.)

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posted by: anon on May 31, 2011 12:49pm Strategy 1: Make it possible for young black men, currently suffering from 80% unemployment, to get jobs. Strategy 2: Hunt them down and lock them up. Note that in prison, a black man makes someone (else) $40,000 to $80,000 per year. A man in prison is far more valuable to the economy than one who is unemployed or working for 20 hours per week with no health benefits for one of the City’s subcontractors. For this reason, we now spend more on prisons than on schools. Sure, the long-term costs of men locked up in prison is far higher, but those are paid for by New Haven residents, taxpayers and the unemployed, NOT by the wealthy folks who are profiting off of our prison industry, or the wealthy cops retiring in the suburbs (90% live in the suburbs) with $125,000 per year pensions. The choice is a no brainer.

posted by: Resident on May 31, 2011 1:29pm I’m sorry, but when you show up with your shirt on your head to an official meeting, how do you expect people to take you seriously. It seriously belittles “Wilie Don’s” otherwise valid complaint. I know its warm out, but come on.

posted by: New Haven Urbanism Destefano is correct that there has been a lot of job growth in the city compared to other places, but that growth is for high-skill jobs. Jobs for low-skill workers has been decreasing.

posted by: streever I really don’t think the solution is knocking down a basketball court. Why not have some community policing? Station a police officer there and have them play hoops with some kids. I really think that our police force has a tendency to dramatically over-react. I’ve witnessed some pretty intense confrontations between Lt Hasset and cyclists on the sidewalk. While I agree that it is pretty obnoxious for cyclists to clog up the sidewalk downtown, I’m just a little stunned when I see—for instance—that in month, NHPD issued MORE tickets to cyclists than DRIVERS—pretty mind blowing considering how many times you can watch cars blow red lights downtown, often in full view of police.

posted by: Poor Beansie's on May 31, 2011 2:09pm WHY ASK A QUESTION and then not listen to answer. We don’t need street artists we need community activists. VIOLENT Juveniles that other parents cannot identify because their privacy is protected. This is why bullying is such a problem. And if another child speaks up they pay a high price on the street. PS. That growing “Pike International” has overflowing, awful smelling dumpsters in front of a number of properties it owns throughout the city. I am so glad I have no Pike I properties on my street.

posted by: JAK on May 31, 2011 2:10pm “Stuff to do”? How about trying to find a job? Can’t find a job? How about cleaning up the trash and litter around the neighborhood, help build a community garden, form a blockwatch, assist elderly people in doing grocery shopping, volunteer at the animal shelter, spend the day at the public library, visit the peabody museum, volunteer coach at a summer sports league, volunteer to mentor youth at one of the social service agencies….need more ideas?

posted by: The List on May 31, 2011 2:11pm Maybe you guys at NHI forgot or something, but you didn’t actually talk about the list and who is on it… Also, for 4 out of 10 to be juveniles says a lot about how well the school system in NH must be doing… [List added below.]

posted by: NND on May 31, 2011 2:19pm DeStefano,

WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO GO OUT TO THE COMMUNITY NOW YOU HAVE BEEN THE MAYOR OF THIS CITY FOR HOW MANY YEARS AND NOW YOUR TRYING TO REACH OUT YOU HAVE NEVER WALKED OUR STREETS SOMEONE NEEDS TO TAKE THIS CITY BY FORCE AND TURN INTO WHAT IT USE TO BE WHO IS THAT GOING TO BE DAWSON, GRAVES OR LEE I GUESS WE SHALL SEE!

posted by: Look Out on May 31, 2011 3:03pm We need Batman!!

posted by: Blame the Mayor on May 31, 2011 3:23pm JAK for Mayor!

Who ever you are, you always hit the nail on the head. RUN FOR MAYOR PLEASE!

posted by: observor on May 31, 2011 4:11pm After reading the article I am somewhat disappointed by the fact that at the beginning of the article we have to see ” Campaign 2011”.

Seeing this would leave the average reader with a sense that, if it were not for the fact it was an election year,our illustrious mayor would be doing nothing.

The hardworking members of the NHPD do their jobs and the mayor tries to take the credit. What we will see is how quick Destefano throws the NHPD under the bus if something goes wrong.Then you will find him directing traffic at the garage on State St. The old political game. If it works it is an “I did it”. If it doesn’t then it is someone elses fault!!!

I have said before and will say again leave the politics out of police work.

Let the dedicated and hard working members of the NHPD do their jobs and the politicians stay at city hall!!!

Lastly ,in regards to Wiley Don’s “I wasn’t listening” when Casanova explained the masks, he must be a apolitician.They never listen !!

posted by: New Haven Urbanism Streever,

The basketball court was located on a cul de sac and was surrounding by the backs of buildings, an open field, an asphalt lot and the back of a school. It was not fronted by buildings that were in use throughout the day like most other park spaces in the city and it was very difficult for neighbors or police to casually observe. There is also several other courts within a couple blocks. This was another failure of urban renewal which demolished a through street to create a cul de sac. The Kensington playground is also another drug hot spot that is difficult to police. Resident,

I would agree with you if this were a public meeting being held in a lecture room at City Hall, but this was an informal gathering on the street so I don’t think the fact that the guy wasn’t wearing a shirt has any relevance. It’s like going into someone else’s house and complaining about how they choose to organize their kitchen. JAK,

How are any of those suggestions going to help pay the rent?

posted by: DKR on May 31, 2011 4:37pm wiley-don,..aka klen up krew,.....are you kidding me,..these ... could care less about the perception of ski masks,...cops working undercover need them to protect themselves while conducting narcotic/weapons investigations..amazing yet again how every points to government any form of it to put the blame for kids/youth not having enough to do,...wow,..where was my hand-out growing up,....i left the house at 9am, told to be back at 4, and i was…found plenty to do without the help/aide…hand holding from government…

what these kids and the rest of society need to do is to put forth some effort,..be proactive….instead of looking for the hand out….take responsibility for yourselves,..you’ll be amazed at the results,...

wiley-don and his krew and the rest of the ... don’t care,..about the crime,..what the police should have a statistic for is the uncooperative “victim” every time we respond to a shooting,...the public would be amazed at that number,..yet the public is always looking to point the blame at the police…

that top ten list should always be updated….

posted by: thinktwice Come on now mayor, do you really think folks are buying into these press conferences? This is actually obnoxious!

Maybe mayor you should have cookie monster write in (as he is paid enough within your administration) and protect your stand of rapid and repeated press conferences during an election year. Gee mayor, you think it was wise to lay off officers that were trained on our dime and you actually get to call back some because there is another grant? And when that grant dries up are you going to lay off again? Your idea of managing this city is just sad. And what about your chief? He wasn’t in Chicago on a visit this time?!? Your doing great mayor and we are all so proud of you and your leadership. Thank goodness you weren’t running for governor again, we would be in a worse pickle.

posted by: NoAngel Soooooo….. What’s the actual “crime-fighting” plan? A few days ago I stood and spoke to the mayor….. And I asked him this very same question and in return I received some watered-down rhetoric about people being willing to come forward. I asked him do we live in the same place? Because here peoples house are set on fire, there kids are harrased or they are murdered if they talk. The police are doing nothing now so what’s going to happen when u tell then go back and look that person in the face ? this cycle of violence will continue until officers stop camping out at exxon and dunkin doughnuts eating and actually get out of the car and take a look around… What u will see is poverty desperation and anger everyday life of regular citizens being held hostage by fear. Wiley don is a very talented artist who is speaking the truth about what goes on in our area, so don’t be so quick to judge that’s the problem now standing on the outside and have no IDEA what u are talking about.

posted by: notty on May 31, 2011 7:33pm DKR, i have to agree with you. What you are saying is truth and I agree the community as a hold need to step up to the plate and say something if they see something. The problem in District 4 is these individuals have background issues that dont allow them to get jobs in the private sector. Those jobs that will hire them already have their fair share of individuals with background issues. I will bet you a dollar if those kids including Wiley Don was given a chance at gainful employment would get off those streets in a heart beat. I do not blame the police, we need you guys, but you guys need us as well. Crimes are not always solved based on good police work alone, but people who saw something and said something and those people are the ones you have swore to serve and protect.

posted by: fuhgeddaboudit on May 31, 2011 7:34pm It wouldn’t matter if there were tons of jobs out there. Do you really think that the thugs out there on the streets are really interested in getting LIGIT JOBS?! That’s a joke right? The unemployment rate has nothing to do with the criminals out there doing the shootings, robberies & muders. Get real. You can’t even blame the mayor or the Chief or the cops. Blame the Welfare State. I think Look Out is right - We need Batman. Either that or the National Guard.

posted by: Charlie O'Keefe on May 31, 2011 7:47pm Just 3 or 4 days back we had the same photo opp with all the top cops lined up behind John DeStefano Jr (aka the mayor). Why are my tax dollars being wasted on this? These cops should be on the street preventing or detecting crime. They should not be used as extras in political commercials, paid for by taxpayers. It looks like crime is being made the top issue in this years re-election campaign as the Mayor (aka Johnny Boy) thinks he can’t be blamed for it. He must be blamed for it getting much, much worse, as he laid off 16 beat cops, the front line in preventing crime. Politicians can do no wrong, and political campaigns cannot pervert the course of justice, can they?

posted by: Anon on May 31, 2011 8:11pm right on, JAK. Jonathan Hopkins, these are the things law abiding citizens do to keep themselves busy and make connections which will hopefully lead to a job. Truly sick and tired of the excuses thrown around by “the disenfranchised.” quit making bad decisions and get off your arse. There are so many underutilized social programs in this state. I can’t understand the mentality of people who would rather rob and kill their neighbors rather than finding a job, any job. The attitudes of guys like wleWileyn stink! His response to the officer shows the arrogance and lack of respect they have for others. I wonder how many of these guys cleaned up and dragged their carcasses out to the supermarket when they were hiring; when is the last time they read a book or newspaper not taken from a jailhouse library.

...

posted by: Limited Life on May 31, 2011 8:18pm Hey, if I was a cop, I’d be wearing a ski mask all the time to avoid DeStefano’s dog and pony shows every few days. Only problem is, it will wear out between now and November before I can give it any serious usage on the slopes.

posted by: timmy on May 31, 2011 8:52pm Mayor Jon, all of your work of campaigning was useless, the ones you spoke to do not pay taxes, are not registered voters and are most likely convicted felons and unable to vote. What a great way to wast more money!! Notice he does not go to people who can ask him questions of real validity

posted by: Lifer on May 31, 2011 9:38pm I spent my teenage years in the Tre (whatever that means). It never occurred to me or my parents that the city was supposed to provide entertainment for me. I worked hard and became a doctor. Little did I know until now that thanks to the lack of activities provided by the city I had an excuse to slack off and become a gang-banger.

posted by: guns for hire on May 31, 2011 10:19pm To streever,

I’d like to be a New Haven cop and play basketball with your kid for $59,000 a year. I’m being funny because your statement is ridiculous. Are you kidding me? Go play basketball with your own kid! If I ever saw a cop playing ball on duty I’m going to rob the nearest bank. Only kidding.

posted by: Direct quote says it all on June 1, 2011 12:30am ————————————————————-

Casanova (pictured) said that usually cops with ski masks are traveling with a larger group of officers, clearly identified as cops, without masks. Afterwards, Wiley Don was asked what he thought of Casanova’s explanation. “I wasn’t listening,” he said.

————————————————————-

Nothing else needed to be said.

posted by: Just the facts on June 1, 2011 12:34am Who cares what “Wylie don” thinks or says. His true feelings and motives shine in his music video “addicted to money” on you tube. All about killing and selling drugs, things he and his friends have already been incarcerated for. This is a complete joke and a desperate attempt by destefano to votes.

posted by: Alan on June 1, 2011 12:46am Wiley Don’s not just a “street artist”...he’s one of the most prominent rappers in the New Haven scene right now! And definitely one of the most prominent in the Tre.

posted by: Edward_H on June 1, 2011 12:50am There are tons of things for kids to do in the city http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/CSA/Reports/

posted by: Alan on June 1, 2011 12:58am Also, the real problem in improving New Haven’s situation is a lack of communication and knowledge between the white world and the black world. How many white New Havenites know that everything west of Howe Street is “The Tre” (much credit to this article for using that name instead of “Dwight/Kensington”), that South Genesee Street is “The 2-5,” or that the Hamilton St projects are “The G”? The same thing goes for the well known “street artists” of New Haven—in The Tre, most people have heard of Wiley Don and Klean Up Krew and other Tre artists like Mayo Giovanni or the M.O.S.T. boys. If many white New Havenites don’t even know the neighborhood names or celebrities, how much interaction can there be?

posted by: Anon on June 1, 2011 8:32am Alan, I am a black new havenite and I have no idea what these pseudonyms for neighborhoods mean nor do I know any of these rap stars and artists. In addition to high taxes, general decline in our neighborhood, white people must now take it upon themselves to learn new haven “culture” so that they can better interact? You have got to be kidding me on that one.

posted by: edward_H on June 1, 2011 8:59am I am willing to bet that this “Top 10 List” will eventually be looked at as a badge of honor by those in New Haven who think the criminal lifestyle is something to emulate.

posted by: Ray on June 1, 2011 9:36am Too many people on stage.

Also- this behaviour and this music is a symptom of YOUR mind, YOUR code of ethics. ALL of us are responsible for crap like this. We may judge people like Wiley Don and his crew, but this is the very same society that we enjoy so much, and we applaud soldiers for protecting. Look at Destefano! Look at those cops! Well-off white people, who call themselves Democrats, APPROVE and SUPPORT cops and politicians like this! You continue to encourage this type of behaviour. The more you judge it, the more there is. Get therapy, NHI readers. Your blind allegiance to your fake religions, your fake educational system, and your fake Federal Reserve is more and more evident by the hour.

posted by: Roasty on June 1, 2011 10:01am Alan, celebrities?!? Ha, you’re joking….right? As long as they they think they are, then they don’t have to actually work. Like my 10 year old students who ‘know’ they’re going to the NBA, who needs school?

posted by: CLICK CLICK on June 1, 2011 10:52am OMG to Alan,

White people need to learn the gang slang terms for areas of New Haven?!?!? How about these drug dealing, gun toting New Haven Menaces learn terms like; Pay Stub, W2, get outta bed and go to work, and love thy neighbor! These artists sing about drug dealing and shooting! Then a NHPD Lieutenant speaks to him to answer his question/ concern, and this moron says, “I wasnt even listening!” Well I’m not listening either! To you, or these rude folk!

posted by: westvillelocal on June 1, 2011 10:54am Alan…. Are you actually serious? There will be no Wiley Don fever going on as the next super artist found on YouTube. If anyone thinks that these “artists” are doing positive for the neighborhood, they are wrong. Rapping and hanging out wont make for a better place to live. Getting a job and having some respect will.

posted by: No Angel This is so hilarious to me. Reason being ..... I am a 28 year old black woman in a half a million house,in litchfield ct, Range Rover and a successful business right in New Haven. Guess where im from? That neighborhood that Destefano finally decided to take a walk though. Guess how i got here? By being willing to survive by any means necessary. You black or white “New havenites” have no idea about real life so stop assuming that u could make it out here. A few years ago, i was living in a rooming house, with my daughter who now has lead popoisoning because The government slacked on keeping track of slumlords who put their tenants at risk. I worked a petty 9-5 making 200a week while childcare was costing me 160 a week, because the state decided that i should just leave my child with “anyone” (the exact words of a state worker). I have also witnessed families lose their home their savings their pentpensionsause of state decisions to move jobs overseas. I see the government doing alot to systematically restrain people like me until they have no choice but to do something illegal to take care of their family. ” by any means necessary is the standard where im from and until u have felt the desperation of looking at your child, while she’s hungry and your fridge is empty .... all of your opinons are worth nothing. If you wish to look at Wiley don as the bad guy…. thats fine but just know that the reason you do is because he makes you face, what u would like to sweep under a rock or like destefano would like it to be “pretty” with no substance. The fact is 9…..yes nine of my friends were murdered last year, my best friend died of cervical cancer because the hospital in the hood could care less about us and I was brutally robbed and beaten at gunpoint in front of my home in westville. Nothing any of you people living in the ‘safe zone” is going to change that until we as a people white or black come together.

posted by: Abdel Noir on June 1, 2011 1:12pm @ No Angel… Thanks for your post. There are many posts on this thread which show little insight or understanding of the conditions leading to or created by poverty. People do not live in these neighborhoods because they are lazy, they live there because they have no alternative. ...

posted by: JAK on June 1, 2011 1:14pm @ No Angel: So let me get this straight: Your daughter has lead poisoning, you toiled in a dead-end job, your friends lost their homes (before 9 of them were murdered), you were “systematically restrained”, your daughter went hungry, you were brutally robbed and beaten, all of this because of .....the government? The only problem that you did not attribute to the government was your friend’s cervical cancer, which of course was the fault of the hospital. I’m just curious about what you think the role of personal responsibility is in our society? Or the same question posed another way: How do you think your actions or inactions could have changed the arc of your life? And are you saying that you had to take “any means necessary” to build a successful business and move to Litchfield? What does that mean? And lastly how would you think the problems would be solved by having black people and white people come together? To accomplish what exactly? And how?

posted by: By ANY MEANS Necessary on June 1, 2011 1:26pm No Angel-

I hope to salvage something useful from your commentary for the benefit of the young people in New Haven that might read your comment. Given that you have experienced some difficulties and purport to know about life in the hood, can you let others know how you “made it” (1/2 Mil house in Litchfield; Range; Business in New Haven). Please break down “by any means necessary,” since you know how to survive in the real world and we don’t.

posted by: JAK on June 1, 2011 1:59pm Abdel - Ironically, in one sense “No Angel” has it exactly right. Big government IS to blame, not because they gave her baby lead poisoning but because our government has been the chief purveyor of poverty and a dependent society. Poverty is as much a state of mind as it is a lack of financial resources.

posted by: Atwater on June 1, 2011 2:33pm @No Angel: Are you suggesting white and black people come together to commit crimes? Your message is a mixed one. First it is as if you’re promoting illegal behavior as an acceptable remedy to poverty. Then you suggest that New Haveners unite, but towards what ends?

The first portion of the comment is a perfect example of why there is crime in New Haven’s “bad” neighborhoods. The mindset that seems to blame everyone else for one’s problems, and then decides that crime is the only way to even the playing field. Personal responsibility never really is considered. There are a lot of people (black and white) who have overcome poverty through legal means. The only way New Haven’s black neighborhoods are going to mitigate violent crime is by abandoning the ethos of dependency and apathy.

I agree all New Haveners must contribute to positive growth. But, the bulk of the responsibility lies with the citizens of the affected neighborhoods. You’re right, the government is not going to help, and that’s not its job.

posted by: William Kurtz on June 1, 2011 2:37pm Poverty is a state of mind? Seriously?

posted by: Noangel @the idiots Yes it is the governments fault to broadly answer your question. To narrow it down ... Ponder this…. The systematic destruction of black people just “ended” about 60 years ago. Did all the racisiam just up and disappear? Or was it manifested into something more sinister ,but acceptable? ... three close friends dying in the same week, attending a funeral christmas eve, i think you may have either killed or committed yourself by now. I stay up late nights trying to understand how a country with billions to explore space don’t have a dime for their real future ..... Our children! Then have the arrogance say it’s a handout if you help. my friend who died of cancer was going to the hospital for years and because her HMO is allowed to give her substandard care (by laws made by the government)it took me going crazy on the hospital staff and doctors for them to tell she had a tumor until it was too late. So who would you say was at fault if it was someone u loved? In closing I say this if you want to know how I got here .... Here’s your answer . I decided to take a no-fear approach to my life. The cards are set against me from birth so it was up to me to play the hand I was dealt. I came together with people from all walks of life and created something we could all benefit from. ... Stop living in your cubicle , come out and see how the rest of us live. ” I never claimed to have wings on,

I get my by any means on” -Jay-z

posted by: JAK on June 1, 2011 2:54pm Kurtz, Is poverty a state of mind in addition to a state of financial distress? Of course it is. Just ask people who have themselves been stuck in poverty and have arisen from it. Or ask people who work with impoverished populations. Are you implying that there is no difference in outlook between a family mired in generational poverty and a middle or upper middle class family? Are you serious?

posted by: Kevin on June 1, 2011 3:34pm Perhaps a less educated state of mind? One that generally isn’t as familiar with aspects of life found in other advancing communities.

posted by: Noteworthy on June 1, 2011 3:51pm I’m not sure what disgusts me more, the comments in the story or the comments about the story. Wiley Don and the other whiners get special shout-outs. ... Let’s get this straight: It is not the government’s responsibility to provide a job for anybody, not at the federal, state or local level. This is what is wrong with New Haven - city government has been run like a jobs program - and that’s how taxpayers end up with 5,000 employees. That’s one city employee for every 25 residents. In other words, that’s one employee on just about every block in the city. Nor is it the government’s responsibility to entertain your children. We have parks all over the city. School playgrounds with jungle gyms, swings and basketball courts. Tennis courts, soccer fields (when they are unlocked) and a parks and rec program for kids. We don’t need more of it. They’re under-utilized as it is. Nor do we need midnight basketball. On top of that we have some great league plays like multi-level baseball and youth basketball. It is patently absurd to think we need more as if somehow, MORE is the answer to anything. We have a main library downtown; another in Fair Haven; another in Westville, another in the Hill. They are under-utilized and its stupid. For all those libraries, are we better read? More informed? More civically engaged? We have more cops than anybody in the state. Are we safer? No. We have more and BIGGER schools than anybody in the entire state. MORE. And we have fewer kids than any other similar sister city. The schools we have are not anywhere near capacity and we are currently doing a damn poor job of educating our youth. We are carrying MORE debt than anybody in the state or just about - $1 billion at least in the hole. Are we better off for having spent all that money? We have MORE alders. Do they represent us better? The lack of a job is not a valid reason to sell drugs, guns or cause mayhem. Nor is it valid prose for song. It’s an excuse not to do what you know you ought to be doing. Working, dreaming and finding your destiny. Those brave citizen soldiers who fired the first shots at the North Bridge in Concord, MA in a bid to end the tryanny of England and gain freedom and opportunity for themselves and others, must turn over in their graves to listen to the drivel of today.

posted by: Abdel Noir on June 1, 2011 5:13pm @JAK “Poverty is as much a state of mind as it is a lack of financial resources.” Then you should have no trouble becoming rich, right? ... In fact, a stance such as yours is quite common, but you would be hard pressed to come up with the research to support it. You are basically saying, “Poor people should just stop being poor”. So, when do you plan on starting being rich? ...

posted by: Get real on June 1, 2011 6:22pm Wanted, New Haven 10 most wanted. What do you hear, whining. These “people"have nothing to do. Where is the basketball net. Hassett got rid of it. How much trouble came with that court. Thats why its gone. I grew up in New Haven and as a white male living in the Annex I was not handed special programs. Funny my parents had to assist us in finding something to do. FYI when I was bored I did not go around killing people. Stop asking for the government to do what your ... parents will not do and be prproductive

posted by: notty on June 1, 2011 6:49pm No angel said and I quote"Yes it is the governments fault to broadly answer your question. To narrow it down ... Ponder this…. The systematic destruction of black people just “ended” about 60 years ago. Did all the racisiam just up and disappear? Or was it manifested into something more sinister ,but acceptable? No Angel u are right, 60 years ago is not that long, and what about the right to vote for blacks and we couldnt sit on the front of the bus or drink from the same water fountain or use the same bathroom, that too was not that long ago, and so now whites are suppose to believe with all this institutionalize racism that it can just disappear in 60 years, when black have been in slavery for 400 years. Whites will never understand or agree that the sin of racism has a lot to do with why the black community is suffering to this day.

posted by: hill girl on June 2, 2011 2:51am @@@@@Noteworthy, OMG, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Parents start parenting, fathers get jobs and support your kids, mothers stop having babies you can’t afford, and kids get off your rear ends and go to school!!! Growing up in the hill, us kids all ran together all day long making go cars, building tree houses, racing, etc. We never spent our days robbing people or selling drugs! We played games, we rode our bikes, we entertained ourselves, we didn’t have someone planning our every moment of every day with activities, we somehow found things to do without standing on the corner and selling drugs!! Our moms took us to Edgewood Park, we had a rinky dink park right up the street. When we had reports due at school, we walked to the library. We took turns with the ONE TV until Dad came home and took over. We cleaned the house, walked the dogs, and we had better be spitting up blood to be able to skip school.

Talking back to a teacher or if you were feeling stupid, your parent, would result with your ear ringing from the smack on the back of the head. When parents start parenting and stop coddling your kids, stop defending their bad behavior and start discipling them, then maybe they will grow to be a productive member of society, not the dealer on the corner “with no other options”. Give me a break!! ... @no angel,... you still haven’t answered the question, how did you “get out”? By the way, when you work crazy shift hours, double shifts, etc coffee is the only thing keeping you awake. ... I don’t belive you about your .5million dollar house, (shrug). Back to us cops, very few cops eat at D&D’s, they know where the best food is! So the donut joke is not only inaccurate, it’s old, get a new one. DKR said it, they don’t talk to us, the male on tv said it himself, they WON’T talk to us. @Guns for hire, perfect answer!! Take responsibility for your own kid would you please!!!! I have to add, someone PLEASE explain why it is important for an officer to live in New Haven? Would you feel your children are safe playing outside when your neighbors are ticked off because you arrested their SON who was “just about to give up the bad life, go back to school and get his GED and start working next month”? Oh wait, that’s what they say after their son is shot, not only arrested. Or when your house is targeted by the same low lifes you arrested because guess what, they live on your street? Yes, ask the Chief, it’s happened very very recently. No Thanks, I’ll continue to raise my children in another town, while you don’t even bother to raise yours, just call us to make him/her come home on time or go to school. Yes, we get those requests every day. New Haven is a gimme town. Gimme more, gimme more. Used to be you would work hard for success, now we just blame everyone else when it doesn’t come knocking on our door and hand us a check. GROW UP AND THEN MAYBE YOUR KIDS WILL TOO!!!

posted by: Bmor on June 2, 2011 7:50am Stop wasting all your negotive energy on violent gun rap music and do something about the neighborhood. Start by cleaning the streets start a blockwatch create a better environment for your brothers sisters or your kids. This is sickening to me. Low income housing always has the same excuses we don’t have enough jobs, cops are always bothering us, but ask your self the question ” Willie Don” why is this always the same on going battle in the hood. I did it by myself I got out the hood you know why cause I choose to I didnt need help trying to get out there are plenty of places with resources that will help you find a way you just have to take advantage of them like I did. And by the way I suggest you don’t show up to a job interview with a white tee on your head.

P.s are you serious you ask a question and then tell the interviewer I wasn’t paying attention. Come on.

posted by: Noangel My posts here show the problem so clearly. ... You have the obviously oblivious… who think the world isn’t built off the poor suffering. Then you have the evil ... who feel we should just all die. But what I don’t see is compassion for someone who has stopped crying at funerals because she can’t feel anymore, but called a whiner. No soultions for a country that will be run by the very children you gave up on or never even tried.

Do you know what it feels like to be beaten and held at gunpoint in front of your home? No right? Figured as much. This is westville a good neighborhood a married working couple coming out of their homes…. Matter of fact you on any given day this happens to you. What would you do? How about the kicker u go to police and identify the person and this is word for word ” oh he’s just a troublemaker, don’t worry about him” Three weeks later he murders someone. Wow that’s my tax dollars at work!

How I made it out? I started taking poliroids in nightclubs, I’d walk from club to club in fear of being robbed until I was hired permanently. I went to college got a marketing degree. From there I saved 5k to open my studio and was robbed of it outside of my home. With my jaw wired , face brutalized I stood with shades on in front of a board of investors because I refused to give up. Because they saw my dedication and strength through all of this I was able to start No Angel Photography with an investment of 500k. Are u satisfied or mad ur risking ur life for pennies , while I live well from no-fear.

Also there was a program in nh for all homes to be tested for lead. They got rid of it for fat pensions , so u or me can move in somewhere that can hurt our kids we are equal there. Lastly my credentials:

3.7 gpa

Small business owner (200k this year)

Made it out of this madness

Somehow I know these mean nothing to u but everything to me. It bothers you that I beat your crooked system and now u work for me! Oh and as far as I know cops are still camped out in dunkin doughnuts parking lot. Everyday…so that joke will never get old! and if this isn’t posted I’ll know the new haven independent ..... To be anything but! Noangel

posted by: CulturedRHOse on June 2, 2011 12:46pm Instead of arguing over trivial things, or playing “who done it” we need to focus this attention and displaced anger at the ones truly responsible for this mess.

As taxpayers, we need to be more vocal in what is going onin our city…not just our neighborhood but the city as a whole. We dive through these neighborhoods daily, shrug our shoudlers and go on about our day. While there are people in these communies that are suffering.

Rregardless of how a person may act, NO ONE wants to live in a war zone. Unfonrtunately with these “hot spots” there is a loss of hope. Our children are being sent to substandard schools, the parents have been stripped and beaten down, and we have a mayor who would rather chanel funds into Yale an pretend that areas like the Ville, or the Tre or the Hill don’t exsist.

The only time someone gives a damn is when the higher ups start complaining. I’ve grown up in New Haven my entire life. This issue is not a new one. Just like with any situation, you have to take ownership of the part you play it in. We need to begin challaning the powers that be. New Haven is deemed the 4th dangerous city, but no one ever questions where the guns are coming from? Where are the drugs that are being sold coming from? As much a folks don’t want to hear it, we know the answer. A black male on the corner can’t go and purhcase a gun, due to lack of capital and knowledge of the process. In additon to adequate management and policing all aroun, New Haven needs a reality check.

posted by: PlayStreets on June 2, 2011 4:18pm Tactical

URBANISM

Play

STREETS FAST FACT:

MANY CITY NEIGHBORHOODS LACK PARK AND OPEN SPACE. PLAY STREETS FILL THIS NEED BY PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE FOR RECREATION AND COMMUNITY INTERACTION. LEADERS: Neighborhood/Block Associations, Advocates, Municipality SCALE: Street || Block PURPOSE: To make safe spaces for people of all ages to be social and active. OVERVIEW: Play Streets, popular in New York City and London, are streets closed to motor vehicles and re-purposed for recreational activities. In essence, Play Streets create a public playground within otherwise car-dominated areas. They often occur seasonlly, during the warmer months and are typically located in neighborhoods where both open space is scarce. When placed into low-income neighborhoods, these initiatives serve children of families who cannot afford to send their kids to summer, or day camps. In New York City, a ‘play street’ is made possible when 51% of the residents living on a one-way residential block sign a petition and offer it to their local police and transportation officials, who then send it to the local community board for review. Once the community board approves the idea, the initiative can take shape and the city provides youth workers to supervise the program. Approximately 75% of these initiatives are organized by the New York City Police Athletic League. Play streets give kids space to move. Credit: uptownflavor.com

Car free space provides carefree play space.

Credit: Clarence Eckerson Play streets provide playgrounds where they don’t currently exist. Credit: New York Times

05 http://www.palnyc.org/800-PAL-4KIDS/Program.aspx?id=30

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/nyregion/02ritual.html http://www.ctdatahaven.org/know/index.php/File:Tactical_Urbanism_Guide_2011_sml.pdf

posted by: bjfair on June 3, 2011 1:09pm If one saw someone with a mask jump out on them one would assume it’s someone to hurt , rob or kill; therefore expectedly one will do whatever to protect oneself and if the masked man ends up being an officer that person defending himself now becomes a cop killer and scum of the earth. Who would authorize this thuggish and very dangerous behavior on the streets of what has been determined to be the 4th most dangerous place in the nation? He who does not learn from past mistakes will undoubtedly repeat them. I was under the illusion the new chief promoted community policing.

posted by: LOCK EM UP FOR GOOD on June 4, 2011 2:46pm Liberals like Martin Looney and Toni Harp helped pass a law that lets 16 and 17 year old hardened thugs caught with guns go directly home to moommma instead of serving hard time where they belong. Most of these killers are 14 to 18 and they know getting caught with a gun theyll just walk now. They should get 5 years minimum with agun no questions asked/ no parole/ no early release. Theyd think hard before carrying if that was the case. The blood in the streets is on the hands of liberal politicians and judges pandering to their constituents.

posted by: Alan Felder on June 4, 2011 6:01pm Election politics, it reminds me of the “Fugitive Slave Laws” of 1793 and 1850. Pre-colonial and Colonial eras The Articles of Confederation of the New England Confederation of 1643 contained a clause that provided for the return of fugitive slaves. However, this only referred to the confederation of colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut and New Haven, and was unrelated to the Articles of Confederation of the United States formed after the Declaration of Independence. Both Africans and Native Americans were slaves in the New England colonies even in the 18th century.[2] The Articles for the New England Confederation provided for the return of slaves in Section 8: It is also agreed that if any servant run away from his master into any other of these confederated Jurisdictions, that in such case, upon the certificate of one magistrate in the Jurisdiction out of which the said servant fled, or upon other due proof; the said servant shall be delivered, either to his master, or any other that pursues and brings such certificate or proof.[3]

posted by: Alan Felder on June 4, 2011 11:27pm Chief Frank Limon you have just made a “Declaring of War” against the Black community, as I said in the past you are a member of the “Prison Industrial Slave Complex” and your main objective is the lock up Black males. What I’m witnessing is 21st Century “Slave Codes and Slave Patrols”. There are many in the City of New Haven who can see this “Ponzi Scheme” for what it is. Creating and making an economy out of Black suffering. Dr. Martin Luther King qoutes James Russell Lowell “Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne,—

Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown,

Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.”

posted by: bjfair on June 5, 2011 6:43pm Lock em up ... the law relative to 16 and 17 year olds. The law does not allow for a 14 year old shooter to be “sent home to momma”. Youth involved in what is considered serious juvenile offenders are transferred to adult court as they always have. The law did not change that process. What the law did was stop placing 16 and 17 year old with minor charges into an adult system that had no resources to help youth. Ct is only one of 3 states in this nation that does so. “Liberals” should be commended for catching up with the rest of the nation.

posted by: Just the facts on June 6, 2011 2:20pm @bjfair Lt Casanova explained that officers wearing masks do so for there own protection from being assigned in undercover capacities. Casanova also explained that the officers wearing masks are accompanied by other officers without masks and that all officers are clearly marked and identified. Every police department in America does this and is common practice. Apparently Wylie don wasn’t the only one “not listening.”

posted by: bjfair on June 7, 2011 12:30pm @Just the facts: Just because Casanova was able to explain away the actions doesn’t make it less dangerous or thuggish.I read exactly what he said with little credence. I am very aware of what goes on in New Haven and though the youth are singled out they are not the only thugs on the streets of New Haven.The masks are for shock value and unfortunately were directly responsible for an officer being shot in the past. If one does not learn from mistakes of the past they are doomed to repeat them. Because this behavior is practiced around the country doesn’t make it ok or responsible . I could list a number of practices that were acceptable throughout this country for centuries yet the behavior was no less deplorable. I suspect the reason the young man wasn’t paying attention to responses to his question is because he already knew the script, had heard it all before and recognized a campaign when he saw one. You might consider listening to the youth. Their worth isn’t diminished because you can’t relate to them.

posted by: Just the facts on June 8, 2011 12:18am @Birk Your opinion that it is “thuggish” for police officer’s to wear masks to protect their identity is simply over the top and unreasonable. “shock value?” how so? I doubt a cop would prefer to wear a mask in the middle of the summer when it’s 90 degrees out in addition to wearing all their duty gear. The youth in the city are not singled out, it is a fact that they are engaged in a large amount of the violent crime that occurs, so of course some of them will be arrested and ultimately incarcerated. As far as “Wylie don” goes, your saying that he didn’t listen to the answer to his question because he already knew the answer? Why ask the question in the first place according to that logic. I’m glad you claim to know what’s going on in New Haven, but your not the only one in the know. In case you forgot, it’s the fourth most violent city in the country. Explain that! Your right, I can’t relate to these youths who focus on drug dealing, violence and infidelity. That’s just silly barbara.

posted by: Just the facts on June 8, 2011 9:30am Just to be clear, my above post is for bjfair. Auto spell can be annoying sometimes. Thank you.

posted by: bjfair on June 8, 2011 1:04pm @just the facts: The fact that your perception of our youth is that they are FOCUSED on drug dealing, violence and infidelity assures me that you can’t relate. What’s silly is to disparage people you don’t even know and likely don’t care to know. New Haven is much like any impoverished and neglected city.It is fourth in comparison to what’s happening in other cities its size. The details are in the lack of city resources, structured,sustainable and effective programming for youth of all ages, high unemployment among city residents, inadequate education, high incarceration among residents, a sense of hopelessness leading to to high mental illness and drug use to medicate the pain of having to live here. By the way New Haven is also on the nation’s list of failing schools in spite of billions being spent on construction and administration. Take the time to do the research and analytical thinking relative to cause and effect and you won’t need me to explain anything. Finally, If having someone jump out of a van wearing a mask is not shocking I’d like to know what is. Thugs wear masks to shock their victims.

posted by: Bmor82 on June 8, 2011 11:00pm Hey “just the facts.” damn right we can’t relate to ... Willey Don. What kind of person come to a neighborhood meeting with a white tee on there head and is expected to be taken seriously. And why is that it always falls back to handouts. We give ... to much already like public housing food stamps healthcare. What else do you want us tax payers to give. I did it all by myself. I got out of those neighborhoods because I choose to I choose to find a job I didn’t wait for a tax paid program to start so that I can start working. And another thing my wife is a school teacher in new haven and she sends home a packet the size of a dictionary to each student with summer programs for inner city students to stay occupied and out of trouble through the summer. You know how many students return that packet. NONE. How much more do we have to do as a city. So no I can’t relate to people hanging out on the same block and rapping about the same crap day in and day out. Let’s start the change with the people creating all this havoc

posted by: Just the facts on June 8, 2011 11:29pm @Bjfair Again, you seem to have not clearly read the article and/or the posts made

here. Your friend, Wylie don, ... You can hear and see what his interests and what his agenda is in his music video “addicted to money” on youtube. I came to a conclusion based on objective material. You obviously have not taken the time to listen to it. If you have, shame on you for even attempting to defend him or anything he stands for. “Street Artist” and “grassroots movements” are just buzz words that he threw out there because destefano was speaking to him in a pathetic attempt to get votes. Here’s some

other words you might remember “civic responsibility,” “hard work” and “discipline.” I’ve never read these words mentioned in any of your posts. Why? I am not talking about “our youth” but this specific group of youths. Please do

not put words in my mouth or try and twist my words as ammunition for a failing

rebuttal. And your absolutely right, ... I do not relate to them and will constantly discourage everyone i

know and meet from following these behaviors. As for schools, we have more schools in new haven than Bridgeport and Hartford combined. Even illegal immigrants will soon be able to get free tuition here. We also have new haven promise. Do you know any other city like this? If so, name it. Nothing will take the place of lazy parents who fail to raise their

children properly. Sounds familiar. And where is this “nations list” that new haven is allegedly on for failing schools? Can you cite your source of this information? Lack of city resources? 70% of new haven residents are on some type of social aid. Do some research of your own next time barabara and draw conclusions based on common sense. Thank you.

posted by: Just the facts on June 9, 2011 9:20am @bmor82 Thanks for your post. I commend you and your wife. You are a real life example that hard work and discipline does pay off. I stand by my original post that no hand out from the government on a city or federal level will ever replace good parenting or lethargic people. These were never intended to be abused like they are in modern society. I feel bad for your wife because she has an extremely difficult job in new haven. Perhaps if barbara was a little more open minded, she could work with the true leaders of the community, like your wife, who actually care instead of wasting

valuable time consistently bastardizing police as the root of every problem in new haven. Self medication due to a sense of hopelessness? Now I’ve heard it all. On a separate note, to the Nhi editor, can you please explain why a portion of my last post was removed? Thank you.