More Violence In Fells Point: Business Owners Believe Concerns Continue To Go Unanswered
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- All weekend long, there was a heightened police presence in Fells Point and many streets were blocked off by barriers. However, business owners said they don't think that's the solution and believe it is hurting more than helping.
"It is a tourist attraction, but that doesn't spare it from, you know, violent crimes," said Edward Brence.
Another violent incident once again near the heart of Fells Point. Police are describing the incident as a "discharging." It happened early Sunday morning. One person sitting inside a car on Aliceanna Street was injured.
City and state police officers descended on the popular Baltimore neighborhood after three people were shot and video captured multiple fights last weekend.
"In order to solve a problem, you really have to listen to what the problem is," said Kathleen Dickinson, a business owner.
Business owners, like Dickinson, are demanding that the city crackdown on illegal activity including open-air alcohol and drug sales.
Some have even threatened to withhold their city taxes until their concerns are addressed.
In response, the mayor called a town hall meeting where the police commissioner and deputy mayor promised strict enforcement and a partnership with sheriff's deputies and state police DUI checkpoints.
But, Dickinson said she doesn't think that solves the problem.
"That isn't what we're asking for. We are asking for the police to be able to enforce the ordinances already in place, to enforce the parking violations that are going on, and to respond to what we were asking and that's not what we got," said Dickinson.
Businesses are also critical of Mayor Brandon Scott who didn't attend this week's meeting.
"I was at a previously scheduled community meeting that has been on my calendar for weeks," said Mayor Scott when asked Friday.
For people who call Fells Point home, Sunday's violence proves there is much more work to be done.
"Issues that lead to violent crime in the city are kind of proliferating," said Brence.
In regard to Sunday morning's shooting, police have not released any additional information.