Last Thursday evening at about 7:45 pm, a resident on Greenfield St. was returning home from walking her dog.  Just before walking up the stairs to her house, her dog was attacked by a pit bull/lab mix who was running loose.  The dog came running through her yard directly at her dog.  As a result her dog was seriously injured and required emergency surgery.  

The dog is dark brown is named Zip, and resides at 110 upper unit.  He is regularly chained to in the backyard of 110, and there has been a previous concern of the neighbors.

The purpose of notifying you of this situation is to make you aware for your safety and your dogs safety.  

If you have any issues with this dog, please try contact its owners at 110 upper.  If they are not responsive, email us and we can provide the name and phone number of the landlord (owner) of the property, whom has been already called regarding the dog.

BLOCK PARTY HELP

We are working on the details for the Greenfield - Crescent - Elam joint block party Saturday, September 14, from 2 – 7 p.m. on Russell between Crescent and Greenfield, but we may need your help!  We've been trying to get signatures needed from the City of Buffalo to use the portion of the street for the block party.  We were not able to get all the signatures from all the neighbors on that portion of Russell.  We still would like #157 and #159 to respond.  Does anyone out there know the residents of these 2 houses?  Can you help us to get them to respond?  We've dropped of the signature sheet.  If they choose to not sign, or we cannot get a respond from them, we may not be able to use the street, and thus not have the block party.  

Greetings Neighbors!

We have some exciting news to share with you all.  The Greenfield Block club has been working along with Crescent Ave/Elam club on 2 events this summer where our streets and neighbors can come together meet and mingle.  We are still working on the details for these 2 events:

Save the date for the Greenfield - Crescent - Elam joint block club PARTY:

Saturday, September 14, from 2 – 7 p.m. on Russell between Crescent and Greenfield

Rain date Sunday, September 15.

Your input, contributions, ideas, and help is needed, so start thinking!  This is a great opportunity to meet some great new neighbors.

Email us your good ideas.

 

Save the date for STREET SALE:

Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rain date Sunday, July 21.

We are hoping to get Greenfield, Elam, and Crescent Avenue involved on this event to attract more visitors/prospect buyers.  Candice Brady is the coordinating person, who has lots of successful experience doing this,  will place an ad and promote it - Including flyers, newspaper and social media.  This would be a front lawn, porch deal.  If you have lots of certain types of items, or specific things to offer, you can us know or email Candice directly at: candice_brady@hotmail.com 

Liquor License Public Meeting

On Thursday evening, March 21st, the PCA will host a public meeting to discuss an application for a liquor license as part of the redevelopment of the property at #2 Russell, the former site of Wil's BBQ. The new owners of the property will present their plan for the renovation of the property, as well as answer questions from neighbors and other interested parties.

 

The Meeting will be held in the basement of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 96 Jewett Parkway, from 7:00pm. If you are unable to attend, written comments will be accepted until 4:00pm on Thursday the 21st. We encourage all to attend, whether you support, oppose, or simply wish to learn more about this important development.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year Everyone!!!! 

Hope everyone had a great New Years and a Happy Holidays.  This note may be a little late but please don't forget to move your car the the correct side of the street on Jan 1.  Last year the city ticketed heavily on New Years Day.  

I would also like to stress the note put out in the email, please keep the sidewalks clear to try to prevent people from walking in the street.  

Wednesday, December 12th

From a PCA Member:

Wednesday night the motion sensor behind my garage gave an alert at 7PM. I have some heavy steel yard tending equipment stored there which would bring a few dollars at the scrap yard.  I went with my spotlight to see why the alarm sounded and saw a 40 - 50 year old white male trying to move one of my implements through a hole he'd opened up in my chain link fence.

When I yelled he dropped my property and returned to his car which was parked in the rear of a Main St. property behind mine. All I could make out was an older model white Chevrolet Cavalier. The license plate had been folded up from the bottom onto itself so it could not be read, but I could make it as an older blue and white license plate. He had an accomplice waiting outside the car.  I called 911 right away, half an hour later an officer showed up, looked around my yard and said there was nothing that could be done.

On Friday night while walking my dog on Starin Ave. at Woodbridge around 10pm, I came up on but the same vehicle pulled up behind another at the curb, the driver of the white Cavalier returning to his car. The plate was unfolded so it could be read.  The driver said "Hi" to me as he got in then made a U-turn heading toward Amherst St. I got a good look at his face.

I called "D" District right away and explained the situation and was told to call 911 if I should see the car again, there was nothing could be done now.  Be aware of this vehicle and grubbily dressed, small, dark haired and bearded man.

 From Ben Johnson at the PCA

 

We're looking to organize a series of regular play dates, coffees, or general gatherings for parents of young children. The Elam Jewett cafe is offering both the use of their nursery with a variety of infant toys and games, as well as the use of their TV and couches should you want to play an educational video for your kids. There is no fee, no commitment to attend each week, no restrictions to PCA membership, or even Parkside area.

The PCA office will be handling the initial logistics and outreach, but we're tentatively looking at the first Monday in January for the first Mom on Monday event, January 7th at 10:00am. (Yes, dad's are of course welcome. My apologies to all fathers for not offering equal billing, but the alliteration just didn't work)

We however need your help in identifying those households with young children that may be interested. If you know of any new parents or parents with toddlers, let them know that we're working on this, or have them contact the PCA directly for more information. Thank you all and best wishes for the holidays.

Ben Johnson
PCA

Little Libraries coming to Parkside

Nice article about Parkside

http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121127/CITYANDREGION/121129359/1010

Hello Holidays!

Hello Greenfield Street! As a new contributor to the blog, I wanted to take a moment to say hello. I hope many neighbors on this street will start to read the Greenfield Street Club blog and that maybe we will be able to have even more new contributors. A few of us have gotten together to try to unify the street and have plans to try and get email addresses from everyone so that we can keep each other posted on what's happening on our street. We want to be able to share information ranging from safety concerns to block parties. If you are on facebook, there is a link on the blog page that will take you to the Greenfield Street page. We are hoping that facebook may be another way for us to communicate and keep in touch with each other. There is also a link on the blog page that will take you to the PCA web-site. If you want to connect with us and can't seem to find a way to do so, contact the PCA and they will help you get to me. I have agreed to be the Greenfield Street contact person for the PCA. This week in the PCA bulletin, there is information about a great holiday idea for the Parkside area that involves putting luminaries in front of our homes. You can go to the PCA site to find out more about these. The idea is that all the streets will be lined with these luminaries on December 21st. It would be wonderful if we could get everyone on Greenfield street on board. The luminaries are for sale through the PCA, but they would be just as easy to make yourself. All you really need is a brown paper bag, some sand, and a votive candle. Simply cut out a few squares around the bag, like little windows, so that the votive light shines through. The sand, of course, secures the bag from flying away. Whether you make a contribution to the PCA ($12 for 6 luminaries) or make your own, it would be beautiful to see our whole street lit up. So a big hello and, yes, it is right around the corner: Happy Holidays!

Safety Tips

Here are some good tips from a fellow neighbor of ours.  I think these are all good things to keep in mind to keep both yourself safe and help the rest of the neighborhood.  

"I am not an expert on safety and security, and my suggestions are items learned over the years, which I believe can help.  I have read a few books from my studies in urban and city planning in addressing safety concerns in urban areas.  Most things are common sense, but sometimes not followed through by residents.

Break-in Points:

Only desperate individuals will try to break in through front doors, most will want to be discreet, and look to use side or back doors and windows of our homes.  These are the areas I feel we all need to be most concerned about as break-in points.  I personally feel that these possible entry points should be reviewed with a bit extra care for security.

House Presences and Lighting:

Most thieves will typically not want to break in if they feel someone is at home, thus it is good to create that feeling at all times, mainly when we are not home.  The biggest thing I see is in the evenings and especially nights as some residents do not leave their front porch lights on, and with their window shades closed, these houses appears dark.  A dark house appears vacant, and is tempting to would be criminals.  Leaving porch lights on also helps to light up the sidewalk and overall brightens up the street, and it gives the feeling of human presence, and thus that someone is watching.

Leaving lights on within the house is also essential in creating a ‘someone is home’ illusion, especially when we are at work, or out in the evenings and nights.  As we get into the fall and winter, it gets darker sooner, so it becomes more important.  Lighting near and around the side and back portions of the house is considerably significant.  Motion sensor lighting is good, dusk to dawn lighting is probably better.  I found a day light sensor screw-in socket for my front porch light that allows me to leave the light switch on at all times, and the sensor turns the light on and off depending on day or night.  This is very affordable item and handy for energy savings, and in the late Fall and Winter seasons.  Some homes may not have a power line for a rear patio light or side, but there are battery operated, motion sensor LED light devices that are easy to install and throw off enough light to brighten up dark areas.  

Street Presence:

The phrase and theory of ‘eyes on the street’ developed by Jane Jacobs that states if you have people sitting on porches, in their living rooms looking out their front windows, gardening, etc. and having a presences on the street, is a way to reduce crime.  Criminals do not commit crimes with on lookers.  This theory I believe holds true today, and the more street presence and 'eyes on the street' we can create, the safer our street will be.  Lighting helps, but also, being on our street.  I walk as much as possible, with my family, alone, or with my dog, and I make an effort to greet anyone I see.  I recognize some as neighbors, even if I’ve never met them, but others I know they are probably not from our street.  I feel by greeting them, I’m letting them know I see them, and I believe will discourage any misbehavior on their part."

SECURITY ISSUES

I think this is a good time to get the blog rolling again.  I am not the best at keeping up to date on things, but security in our neighborhood has been an issue in the last few weeks.  Below is a message sent out by the PCA about a crime that has occurred on our street. 

I think it would be useful for people to get to know each other on our street so we can be more comfortable letting each other know issues we have with our neighbors and with people that just pass through our neighborhood.  We are a street that is used often as a short cut to Main St. and to the park, causing traffic from a lot more people from outside our neighborhood

If anyone is interested in starting a block club or a neighborhood watch program please contact me and I will get you in touch with the right people to make this happen.   My email address is apetrinec@gmail.com

Sunday, September 30th

From a PCA member:

Early on Sunday morning a woman living at the corner of Greenfield and Amherst was cornered on her front porch by a male stranger at about 2:00am.  She cried for help but nobody responded.  The robber took her wallet and used her credit cards at several stores before they were cancelled.

In addition, that night also on Greenfield Street, two neighbors reported that somebody had been walking through their backyards and that bikes were stolen from both homes.

All three incidents were reported to the Buffalo police, and residents of Greenfield Street have met to discuss security and additional precautions.  If you are a resident of Greenfield and would like to be more involved, send a note to the PCA and we will connect you with the appropriate people.

CRIME ALERT !

Safety Alert!!

We have been advised by the Parkside Community Association that there have been a number of break-ins in the area and neighbors have been approached by strangers asking for money. We ask everyone to be extra cautious in knowing their surroundings. Two weeks ago two young men approached a neighbor in front of St. Mark's rectory and demanded money. He had no money on him and the young men became physical with him. Please keep a watchful eye for any unusual activity in the area and report it to the police.

Thought this additional info was worth passing along to the block group in light of the hold-up by gun point last week.

CRIME ALERT!

Crime Alert 

On Wednesday night 1/19 at approximately 10:00 pm, a resident of Crescent Ave was held up at gunpoint in the vicinity of Crescent and Elam. The robbery suspects took the victims cash, cell phone and keys. The suspects were described as two tall African-American males. The suspects headed east on Jewett Ave. after the robbery.

The police are currently investigating this crime and are asking anyone who may have seen something to contact them. Witnesses are asked to contact detectives at D/District at 851-4413.

Hello Greenfield St.

The Greenfield St. Blog is back! My name is Andy Petrinec and I will be running the blog and keeping the street up to date on what is going on in our neighborhood. As you may have noticed, the site has received a facelift, and I will be regularly maintain the site hoping to keep it exciting for all. I will be posting news, events, crime alerts, and whatever else I find relevant to our street and city. Hopefully we will have a couple more contributors to the blog soon. If you have questions or comments please feel free to post them in the comments or email me. My contact information is found here.

PCA Crime Alert

There have been several unfortunate incidents of Parkside residents becoming victims of crimes in recent weeks including an attack on a man walking near St. Mark's and an elderly woman walking on Vernon Place. There have been reports of suspicious persons walking up people's driveways and looking into cars. It is important to remember to call 911 concerning any suspicious persons in the neighborhood. The police have been responding very quickly. Also let the PCA office know about problems so that they can be tracked and followed up by the Crime & Safety committee.

The PCA Crime & Safety Committee meets every month to discuss crime, quality of life and block club issues. Members of the committee also attend the monthly Buffalo Police Dept. D/District Community Meetings. The next D/District Community is scheduled for Feb 2 at 11am at the Hertel Ave. Station. All members of the community are welcome.

Parkside Crime Alert

Hello All --

Even though I'm living in Allentown -- I'm still posting the PCA Crime Alerts here....

Josh

There has been a report of a break-in last Tuesday at 2:45am on Crescent. The intruder is described as black male no taller than 5'6" with a scrawny build. He wore a navy blue or black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, short haircut. The intruder escaped through an open window after being surprised by home owner. Shortly after the break-in/invasion the police were called. The police said the intruder used a garbage can as a ladder to enter through the small side window into the dining room. The police also mentioned that the description of the suspect somewhat matched the description of another suspect who invaded a home on Sterling the night before.

Last Wednesday, after dark, there were two attempted break- ins on Fairfield. The same way as the two on Orchard, through the back yards, breaking the rear fence of the house and trying to gain access that way. One house has two big dogs; one of the dogs chased the person back over the fence. Nobody got into either house. So far this summer, there have been 7 attempted break- ins. One actually happening on Fairfield. If you see something, be sure to call 911 no matter how suspicious.

On a related note, a homeowner on Fairfield caught someone in his car taking the change. He chased the guy. He was arrested and went downtown and id'd him out of a lineup and is pressing charges.

Parkside Crime Alert

The last two Saturdays, last night she was described as a female described as a heavyset black woman wearing a peacoat, has knocked on two different doors of residents of Fairfield. When the people answer, she pretends to be on the phone with her pastor, says that the wheel fell off of her car at the zoo and only has about 30-40 dollars on her credit card. Wants the resident to call AAA. She then asks for a ride to use the ATM to get money out. Might be a coincidence, but last week it was an hour before the car jacking on Crescent. The woman last night said that she knows there has been a lot going on in this neighborhood and that they can trust her. The residents seem to think that it was two different woman. Just be vigilent. Don't let them into your house and immediately call 911.

Parkside Crime Alerts and Updates

PARKSIDE CRIME ALERTS AND UPDATES ---

We've received two reports of thwarted burglary attempts:
FYI, my tenant called #911 on Saturday evening, 9/12/09 to report 3 male
trespassers around 11pm in our next door neighbor’s yard in the 1st
block of Colvin between Amherst Street & Tillinghast Place. They jumped
the fence & ran down Tillinghast before the police arrived. The police
did check out the area, but the men were not located. I was upset about
the intruders but pleased that my tenant was alert & took proper
action. We need be vigilant for our safety!

And this from a Greenfield resident - Somebody tried to pull the handle
off the screen door in the back of the house, probably to gain
entrance, between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm today. [Thursday] This is
surprising since we have a very protective german shepherd, and equally
protective male boxer.

Main Street Construction - The work is nearing completion with final
surfacing work taking place during the week of October 5. This will
entail the entire Phase II area (from Hertel to Humboldt).
Intersections will be affected and the contractor will be posting NO
PARKING signs along Main as they work through the various sections.
They appreciate the cooperation they have had through all of the
construction. I'll remind you again that they've accomplished what had
been planned to be a two year project in one year. The end is in
sight.

Urban Legends - In the last mailing I included what I believed to be
valid notices about cell phone registry and automatic car locks.
Although they contained a "Snopes Approved" message, apparently they
were not. I have learned that to be sure of the validity of forwards
you receive you can go to http://snopes.com and type in some
significant phrase from the message. According to this site, it is
unnecessary to register cell phones and the chance of someone "breaking
the code" of your security system is highly unlikely. My apologies
for sending on something I hadn't cleared.

Parkside Crime Alert

PARKSIDE CRIME ALERT
We have received four reports of cars being broken into in the last week. In one case, the car was unlocked and the theives went through everything, but didn't end up taking anything, not even change. In another case, there was no evidence of forced entry. They took an i-pod, but left change and a passport. The owner is not sure his car was locked. Both of these incidents happened sometime during the night of Sept. 20 and happened on Crescent between Robie and W. Oakwood.There was also an incident on Woodward in which theives went through the back window of the car and stole a back pack during the night.Make sure your car is locked and report any suspicious activity to the police.

How to Lock Your Car and Why

I locked my car. As I walked away I heard my car door unlock. I went back and locked my car again three times. Each time, as soon as I started to walk away, I would hear it unlock again!! Naturally, alarmed, I looked around and there were two guys sitting in a car in the fire lane next to the store. They were obviously watching me intently, and there was no doubt they were somehow involved in this very weird situation. I quickly chucked the errand I was on, jumped in my car and sped away. I went straight t o the police station, told them what had happened, and found out I was part of a new, and very successful,scheme being used to gain entry into cars. Two weeks later, my friend's son had a similar happening.... While traveling, my friend's son stopped at a roadside rest to use the bathroom. When he came out to his car less than 4-5 minutes later, someone had gotten into his car and stolen his cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator, briefcase.....you name it. He called the police and since there were no signs of his car being broken into, the police told him he had been a victim of the latest robbery tactic -- there is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors on your car using your key-chain locking device..They sit a distance away and watch for their next victim. They know you are going inside of the store, restaurant,or bathroom and that they now have a few minutes to steal and run. The police officer said to manually lock your car door-by hitting the lock button inside the car -- that way if there is someone sitting in a parking lot watching for their next victim, it will not be you.

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public next month.
REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing
companies and you will start to receive sales calls.
......... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
Even if the message is saved on your phone, you will be charged for the
minutes to listen to it.
To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222 .
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your
time. It blocks your number for five (5) years.
You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.
You cannot call from a different phone number.

Parkside Crime Alert

Dear Neighbors: We have had reports of crime activity that I wanted to share with you.
1. There was a car break in on Robie (between Woodward & Parkside) last week. Nothing seemed to have been taken. I
am told that burglars sometimes take the car registration.
2. There was a garage break in on July 31 (through rear window). They apparently were in the process of stealing a chain saw but for some reason did not succeed--perhaps a neighbor came home or scared them off??
3. A home burglary took place on Florence between Main and Crescent recently. Apparently it was a daytime break in and
a flat screen TV + other things were taken.

The message is: BE VIGILANT. IF YOU SEE OR HEAR ANYTHING THAT SEEMS SUSPICIOUS, CALL 911!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Try to get as good a description of individuals/vehicles as possible before calling.

We've also received a number of complaints about uncut yards, debris, rat citings, suspected drug activity. Besides reporting these things to the PCA office, I urge you too call #311 or go on line to the Mayor's Complaint Line where you can report all of these things anonymously, if you wish. (On line: go to the City of Buffalo homepage, then to city departments, then to citizen services.) For suspected drug activity,please call the tip line to make an anonymous complaint - 847-2255. The Rodent Control number is 602-2977. If you see a street light that is out, you can also report it on the Mayor's Complaint line -- please have the street pole # or the house address.