Tonight, July 1, 2007, I went to my parents\’ house to visit them. We sat outside for about 2 hours like we have for the past 15 years and chit chatted. Sitting with two adults over 60, I was approached by THREE police officers who wrote me a citation for sitting on the sidewalk because I was \”blocking the walkway\” according to ordinance GCO 60-210.
I find this to be amusing on several levels. First, Gloucester City is apparently so perfect that three officers have nothing better to do than harass citizens who are otherwise respectable. When they approached along the sidewalk, I moved back like I normally would for anyone walking. The officers asked me for my ID, I laughed and mentioned to the officers as to how absolutely ridiculous this law is. Because of my – and I quote – \”talking sh-t\” about the ordinance I was lucky enough to receive an actual citation.
Second, I have done a lot for this city. I have done many projects including the annual food drive, beginning the cleanup at Union Cemetery, and countless hours of volunteer community events. I graduated with Honors and I have a clean driving record as well as a number of awards thanking me for my continued service – including from the GCPD.
Third, I find it thoughtful of the 2nd officer in attendance to mention how this is a free country and I am entitled to file a complaint (ironic that he said this since I received a citation for \’talking sh-t\’ disguised as an \”Obstruction of Passage\” citation). From past experience, I have filed a number of very specific complaints with very specific evidence and nothing has been done about any of them. I would have been better off writing my complaints in sidewalk chalk. I don\’t understand how theft and fraud is something that the police department is not concerned about, but a group of senior citizens talking is a major issue that needs to be immediately addressed. It\’s bad enough that the city has no where for the kids to go since most of the parks have been closed or are run down, but when you can\’t sit in front of your own house without the Gloucester City Gestapo coming along, I think there is a problem.
As drug deals occur on the corners on a daily basis (and we watch the officers continue driving by), drunks wander the streets harassing others, and domestic crimes abound, I am very glad to know that my parents are safe from the children who leave toys blocking the sidewalk. Those children are CRIMINALS! I\’m sorry that Gloucester City needs the money so badly. Isn\’t the new marina bringing in enough revenue?
I would thank Mayor James for his excellent job at cracking down where we need it most: talking on our city streets!
I believe that the patrols are long overdue, but focusing on making someone an example over something so petty is uncalled for. Make an example out of the bigger crimes in the city like drunk driving or speeding at 50 mph down Market Street. These are the things that kill children. Setting up a chair temporarily on the sidewalk is not a major crime and, unfortunately, the \”Quality of Life\” in Gloucester City will not improve by focusing on those items that really don\’t matter. The next time I sit down on the steps of my parents\’ house, I\’ll be sure to bring extra quarters for the meter.
Sage Russell IV, West Deptford
see story on Market Street Parking Lot
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