Residents of a Northeast D.C. community ravaged by crime say not only do they fight murderers and thieves, but City Hall as well — for its attention.
In Carver Terrace, a spate of homicides, shootings and brazen robberies in recent months spurred activists to organize peace walks and request help from the Guardian Angels.
But some neighbors say the powers in the John A. Wilson Building have ignored the plight of the neighborhood. Mayor Adrian Fenty, Ward 5 D.C. Council Member Harry Thomas Jr. and Police Chief Cathy Lanier have turned a blind eye, said former advisory neighborhood commissioner Kathy Henderson.
“It’s as though we don’t matter,” Henderson said.
Fenty has declined numerous requests to meet with residents, Henderson said, while Thomas has “failed to provide a date to meet with the community and has failed to respond to escalating crime in the area.” And Lanier, she said, “remains silent as the violence escalates in Carver Terrace.”
The officials strongly disagreed.
Thomas said he is focused on crime in Carver Terrace, Langston and other nearby neighborhoods. The council will soon adopt legislation to improve in-school services for suspended youth, he said, and a coalition that includes the Peaceoholics has developed a crime-fighting strategy.
The effort has been fragmented for too long, the council member said, and Henderson still works as a lone wolf.
“She’s going to have to learn to work with the group and help do what we’re trying to accomplish,” Thomas said.
Fenty spokeswoman Mafara Hobson said a team from the community relations and services office visited the neighborhood last weekend to make a checklist of items that need attention.
“The mayor has made a commitment to zero in and fix the problems that have plagued the residents of Carver Terrace, and he certainly stands by his word,” Hobson said.
