Fed up with violence in Edgewood, a Harford councilman wants to give kids boxing gloves and let them duke out their frustrations in the ring.
That would keep youngsters off the street, said Councilman Dion Guthrie, who wants $15,000 in county money to start a boxing program at Edgewood Recreation and Community Center on Brookside Drive.
“Just like they have boxing matches in Martin?s West, it?s a one-night thing: You put it up, you take it down,” Guthrie said at a budget work session Thursday afternoon.
Two men have been shot in Edgewood in about the past month, and the Guardian Angels plan to begin patrols in response to the violence.
Joe Pfaff, Harford?s director of parks and recreation, said money would be the least of the obstacles to overcome starting the boxing program.
County officials say they must scrutinize potential liability for injuries and residents? take on the proposed boxing program.
“It?s going to require a heavy advocacy,” Pfaff said. “It has to be heavily supervised and controlled.”
But the police, at least, would be watching, he said, because cameras that feed to a nearby sheriff?s office precinct are installed on the inside of the facility.
The sheriff has provided a grant so more cameras can be put in the parking lot outside and in the newly built, 8,000-square-foot gym, expected to open next month.
Basketball is among the most popular programs offered at the center, Pfaff said.
Guthrie said he knew a doctor and trainers willing to volunteer to get the program started.
