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I_SYRACUSE POST-STANDARD, Aug. G, 1971Park Area Residents Protest DisturbancesBy HOWARD FISCHERAccusations against the Parks and Recreation Department, Police Chief Thomas J. Sardino and the county system were leveled by residents of the McKinley Park area last night at a grievance session with police and city councilmen at Our Lady of Lourdes School.John Dunn, president of the McKinley Park Committee, said he had tried, without success, to have canceled the scheduled Happening Wagon appearance in the park last Sunday. He said Parks Commissioner Richard Planer would not meet with him or cancel the wagon appearance, resulting in the rock-throwingttipIpa that Mt ano man injured and dozens of windows broken.More than 100 residents leveled complaints about nonarea residents coming into the area and making trouble. They accused the police of having insufficient patrols and said the police should take action against youths carrying weapons or alcoholic beverages.Answering the charges, Sardino said poiice hands are lied by the law, stating there is no law against carrying abaseball bat or chain and saying the police must witness an assault or have witnesses willing to sign sworn afladav-its against the suspects. He said these witnesses were fewanrl farhptwripnHe did say that, as a result of last Sunday’s disturbances, future appearances of the Happening Wagon in McKinley and Meachem parks had been ordered canceled. Councilman James Tormey, who attended the meeting, said he would try to have any park events in the rest of the city end up 8:30 p.m. or before it becomes dark.Several calls were expressed for the removal of Planer, alleging that he is not being responsive to the community. One of the councilmen pointed out that only the mayor could remove him from office.Five councilmen and two county legislators attendedrh/» Thov inHiraipHthey were there not to make suggestions but to listen to grievances and ask for help.Also attending was Neal McCum, president of the council and acting mayor, who sat silently on the side.Several persons suggested a meeting between blacks and whites since they said, that is where the crux of the problem lies. A second meeting, tentatively planned for next week in McKinley Park, has been set up with invitations extended to black groups, notably PEACE Inc., through the crime control team, whichpatrols the area.Sgt. Dean Bender of the team tried to explain to the residents what the team is frvinc* r n Aiwunnh^h Rp
Newspaper Details
Syracuse Post Standard
Syracuse, New York, US
Fri, Aug 06, 1971
Page 6
Full Page
Clipped by
Susan K.
USA 12 May 2019
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