City, police and community work together to combat neighborhood problem
Statement of Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II October 31, 2019
Last summer, a property located at 1513 N. 37th St. in the 15th District was reported to the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) for suspected drug and prostitution related activity by residents and representatives of nearby Bethune Academy elementary school. After an investigation by MPD and a lawsuit filed by the City Attorney against the landlord, Judge David Swanson granted a temporary injunction today that allows the drug house to be immediately closed and boarded up.
There is no other way to describe this decision than as a win for the neighborhood. I want to thank the police, school officials, community members and city staff who worked to make sure that this source of drugs and prostitution in the community came to an end.
I also want to give a special thank you to Assistant City Attorney Heather Hough for her tireless work on this case. While this is a major victory, the end goal of this lawsuit is to have the court order the sale of this property with the proceeds being awarded to the police department and the City for anti-drug and anti-gang initiatives.
We want drugs and prostitution out of our communities, and while sometimes these issues seem insurmountable, it’s possible. The efforts that led to today’s decision prove that and serve as a great example of what can happen when we all get involved in the name of creating a safe and healthy community.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.