Newly formed local group Whittier Heights Involved Neighbors (WHIN) is hosting a meeting to discuss a new neighborhood walk program and proposed private patrol program in the Whittier Heights neighborhood.
The meeting will take place next Tuesday, December 9, from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Ballard Church (1460 NW 73rd St).
WHIN recently formed in response to the increase of property crime and the decrease in police presence/increased 911 response times in the Whittier Heights area.
Last month the group, along with organizer and member Gina Frank, hosted a highly successful community meeting where over 150 locals gathered to discuss crime problems in our area with a panel of representatives from the SPD and the City of Seattle.
The idea of utilizing a neighborhood walk program to tackle crime was discussed at the meeting. The experiences and success of similar programs in local neighborhood groups Fremont Aurora Wallingford Neighbors (FAWN) and Greenwood Aurora Involved Neighbors (G.A.I.N) were also discussed at the meeting.
WHIN will host their first neighborhood walk next Thursday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m. The route is yet to be finalized however the group will meet at the main entrance to Safeway on 15th Ave NW and NW 83rd St and walk over to Baker Park.
“We would like to walk different areas of Whittier Heights while being mindful of the “hotspots” that need attention. After taking suggestions, I will post the final route on the WHIN private Facebook page for our first walk,” says Frank.
The proposed patrol program is being spearheaded by local resident Brad Renton. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact him at whittierheightspatrol@gmail.com.
All are welcome to attend the meeting.
