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NETWORKING - INPUT - COOPERATION - SUPPORT - QUALITY OF LIFE |
PfCONA
was formed in 1985 by Pflugerville residents who wanted to provide a forum for
neighborhood groups to collectively air their concerns and work with the City Council to
resolve problems. |
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COMMUNITY
BUILDING AFFILIATED NEIGHBORHOODS
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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2002 IN PFLUGERVILLE AREA
(8/6/02) The greater Pflugerville area outdid itself on "National Night Out", August 6th. Cpl. Mike Clowdus, Crime Prevention Officer for the Pflugerville Police Department reported that 58 block parties took place at 24 subdivisions involving an estimated 4,060 city residents. Sheriff Deputy Jimmy Quick, in charge crime prevention efforts in Travis County’s eastern sector, reported that 47 block parties took place involving about 900 county residents and more than half of those were in the Wells Branch and Pflugerville area. Six subdivisions within Pflugerville each had one large party, some with as high as 200 in attendance. Creekside subdivision had the most with 250. The Saxony subdivision had the most block parties, 10, Pflugerville. Springbrook Meadows, in greater Pflugerville, had 10 also. Whether if was a few people or forty, for the first time or the fifth, at least 1 out of 5 people—20% of the 20,000 residents—in the city of Pflugerville had lawn chairs on their driveways, lawns, or streets. They locked their doors, turned their outdoor lights on, and shared drinks, food, fun, and conversation. Some blocks said they meet like this on a regular basis or plan to do so. Deputy Quick said that one of the goals for the evening was, “to become partners with the community and address community issues or concerns. The police cannot solve the majority of crimes without the help from the community.” Cpl. Clowdus remarked that, “We had a lot more parties and the people involved were more interested than ever in crime prevention programs available, Neighborhood Watch, home security surveys, the Citizens Police Academy, and Victim Services programs.”
Pflugerville had 34 officers, several constables, 14 Citizens on Patrol volunteers, nine Victim Service volunteers, State Representative Lloyd Doggett, Mayor Scott Winton, and some of the city council members visiting neighborhoods. Many of those in their patrol cars, including a fire truck, drove up to refreshments, BBQ, and ice cream socials. One party gave door prizes for the newest residents and those who had lived in the neighborhood the longest. A few others had moonwalks, clowns, a pool party, or a parade. Issues brought up most included traffic issues, burglarized vehicles, animal issues, crime prevention, and the West Nile Virus. Cpl. Clowdus said, “Everyone I talked to thought it was really great. Officers were getting the same kind of feedback. The chief’s secretary received many positive calls the next morning saying how good it was. I expected 50 parties. It surpassed my expectations.” The eastern sector of the county had 16
officers, several constables, Commissioner Karen Sonleitner, Sheriff Margo Frasier, Chief
Dan Richards, Major Terry Pickering, and Capt. Joe Escribano dropping by homes. They drove
up, along with a fire truck, to a lot of great food and socializing amongst the neighbors.
The three major concerns voiced were response times, the number of deputies, and safety of
children. Deputy Quick said that, “The residents liked having the opportunity to
speak with law enforcement which normally patrol their area in this type of atmosphere.
Community involvement will increase, which ultimately will assist us with the reduction of
crime and increase solvability of cases. Next year we are hoping to be able to problem
solve some of the concerns and issues.” [Source: Pflugerville Pflag]
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Turn
in photos of your block party to Cpl. Mike Clowdus who is compiling a scrapbook of the
event. Call 670-5512.
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