Is anyone listening to residents in Roxbury ?

Sometimes I feel like no one is listening.
On Blue Hill Avenue two blocks from my home where I have lived for 29 years has become the "Combat Zone."

I have sent letters to the Mayor, the press and the police about the constant criminal conditions.

Crackheads, drug dealers, prostitution, loitering, broken glass, needles, public drinking,
gun violence and more.
Residents of all ages travel through this each day to school, work, and the corner store.

On September 10th, 2009, I organized and hosted a meeting outside of Packy's with community residents after lit-dropping 200 homes about these conditions. We specifically complained about the address of 69 Clifford Street due to it having an absentee landlord and the fact that each day open drug dealing, abuse and prostitution took place in and out of this house.

The police said they were aware. We are all aware ! So was I surprised to open the Herald last week to read that a man was found murdered with a gunshot to the head at 69 Clifford Street ?
Unfortunately not.

Occasionally, the major papers will cover a murder but what is missed is the effect this atmosphere has on the neighborhood. And the Herald and Globe don't cover when an older lady gets mugged on the way home, or when a car or home is broken into. They don't cover when children and staff at the Winthrop School find used condoms in their playground or residents come outside to see prostitutes turning tricks in front of their driveway.

Is anyone listening ?