Deputy Mayor Visits Weed and Seed

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Pastor Steve Horsman, Pastor Charles Harrison, Major Paul Ciesielski  and Eagledale Neighborhood Association member Margaret Arthur.

Photo by Linda Karn

(posted Jan 9)

Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams attended the Eagledale Lafayette Square Area (ELSA) Weed and Seed January 8 meeting to show the mayor's support for the cause to rid crime from the area. Williams attested that the Department of Justice Weed and Seed program works.

"I am at home with weed and seed, " he said.

Williams served as the director of the Christamore House that was in a designated area called WESCO Weed & Seed. He said the weed and seed program was the catalyst to the $100 million redevelopment to the area that includes Starbucks and White Castle. The redevelopment also continues to add new housing projects. Williams explained that weed and seed only works when the community unites. It gives a message to the criminals that they can no longer do business in the area.

Mary Clark, president of the Lafayette Square Area Coalition, asked Williams to take a message to Mayor Greg Ballard to keep IMDP Major Paul Ciesielski as commander of the Northwest District. Clark is pleased with district's performance and public service.

Ciesielski explained the police had stronger presence in area due to Operation Tis The Season. He attributed the presences to the reduction in robberies. He reported only seven robberies occurred in the area from December 20 to January 2.

Pastor Charles Harrison of Barnes Northwest United Methodist Church attended the meeting. Harrison was just assigned to the Northwest United Methodist Church where he gave his first sermon to the congregation of 73 on Jan 6. Harrison explained the conference changed the Northwest United Methodist Church into a satellite of Barnes United Methodist Church. Harrison will now serve both parishes to rebuild neighborhoods, families and communities. Ciesielski commended Harrison's community outreach programs. He noted that Harrison has also served as a chaplain to help the community in the aftermath of violent situations.