Chattanooga leaders fed up with neighborhood violence

photo District 4 Commissioner Warren Mackey

IF YOU GO

What: Neighborhood meeting with Hamilton County Commissioner Warren MackeyWhen: 6 p.m. todayWhere: Avondale Recreation Center, 1305 Dodson Ave.

Leaders from four Chattanooga neighborhoods -- Avondale, Glenwood, Carter and East Chattanooga -- are fed up with neighborhood violence.

They're meeting with County Commissioner Warren Mackey tonight to discuss their concerns.

Mackey first called the meeting last week after hearing a circulating report that the four neighborhoods' recreation centers would be merging.

Even after Chattanooga officials dispelled that rumor, Mackey kept his plan to hold a forum at 6 p.m. today at Avondale Recreation Center on what's wrong in the communities and how to work toward fixing it.

"It generally boils down to, it seems, that the youth are at war with each other," Mackey said. "We are going to give people a chance to speak and allow their thoughts to be heard."

City Spokesman Richard Beeland reiterated Monday that the city never had any plans to close any recreation centers.

"It's hard to base a meeting on something that's not true," Beeland said. "If [Mackey's] having a meeting on neighborhood concerns, that's different."

Mackey said he has had educators, students and community members call him about what they assert is a recent surge in violence.

"There have been enough shootings that people are concerned about their safety," he said.

Contact staff writer Ansley Haman at ahaman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6481.

Upcoming Events