Email Regarding Rise in Crime in Phoenix Hill Area - Posted August 8, 2008
From: HHaddox892@aol.com
Recipients:
OHNA Board, bjstott@gowebway.com,rickjsweeney@yahoo.com
Subject: Fwd: LMPD 5th Division-PHT Update
Date: 08/06/200807:07:27 PM
I am passing along this email to you because it bears upon the issue involving criminal activity that has been (and remains) a concern to the neighborhood; especially over the past month. Many feel that the recent upsurge ties directly into the Phoenix Hill operation (and the allegation relative to greatly reduced drinks on Wednesdays and weekends). I don't know just how effective are the measures that PHT is taking (video, TIP trained servers, extra police and security personnel...etc), but it would seem that they are making an effort. Some good ideas for our commercial neighbors! Any thoughts are welcome.
Ted
--- Message from "Karen" <karen@phoenixhill.com> on Wed, 6 Aug 200813:53:42 -0400 -----
To:
"'Schwab, Jamey'" <Jamey.Schwab@louisvilleky.gov>
cc:
"'Ben Rogers'" <ben.rogers@insightbb.com>, "'Ward-Pugh, Tina'" <Tina.Ward-Pugh@louisvilleky.gov>, "'Harmon, Nicole'" <Nicole.Harmon@nortonhealthcare.org>, "'Miller, Jim \(LMPD\)'" <Jim.Miller@louisvilleky.gov>, "'Leet, Kevin'" <Kevin.Leet@louisvilleky.gov>, "'Dennis, Joseph'" <Joseph.Dennis@louisvilleky.gov>, "'Smith, James T'" <James.Smith@louisvilleky.gov>, <rob.haynes@loukymetro.org>, "'Lisa Dettlinger'" <ddettli210@gmail.com>, <HHaddox892@aol.com>, "'Cindy L Brown Kinloch'" <phoenixhillassociation@juno.com>, <jgilde02@sprynet.com>
Subject:
RE: LMPD 5th Division-PHT Update
Sgt. Schwab, this seems like a good time to review with you and everyone concerned some of the on-going things PHT is doing to be good neighbors in The Phoenix Hill Triangle Neighborhood.
As you know, for several weeks now either myself, or the owner Ben Rogers, have been engaging in on-going electronic and telephonic, discussions with you, to try to solve some of these neighborhood problems and concerns. We want to once again offer our sincere thanks to you, Major Smith and the entire 5th District LMPD for the incredible support you have extended to PHT and the neighborhood. While things certainly are not perfect, a lot of improvement has been made, and 5th District LMPD deserves most of the credit. Between PHT’s working off-duty LMPD officers, and 5th District officers, (uniformed and undercover) many citations and arrests have occurred in the past several weeks for a variety of criminal activities that PHT neither condones, or encourages. Just 2 weeks ago auto burglars who had been terrorizing the entire Baxter / Bardstown entertainment corridor were arrested near PHT. I am so pleased to hear that whoever fired off gunshots recently was apprehended. Even a star U of K football player quickly learned recently that criminal behavior around PHT will result in swift law enforcement by 5th District LMPD. In short, “Bravo” to 5th District LMPD!
PHT continues to employ 4 working off duty, LMPD officers in uniform and in marked cars for parking lot security every Wednesday night. We employ officers on Friday and Saturday nights too. We have anywhere from 15-20 of our own security staff members, and up to 6 managers on duty on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. We routinely pick up trash and litter around the neighborhood on a daily basis; especially on Wednesday nights and Thursday AM.
The vast majority of guests who attend PHT on Wednesday nights, and every other night, are well behaved, respectful, law abiding citizens. Unfortunately, some are not. Internally, we have taken several new, stricter measures to affect unruly guest behavior and generally improve safety. For example, we have permanently barred more guests in the past few months than we have in the past 32 years. We have begun requesting personal contact info from disorderly patrons when they have been asked to leave the premises or been cited or arrested by LMPD. These unruly patrons are being barred verbally, then having written official notices of permanent barring sent to their home addresses, informing them that they should never return to the property; and warning them that if they do, they will be arrested for criminal trespass. We will attempt to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
PHT has an internal surveillance video monitor system with approximately 43 separate video views, of both the interior entertainment spaces and exterior parking areas. Recently we installed a new video system at the front door of PHT that records every person who enters the club. A large, color video monitor at the entrance displays each person as they enter, and there is a sign near the monitor that says, “video taping in progress,” We intend to install another video recording system at our rear entrance in the near future. PHT has recently installed new additional exterior lighting, and repaired some existing exterior lighting to further deter criminal activity in the neighborhood and improve safety.
We would be happy to attend a meeting with Ms. Harmon and LMPD or anyone else who is concerned. We would be happy to host the meeting, so that attendees can personally see the signage we have on all of our exit doors, asking our guests to respect our neighborhood. Attendees can also personally view our surveillance video system and new video recording system and view our operations in general. I have decided to also copy our Phoenix Hill Neighborhood Association Director, Cindy Brown Kinloch, on this e-mail so that she and the other board members will be aware of this issue. Perhaps The Phoenix Hill Neighborhood Association can get involved and host such a meeting. Myself, and the owner, attend just about every monthly meeting of the Phoenix Hill Neighborhood Assoc. As the neighborhood Liason for PHT, I have ongoing contact with other neighborhood associations as well. I have decided to copy Lisa Dettlinger from Irish Hill and Ted Haddox, and Dr. John Gilderbloom from The Original Highlands on this e-mail stream, as I have promised to always keep them aware of neighborhood issues too.
Councilman David Tandy is our district councilman. I will also copy his executive assistant Rob Haynes on this e-mail stream as well. Rob is also a neighbor, who also lives on Rogers Street.
Finally Sgt. Schwab, just a few facts. We have been in business in the same location, with the same owner for 32 years. I have been an employee of PHT for over 30 years. We have always tried to display the utmost respect for our residential neighbors. I sincerely apologize to any neighbors we have inconvenienced in any way. About 6 years ago, we spent approximately ½ million dollars to abate noise from our operations at the request of neighbors. Our DJ’s always give last call warnings near closing time and they encourage guests to leave quietly and keep their car stereo volumes down, out of respect to our residential neighbors. Despite having some critics in the neighborhood, over the years we have also made many, many friends and have many supporters in the neighborhood. Our neighbors are always welcome at PHT. Many neighbors are regular customers. Some neighbors are also employee’s. Whenever we have an outdoor festival we always offer free tickets or free meals and discounted beverages to neighbors.
We have worked hard for years and years to make our Wednesday nights successful. Some people say that the only reason that we are so well attended on Wednesday nights is because of discounted drinks, but that’s just not true. We offer 3 live bands, Karaoke and a Dance Party also. Many other bars around town have similar discount nights that are not nearly as well attended. The on-going success of our Wednesday nights are vital to our survival in very difficult economic times. We employ about 50 staff members and hundreds of local musicians. Wednesday night has been our discount night for about 15 years. We charge $1 for cans of beer on Wednesday nights, not 25 cents. Guests pay a door charge of anywhere from $3 to $5 depending on what time they arrive.
All of our staff members are trained and certified TIPS servers. TIPS is a nationally recognized alcohol awareness program. It has been endorsed by City of Louisville ABC. When we believe that guests are showing visible signs of intoxication, we immediately refuse any further alcohol service. We have a designated official taxi stand directly in front of PHT and we have a direct yellow cab phone line at our front door. Our customer counts usually run higher now, in the summertime, while colleges are on break than any other time of the year. Customer counts usually tend to naturally decline in the Fall months. I welcome any suggestions, advice, comments or questions that you or anyone else receiving this e-mail may have.
Respectfully,
Karen Callahan
PHT Neighborhood Liaison
Phone 589-4957
karen@phoenixhill.com
From: Schwab, Jamey [mailto:Jamey.Schwab@louisvilleky.gov]
Sent:Tuesday, August 05, 20082:53 PM
To: Karen
Cc: Ben Rogers; Ward-Pugh, Tina; Harmon, Nicole; Miller, Jim (LMPD); Leet, Kevin; Dennis, Joseph; Smith, James T
Subject: RE: LMPD 5th Division Update
Karen,
Advise Ms. Harmon we had 10-12 additional officers working the past 2 Wednesday nights. We did arrest the subject that fired the shot during an attempted street robbery on Rogers Street. The officers were in an unmarked car and heard the shots. Due to the heavy police presence, they were basically on top of the suspect before he could run very far. The reason she is not seeing the officers may be because we are mostly using plainclothes officers in unmarked cars. The strategy is to make arrests to keep the criminal element from returning as opposed to high profile patrols (in marked cars) that tend to shift the crime to other nearby areas.
We still want to meet with you and the residents of the neighborhood. Please let me know when and where we can all get together. Police patrols and arrests will only get us so far, so we are open to any and all suggestions to improving this situation.
Sergeant Jamey Schwab
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Division 5
From: Harmon, Nicole [mailto:Nicole.Harmon@nortonhealthcare.org]
Sent:Tuesday, August 05, 20081:19 PM
To: Karen
Cc: Ben Rogers; Ward-Pugh, Tina; Schwab, Jamey
Subject: RE: LMPD 5th Division Update
Hi Karen,
I just wanted to follow up since the last time we’ve communicated and let you know that the noise and partying in the streets has still continued.
The police said they would “be out in full force” that next Wed. after my last email and they weren’t. (At least not on our street.)
Just so you are aware there is a petition going around for people in the neighborhood to sign asking for a wet/dry vote on the establishment. I don’t know who started it but, the gentleman who had it said there were gun shots last Wed. on the Broadway side of Rogers. I also found out from the new guy in the neighborhood, (who by the way is extremely alarmed by it all) that Phoenix Hill has a flow of 1,000+ people going to party Wed. nights for $25 beer.
That’s a whole lot of drinking until 4am so, when these people leave the bar they are primed and ready to fight and tear things up.
This is a decent neighborhood that is trying to catch up to the rest of the Highlands and although we are a little behind and there are still some houses less desirable, we can only hope this doesn’t chase away the new comers moving in to fix up these houses and make the neighborhood a nicer place.
Two people on our street have just moved in from out of town and we have a few more houses on the market.
Please, PLEASE, is there something else we can do? I’ll be completely honest, I never cared one way or another about Phoenix Hill being there but, at this point, if making it dry or closing it down would make me sleep and feel safer in my home than I’ll sign whatever it takes and spread the word.
Sincerely,
-Nicole D. Harmon
Administrative Assistant
Children's Hospital Foundation
Norton Healthcare Foundation
234 E. Gray Street Ste 450
Louisville, KY40202
502-629-8060
"Think Big for Kids"
From: Karen [mailto:karen@phoenixhill.com]
Sent:Thursday, July 24, 200812:08 PM
To: Harmon, Nicole
Cc: 'Ben Rogers'
Subject: FW: LMPD 5th Division Update
Importance: High
Hi Nicole,
I thought I would share this e-mail with you. Jamey Schwab did reply to the e-mail I sent you yesterday and said he would attend a meeting if you wanted to request one.
Karen Callahan
From: Ben Rogers [mailto:ben.rogers@insightbb.com]
Sent:Thursday, July 24, 200811:48 AM
To: Tom Pugh; Theresa; Teri Powers; shensler; Pugh, Thomas M; potterkungfu@yahoo.com; Paul Parrish; Mike Keenan; Kim Donze; kevajess3@aim.com; Karen Callahan; Joe Hughes; Haynes, Rob; Frankie Rogers; DJ Dave; Brooke Boyd; Betty Leep; Amy Sparks
Subject: Fw: LMPD 5th Division Update
Importance: High
----- Original Message -----
From:Schwab, Jamey
To:Art Cestaro (Deer Park) ; Barrett Tasman (Mockingbird Grd) ; Belknap - Mary Garry ; Ben Franklin (Druid Hills) ; B-town Road Overlay - Lynn Lyndrup ; Cherokee Triangle ; Cindy Brown (Phoenix Hill) ; Crescent Hill ; Cullen Hornaday (Braeview) ; Deer Park - Tim Darst ; George Timmering (Highland Commerce Guild) ; HHaddox892@aol.com ; Highland Coffee News - Larry Rother ; Highlands Commerce Guild - Mark Abrams ; Honaker, Graham ; Hope Brooks (Braeview) ; Lisa Bird (Highland-Douglass) ; Lisa Dettlinger (Irish Hill) ; Mary Jean Kirtley (Highlander) ; Maura Glaser (Mockingbird Gardens) ; Melissa Gay ; Michelle Harrington (Druid Hills) ; Mike O'Leary (Clifton) ; Munday, Walter ; Nancy Carrington (Belknap) ; Pat Brinson (CHCC) ; Paul Schuhmann (Upper Highlands) ; Scott Boehnlein (Highland-Douglass) ; Seneca Gardens - David Brown ; Seneca Gardens - Joe Steffen ; Stan Esterle (Highland Comm. Ministries) ; Stan Whetzel (Bonnycastle) ; Steve Hebeeh (Braeview) ; Susan Melcher (Kingsley) ; Tony Lindauer (Cherokee Triangle) ; Tyler Park - Terry Hall Redden ; Upper Highlands - Leslie Cissell ; Wellington - Tim McNally
Cc:ben@jimporters.com ; Beyerle, Mary Rose ; Burman, Gary B ; Edelen, Charles ; Leet, Kevin ; Long, Terra L ; Owen, Tom ; Schwab, Jamey ; Smith, James T ; Ward-Pugh, Tina
Sent:Thursday, July 24, 200811:02 AM
Subject: LMPD 5th Division Update
Neighborhood Leaders,
As many of you had heard, we have had a rash of street robberies in the Highlands along Baxter Avenue and Bardstown Road. Last night the same people attempted to rob a victim at gunpoint near Baxter Avenue. The suspect attempted to flee but was captured by 5th Division undercover detectives and arrested. Fortunately no one was injured. At this point in time, the investigation is in its early stages and I cannot release too much information. I can tell you that this is the second street robber that we have arrested within the past 4 weeks. I am confident that this will clear a great number of our pending robbery cases. If anyone has any more information of this string of crimes, please contact your respective Division Resource Officer (DRO).
In other news, Marc Hall is the new DRO replacing Sarah Banta. Marc was with the former JCPD and served as a resource officer in CharlieDistrict. He also has been in the Vice/Intelligence Unit and has worked in the 5th Division for the past 5 years. Marc brings a wealth of experience to the job and will be a valuable addition. At this point in time, Marc will be taking all of the meetings that Sarah previously attended. Please make Marc feel welcome at your next meeting!
Finally, we have 2 events on the horizon.
The National Night out will be August 5, 2008 at the Fifth Division at 6:30 pm. It is a night of fostering our police/community partnerships and will be a fun time for all. We will have a cook-out, inflatable for the kids, live band, and lots of promotional materials. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
On August the 9, 2008 we will host a Neighborhood Watch Summit at Bellarmine University co-sponsored by CM Tom Owen and CW Tina Ward-Pugh. It is a great opportunity to hear some interesting crime prevention presentations and to learn more about how to make the most out of your neighborhood watch group. Chief Robert White will also be there to speak. The event runs from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Coffee and refreshments from Blue Dog Bakery and Heine Brothers will be provided.
I look forward to seeing everyone and as always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns affecting your neighborhood.
Sergeant Jamey Schwab
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Division 5
Joint Emergency Services Unit
2301 Douglass Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40205
502.574.7636 Division
502.451.6289 Fax
502.744.1740 Cell
Letter on Crime from Board August 2, 2008
Letter from the Board on Crime Prevention
Crime Update
LMPD 5th Division Update – 7/24/2008
Neighborhood Leaders,
As many of you had heard, we have had a rash of street robberies in the Highlands along Baxter Avenue and Bardstown Road. Last night the same people attempted to rob a victim at gunpoint near Baxter Avenue. The suspect attempted to flee but was captured by 5th Division undercover detectives and arrested. Fortunately no one was injured. At this point in time, the investigation is in its early stages and I cannot release too much information. I can tell you that this is the second street robber that we have arrested within the past 4 weeks. I am confident that this will clear a great number of our pending robbery cases. If anyone has any more information of this string of crimes, please contact your respective Division Resource Officer (DRO).
In other news, Marc Hall is the new DRO replacing Sarah Banta. Marc was with the former JCPD and served as a resource officer in CharlieDistrict. He also has been in the Vice/Intelligence Unit and has worked in the 5th Division for the past 5 years. Marc brings a wealth of experience to the job and will be a valuable addition. At this point in time, Marc will be taking all of the meetings that Sarah previously attended. Please make Marc feel welcome at your next meeting!
Finally, we have 2 events on the horizon.
The National Night out will be August 5, 2008 at the Fifth Division at 6:30 pm. It is a night of fostering our police/community partnerships and will be a fun time for all. We will have a cook-out, inflatable for the kids, live band, and lots of promotional materials. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
On August the 9, 2008 we will host a Neighborhood Watch Summit at Bellarmine University co-sponsored by CM Tom Owen and CW Tina Ward-Pugh. It is a great opportunity to hear some interesting crime prevention presentations and to learn more about how to make the most out of your neighborhood watch group. Chief Robert White will also be there to speak. The event runs from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Coffee and refreshments from Blue Dog Bakery and Heine Brothers will be provided.
I look forward to seeing everyone and as always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns affecting your neighborhood.
Sergeant Jamey Schwab
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Division 5
Joint Emergency Services Unit
2301 Douglass Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40205
502.574.7636 Division
502.451.6289 Fax
502.744.1740 Cell
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