Reading neighborhood hears about efforts to make area safer and cleaner

Residents of the Oakbrook area learned about citywide efforts to make neighborhoods safer and cleaner during an impromptu town hall.

Mayor Eddie Moran and representatives of the police and public works departments were on hand to introduce new outreach initiatives and answer questions during the nearly two-hour session Tuesday at Oasis Sanctuary Church.

About 20 people turned out for the town hall, one of a series of community-building meetings hosted by the church, 1101 Lancaster Ave.

“The idea today is so that we can work with the community, the people in the community, on a vision for the community, so that our community will be stronger,” the Rev. Isaac M. Davidson, pastor, said before introducing the mayor.

The church’s goals include helping to prevent crime, reducing the city’s crime rate and working with church members and area residents to create a more positive and safer environment.

“We have a good neighborhood, but we want to make it better,” the pastor said. “We have a strong fellowship, but we want to make it stronger. This is the goal: to make our community stronger and better.”

The mayor introduced police Lt. Lance Lillis, city community engagement officer, and Ryan Bradley, clean city coordinator, who explained how the police and public works departments are working with the public to further the mayor’s vision of cleaner and safer city.

Councilman Chris Dauber, District 6 representative, also attended the meeting and was available to answer residents’ questions.

The church is located within the district.

Lillis said the job of engagement officer is the most impactful he has had in his 24-year career with the department.

When not recruiting candidates for the force, he said, “I get to do what I consider the real fun stuff.”

The lieutenant said he visits elementary schools, reads with the students and answers their questions about the duties of a police officer.

He also attends community events as an ambassador for the department.

Communication goes two ways, he said, noting he often serves as a go-between for residents and members of the force. His job, Lillis said, gives him an opportunity to answer questions from the public, and, in turn, it gives the police department a chance to learn from the residents.

“The information I’ve been able to push out to the public has helped immensely,” he said, noting he also gathers information from the public. “And luckily, I’ve been able to relay that information.”

Bradley shared information on a new initiative to clean up the city. Called Adopt a Block, the program is aimed at empowering and engaging residents in an effort to keep Reading’s streets, sidewalks, parks and playgrounds cleaner and safer.

Under the program, residents volunteer to serve as block captains to oversee and coordinate ongoing cleanups in their immediate area.

“We are working with the mayor and city officials, so we will adopt this block,” Davidson announced at the close of the town hall.

Oasis is the 13th to sign up as an organization or group, Bradley said, noting as of Tuesday, 27 people also had committed to serving as block captains.

He later announced the number had grown to 38.

Volunteers are asked to commit to cleaning litter in their adopted block at least once a week for two years. Each captain’s name will be added to a sign posted in the respective adopted block.

Bradley and a crew from the public works department installed the first sign Thursday outside Opportunity House.

The shelter, 430 N. Second St., was the first of all the organizations and individuals that committed to the program.

“When Ryan came up with the idea, I jumped all over it,” said Stacy Perlaki, director of development for the shelter, “because I want to be a part of the change in Reading.”

Perlaki will serve as coordinator for the weekly cleanups, which will engage staff and clients.

City residents who wish to contact Lillis or Bradley or who have other questions or concerns can call the city service center at 877-727-3234, email csc@readingpa.gov or download the iRequest mobile phone app.

Source: Berkshire mont