Some residents weary about Providence's violence plan - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Some residents weary about Providence's violence plan

By: Liz Tufts

ltufts@abc6.com

     The city's plan calls for expanded after-school programs for kids and crime watch groups, but the people who live in the neighborhoods say that's not going to be enough.

     12 murders in 7 months. 8 still unsolved. All of the murders happening within a 7 mile radius. Some of the crime scenes less than a mile apart.

     Judith lee lives in the heart of where the violence keeps happening. She has for 35 years and says the city's plan of attack wont cut it. The city is calling for more programs to keep kids out of trouble, But Lee says the solution starts with the parents.  "It's sad that parents are working two and three jobs to keep up and the children are neglected. And we neglect them as a society too, " says Lee.

     Roger Tortolani keeps hoping for a change. He owns several homes in the area and has seen the violence first hand. He's now taken matters into his own hands by laying down his own law with his tenants by making sure drugs and guns stay out. "I let people know the corner is my corner if I see any kind of activity on the corner that shouldn't be then I address the people let them know this is not the place where they can do business, " says Tortolani.

     Mayor Taveras knows it's a long road ahead, but hopes feedback from people like Judith and Roger will get the ball rolling. "I agree with them that we need more jobs and to address the guns we have started to do that it's going to take all of this to get this done., " says Mayor Taveras.

  Of the 12 murders, police have only arrested 2 people.They have warrants out for 2 more.

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