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Tamaqua watch group pitched

Standard-Speaker - 5/1/2018

May 01--TAMAQUA -- A Coaldale woman suggested that the borough reactivate its citizen crime watch group.

Christine (Murphy) Dowell told borough council recently that she's read many posts on social media sites about "gangs" of youths causing trouble in Tamaqua.

She said she was willing to help establish a Crime Watch if there is an interest.

"We wouldn't even approach the kids -- just report what we see," Dowell said. "In Coaldale, I'm a big reporter of different illegal activities."

She said she is concerned about the borough because she frequently drives through on her way to work, and holds membership at a borough gym and the Tamaqua Public Library.

"I personally will volunteer my time at certain nights to walk the streets if I would have to, to help make it a safer place," Dowell said.

Council President David Mace thanked Dowell for her interest.

"I believe there have been a couple of attempts to have a community watch take root and they usually tend to fall apart due to a lack of volunteers -- to my knowledge and what's happened in the past," Mace said. "I certainly don't say that in any way to be a discouragement. I am hopeful that it does take root this time."

Mace said council and the police department would be able to provide assistance if a crime watch is established.

He also asked Dowell to speak with Officer in Charge Dwyane Hacker and Mayor Nathan Gerace.

Other business

In an unrelated matter, council learned of Tamaqua Brownie Troop 33013's desire to start a community garden.

The troop had no specific space in mind but planned to raise money to fund the project if approved.

Councilwoman Mary Linkevich called the proposal "an excellent idea" and said she would reach out to troop officials.

-- JILL WHALEN

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