Neighbors call for action as Wall Street Park becomes frequent site of partying and alleged drug use

Residents told the Crown Point City Council on Monday that Wall Street Park has become a regular site for large, sometimes hostile gatherings, open drug use and property intimidation that make neighbors afraid to use their yards. A resident who identified himself as living at 245 East South Street said the park "is a secluded park" and that vehicles "drive through the field in the middle of the day," bringing late-night crowds, trash and drug use. "They're smoking weed right under the pavilion in front of kids," the resident said. Nut graf: Neighbors said short-term measures such as extra police patrols and repaired lights have not solved ongoing problems and urged the city to remove the neighborhood basketball hoops or relocate them to the city sports park. Discussion: Speakers described repeated incidents: carloads of people arriving to play basketball and to party, vandalism, public urination on adjacent lawns, and intimidation that has kept at least one recent homeowner from calling police. One resident said temporary barricades and scheduled light repairs were insufficient and recommended moving the courts to the larger sports park on North Street, which has more space and existing patrols. City response: A city official acknowledged scheduled light repairs and additional patrols, saying poles and work were planned and that extra police had been assigned at times. The council and staff said they would continue increased patrols and park monitoring; no formal policy change or timetable was given at the meeting. Community impact: Residents said the park's isolation (surrounded by dead-end streets) makes it an easy site for repeated unwelcome gatherings. Neighbors asked the council to consider removing the basketball hoops to prevent continued congregation or to move courts to the larger, better-policed sports park. Action: The council did not adopt a formal directive at the meeting. Staff said lights would likely be repaired the coming Wednesday and that extra police patrols would continue.