Residents cite crime at Colton Park and speeding on Fairview Avenue at council public comments

Two public commenters told Lancaster City Council on June 10 that neighborhood safety needs more city attention: one described ongoing drug activity and a forced entry at a home near Colton Park; the other described a pattern of speeding and near‑misses on Fairview Avenue near the recreation center.

Scott Whitekettle, who identified himself as a resident of 462 Fremont Street, said he has lived at that address “for a year and 4 months” and described regular drug use, people sleeping in tents near the park and noise that wakes him at night. He told council that on May 31 his front door was kicked in and that police took more than 20 minutes to arrive. “Children can't even safely play there anymore,” Whitekettle said, and he asked the council for “a stronger police presence and/or routine police patrols in and around Colton Park.”

Michael Hess, who said he lives on the 500 block of Fairview Avenue, said the stretch of Fairview south of Wabank Road carries heavy traffic to the rec center, Brandon Park and a large bus stop for children. Hess said the narrow street and frequent speeding create repeated near misses and hit‑and‑run incidents. He asked the council to consider traffic‑calming measures or making the section one‑way. “Without intervention, it's only a matter of time before a pedestrian is seriously injured,” he said.

Council leaders acknowledged both concerns. President Baker said staff have the contact information for preregistered commenters and will follow up with additional information and next steps. Councilors noted referrals to public safety and traffic commission staff for follow up and additional study.