Downey : Residents Near Park Express Concerns on Crime
Nearly 100 residents in the northwest tip of Downey closest to Bell Gardens met with city officials last week to discuss the fate of Treasure Island Park.
Residents made a number of suggestions to Mayor Robert G. Cormack, including more lighting in the park and on homes surrounding the park, more police patrols, transforming the area into a gated community, razing of the park and the construction of more homes in its place.
Police Chief Pete Stone said that Treasure Island is the least troublesome park in Downey, with only 16 disturbance reports filed in the past three years. One officer who lived on the island estimated that the park is used 90% of the time by Bell Gardens residents and the remaining time by Downey residents.
A stabbing occurred in February in front of a home near the park, and police arrested a Bell Gardens youth who was a known gang member.
The mayor said the suggestions will be compiled in a report and mailed to the residents.
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