Residents of the Homes on Board Road community expressed urgent safety concerns during a recent city council meeting, highlighting a troubling history of violence in their neighborhood. Felicia Bogdan, Glenna Reyes, and Patricia Mendez, three homeowners living adjacent to Dos Amigos Park, detailed their fears stemming from two shootings in recent years, including one fatal incident involving a 17-year-old in 2014.
The residents described feeling unsafe in their homes, with Bogdan recounting a bullet hole in her sliding glass door that required replacement in 2016. Mendez, who is legally blind, emphasized her discomfort in her own backyard, stating that she often retreats indoors due to the presence of individuals gathering nearby.
The homeowners are advocating for the construction of a concrete fence to enhance their security, proposing that it extend from behind Bogdan's property to Mendez's. They believe this barrier would help mitigate the risks posed by nearby activities, including vandalism and noise from local youth.
The residents expressed their hope that their concerns would be taken seriously and that they would not need to repeatedly address the council about these issues. Their testimonies reflect a broader concern about community safety as the area continues to grow and change. The council was urged to consider their request for improved safety measures to ensure the well-being of the neighborhood.