Wedgewood Houston Community Comes Together to Address Safety Concerns
Did you miss the last WEHO Social?
Wedgewood Houston neighborhood held its latest community social event, focusing on crime prevention and safety. The gathering, hosted at Jackalope Brewery, featured representatives from the Metro Nashville Police Department who provided valuable insights and advice to residents.
Chad DiDonato, a community leader with Wedgewood Houston Social, emphasized the importance of these gatherings: "Our community socials are more than just meetings; they're a vital platform for residents to connect with local officials and each other. By bringing everyone together, we're building a stronger, safer neighborhood."
About Wedgewood Houston Social
Wedgewood Houston Social is a community-driven organization dedicated to fostering connection, engagement, and improvement in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood. Founded in 2020, the group organizes regular social events that serve as a forum for residents, local businesses, and city officials to come together and address community concerns.
"Our mission is to create a space where neighbors can meet, share ideas, and work collectively towards enhancing our community," DiDonato explained. "These socials have become an integral part of our neighborhood's identity, helping us maintain the vibrant, close-knit atmosphere that Wedgewood Houston is known for."
The organization hosts monthly gatherings at various locations throughout the neighborhood, often partnering with local businesses like Jackalope Brewery to support the area's economic vitality while providing a comfortable setting for community discussions.
Key Highlights of the Recent WEHO Social Event:
1. Vehicle Theft Prevention: Officers highlighted a recent increase in thefts targeting specific vehicle models, particularly Kias and Hyundai Sonatas. Residents were urged to contact their dealerships and insurance companies about necessary upgrades to prevent theft.
2. Park Smart Initiative: The MNPD emphasized their ongoing "Park Smart" campaign, reminding residents to lock their vehicles, secure valuables, and always take their keys with them.
3. Community Vigilance: Attendees were encouraged to report suspicious activities, with officers stressing the importance of community involvement in crime prevention.
4. Neighborhood Watch: Discussions included the potential formation or revitalization of neighborhood watch groups to enhance community safety.
5. Lighting and Visibility: Residents raised concerns about inadequate street lighting, with community leaders and officers discussing strategies to improve visibility in the neighborhood.
6. Traffic and Parking Issues: The community addressed concerns about traffic violations and parking problems, particularly in alleyways and during construction projects.
DiDonato commented on the community's proactive approach: "The turnout and engagement at these events show how committed our residents are to maintaining the safety and quality of life in Wedgewood Houston. We're not just discussing problems; we're working together to find solutions. Community leaders anticipate having more discussion around initiatives that might be effective as we continue to attract more amazing restaurants, and shopping experiences. We currently have a committee working with the areas largest businesses to look for synergies to help protect those that live work and play in the area"
District 17 Council Member Terry Vo attended the event, emphasizing the importance of community connection and consistent reporting of incidents to ensure accurate data for resource allocation.
"These socials are crucial for building relationships within our community," DiDonato added. "They allow us to stay informed, share concerns, and collaborate on initiatives that make our neighborhood safer and more vibrant."
The Wedgewood Houston Social events continue to serve as a vital platform for community engagement, bringing together residents, local businesses, and city officials to address neighborhood concerns and foster a sense of community.
For more information about Wedgewood Houston Social and upcoming events, visit www.wehosocial.org or follow us on facebook.
For community safety initiatives or to report non-emergency concerns, residents are encouraged to contact the Midtown Hills Precinct Investigation Unit at midtowninvestigations@nashville.gov
