Laborer-site concerns aired in D.C.

The Washington Times ^ | 10-10-07 | Gary Emerling

[JZelle]

Community and business leaders met last night with officials from the Metropolitan Police Department to discuss recent crime exacerbated by a throng of day laborers who gather at a Northeast shopping center looking for work.

"When you have a group of people who are not from your neighborhood, and a large group of men gathering, people become worried and become fearful," said Raymond Chandler, an advisory neighborhood commissioner who scheduled the meeting at Isle of Patmos Baptist Church at 12th Street and Rhode Island Avenue. "These people are coming into our community wreaking chaos and confusion."

As many as 200 mostly Hispanic day laborers congregate each day at a Brentwood shopping plaza — which includes a Home Depot and Giant grocery store — looking to link up with contractors for jobs.

Residents said some of the workers loiter, drink alcohol and urinate in public. After a Hispanic man was stabbed in a fight last month, some in the community fear for their safety.

Residents, merchants, police and the senior property manager for the shopping plaza were expected last night to discuss strategies to help curb problems associated with the day laborers.

"There's so many of them sitting out there, and they'll run up to your car," said Harriet Rattler, 80, who lives in the neighborhood. "People get frightened."

Marquis McClure, president of Atlantic Security Professionals Inc., which posts an officer at the plaza, said much of the responsibility for keeping order among the workers should fall on Home Depot, because the laborers often gather on the company's property.

"We realize the day laborers are there," Mr. McClure said. "But the day laborers are not breaking any law, and they are on the property of Home Depot."

[JZelle]

Absolutely no accountability anymore, anywhere!

[Alter Kaker]

"When you have a group of people who are not from your neighborhood, and a large group of men gathering, people become worried and become fearful," said Raymond Chandler, an advisory neighborhood commissioner...

Uh... and here I thought you died in 1959.

[camle]

park an ICE truck across the street and put a couple of mean looking guys in it. that ought to do it;-)

[tennteacher]

Provide free transportation to Alexandria, Va.