September 26th, HOAMeeting Notes River Place ,
CRIME
John Gabrielson, Austin Police Department Senior Police Officer and founder of the Crime Reduction Institute spoke this past meeting about crime reduction techniques. His message was clear.
For Crime to the occur there must be
Desire to carry it out
Ability
Opportunity (this is what we can control)
It is better to be a part of the solution than the problem. The overall theme focused on training your mind to survive to live abundantly. Here are a few tips to reduce crime:
Awareness and Mental Preparedness are key
What are Threats surrounding?
Walk in well lit area, and include someone vs going alone
Predators watch for the weak to prey upon (open garage or bath window)
“Don’t be one of these”: Not paying attention with head down and face in phone
Time, Distance, and Direction- change direction, change times you do things so you’re less predictable
For Example If you go to bank don’t go at same time or carry money bag 💰
In a crisis situation - if someone wants to rob you - Don’t resist
If someone is trying to take you always resist
3 most common reactions are Freeze - Fight - Flee
Train your mind to react Have something to do or something to say
“Do I know you?” (redirect, interrupt, rather than freeze up)
Take a breath, restore calmness
Prevention is the best approach
Lighting is cheapest
Clear and open sight lines on your property
Clear fences (to reduce places where perpetrator can hide)
Cameras are great for surveillance, 4K + improves quality but it won’t capture license plates
Remembering 4-5 indentifyable characteristics of a perpetrator will give Police a reason to respond
Walnut Creek is an example of a neighborhood who reduced crime successfully
Summary: Have the philosophy with an “Abundance Mentality” to live and prosper.
CAMERAS
Crime prevention is already underway with the addition of neighborhood watch signs and street cameras installed in the entrance points into River Place. It is important that we build trust and know eachother better to work together towards a safe and happy neighborhood. We do pay for Constables on the weekend.
NEW MANAGEMENT
Alamo Management Group
BUDGET
The budget was reviewed and there appears to be a shortage due to unexpected expenses from the recent storms and Milestone Builder Legal bills. The amount is approximately $58k this year. For further information, Dues will likely go up again to recover cash reserves.
OCTOBER NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS
October 13th by Hello Neighbor
🍻 and cocktail tasting
Games for kids - with varying ages
Alamo Management Group also attending the Fall Gazebo
Next Year’s Graduation event will be designed to involve all of the neighborhood
For complete notes please request to review meeting minutes and by all means come to the meeting. I was surprised at how low the attendance was for a neighborhood of our size.