Pubdate: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 The Vancouver Sun Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Author: Barry Begus DRUG DEALERS RULE THE ROOST I have been running a clothing store on Pender Street between Homer and Hamilton. We chose this location for several reasons: affordability, the heritage character of the area and a belief that the future of Gastown-Chinatown will be a bright one if and when entrepreneurs begin to develop the area (we have all watched the failure of all levels of government in this regard). Unfortunately, over the last several months, we have witnessed an alarming development. While the apparent common practice is to allow the area along Hastings between Cambie and Main to be the domain of our local drug dealers, recently -- for whatever reason, we do not know -- we have become increasingly over-run by these people. Several times a day, my staff and I have the delight of watching these people selling their little white rocks of crack cocaine mere inches from our storefront windows and doorway. Constantly asking them to move is having no effect. We are all concerned about our safety. Some of my customers refuse to shop in this area because they are afraid for their safety after mid-afternoon. Whether the threat is real or perceived, the result is the same. We are able to cope with the multiple break-ins, constant vandalism, the ridiculously long transit strike and a depressed provincial economy. What we are unable to deal with is being forced to take on the role of law enforcement in our area. If we are not to be supplied adequate levels of policing, I would greatly love to know what our esteemed municipal leaders would suggest. Armed guards? Guns? Barry Begus Vancouver - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom