Pubdate: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 Source: Star-News (NC) Copyright: 2003 Wilmington Morning Star Contact: http://www.wilmingtonstar.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/500 Author: Tim Neuenschwander, Star-News Correspondent Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) RECLAIMING LONGWOOD Residents Increase Efforts To Stop Crime, Drugs Longwood - At first glance, Longwood looks like any other rural town in North Carolina complete with fields of green and yellow, country homesteads, big yards and Baptist churches. But not everything is as it appears in this small corner of Brunswick County. For the past 30 years, the unincorporated town has struggled with big-city problems such as drugs and violence. Just last month, charges of assault on a law enforcement officer and felony attempt to elude were filed against a teenage driver who led sheriff's deputies on a high-speed chase through the Longwood area after authorities responded to a report of suspected drug activity. After decades of failed attempts to clean up the community, one group is uniting citizens in a continuing effort to try take back their town. Since its founding last September, the Longwood Community Action Group has organized clean-up days, petitioned the county for increased assistance and recently held the first Family and Friends Day, featuring a health fair and career information. While the educational aspects were important, the group's vice chairman, Freddie Stevenson, said it was also intended to help residents get reacquainted. "The event was to reintroduce the community to each other," Mr. Stevenson said of the Aug. 2 affair. "Before that Saturday, many people didn't even know who their neighbors were, so it should help bridge the gaps in our community." Those gaps, Mr. Stevenson said, have in large part been created by the problems in the community. With the emergence of crack cocaine and marijuana in an area of town known as the Quarters, he said many citizens have fallen into the habit of either doing or dealing the drugs. Along Marlon and Carlon Roads, the two blocks that make up the Quarters, cars stop in the street during the middle of the day, transacting with roaming pedestrians and bike peddlers. Mr. Stevenson said this type of activity increases as the evening approaches. Born and raised in the neighborhood, Mr. Stevenson said the problems revolve around dilapidated homes and buildings that become hangouts for those engaged in illegal activities. Even though these troubles have taken root in Longwood, Mr. Stevenson said the problems often start outside the city limits. He said drug suppliers feeding the local market have left a black mark on Longwood, giving fellow Brunswick dwellers a negative impression of the community. This often makes others forget about the good people coming out of Longwood. But Mr. Stevenson has a simple message for individuals smuggling drugs into the town. "Stay out of our community," he said. "If they stay out of our community, then we won't have these problems here." "This town has sent off individuals that eventually became doctors, lawyers, nurses and educators. But these are the people that never get talked about," said M.C. Herring, the pastor at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist church and an honorary member of the LCAG. "It's not all drunks and dope-habits." Brunswick County Sheriff Ronald E. Hewett agrees with that sentiment. While his office has arrested both residents and non-residents on drug-related offenses, he said the actions of late have been a positive step for the community. While members of the LCAG believe a stronger presence from the sheriff's office would help eradicate the problems, Mr. Hewett said there is only so much his department can do. With more than 850 square miles to cover in Brunswick County, Longwood is just one part involved in protecting the overall population. Longwood does not have a local police force. Even though it would take a small army to put officers in every community, Mr. Hewett said involvement from citizens could have a more profound an impact than law enforcement. "I commend this city for doing its part to make the community a better place. Longwood is trying its best to make the community safe again from within," said the sheriff, who attended the Family and Friends Day with other members of his department. "If they continue taking an active role, things are going to get better. The long-term effects from their work will be seen." Despite making gains over the past year, Mr. Stevenson said there is still much work for the group to address. On top of eliminating drugs and violence, the group also aims to raise funds for a community center that would provide a safe haven for children, job information for adults and assistance for the elderly. But before they can tackle those issues, Mr. Stevenson said the group will continue cleaning up the community. Even though the Longwood has taken steps in the right direction, he said citizens must remain diligent if they are going to meet their goals. "We've always dreamed about doing something to take care of these problems, but it never came to be," Mr. Stevenson said. "We're going to work hard enough to ensure it works this time." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin