Dear Highland Park: For the past few months, there has been a group of young black men hanging out at 917/919 Mellon Street, guests of a young woman who lives there. She didn't pay rent for a couple months, and we were told that she was being evicted, but when she didn't leave, the landlord told us that she paid in cash, so he COULDN'T kick her out. Now he claims he is still trying to get her out. These men have been selling drugs (2 heroin arrests) and many of them have guns (at least 3 gun arrests, and a couple guns found). They are a large group, and very intimidating, even for those of us who have been around for several years. Tonight, I went out to my car to get something and was stared down by them, one of them flashed me his gun. About 1/2 hour later a car pulled up and 2 undercover agents got out. This guy dropped his gun and ran...the cops are still out looking for him. I feel like an idiot still living here and still complaining about it. Zone 5 has been very helpful in the last couple months, but they can only do so much. I know it's a lot to ask for neighbors to put themselves in harms way, but I'm here! I know the community is aware of these problems, and I am putting out a final plea for help! We have seen several neighbors leave and give up their homes. We don't want to do the same thing. If anyone is willing to help but doing a standing-around-on-the-corner-to-discourage-bad-activity campaign, I'll make ice tea! Also, if anyone knows of a lawyer who could help initiate something against the landlords who prefer drug money to being a good neighbor, please have them contact me. Thanks again... Shelly __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com