SPRING TIME IS HERE IN THE BRASS CITY. HERE COMES THE NOISE!

They say ” kids ” are crazy and ruining the communities these days however, the average age of the 40+ murders the past 4 years in Waterbury is 32 years of age. When we look at cities like Detroit and Chicago where mobs of teens and young adults rush into stores stealing everything in sight, im comparison, the teens and young adults that ride ATVs and Dirt Bikes through the Brass City may be the lesser of 2 evils. Every Spring sprouts the noise and recklessness of youth which fills the afternoon and night air of Waterbury with the revving of engines and lighting of fireworks. As much as we wish it would stop or atleast quiet down there are other sinister acts they could be doing besides riding bike and disturbing the peace ( see Detroit. see Chicago) Sometimes in life…the lesser of 2 evils is a blessing in disguise. With the lack of after-school programs designed to capture the attention of today’s inner city youth and the limited events aimed at keeping the youth engaged in positive community experiences, the youth are left alone to their own devices. There was a time when a young boy in Waterbury could be supervised 90% of the day. The only time kids were alone was at bus stops and walking to and from school.

Once apon time..

The Brass Mills Center was a place of refuge for masses of kids to be just that…kids. A childhood full of walking in circles, falling in love, sneaking into movies, and the occassional fist fight. Sadly, todays enviroment is one of limited opportunities for productivity and ample space for recklessness.

So Now What?

So what is the fix? It has to start with opportunities for young people to occupy their time with constructiveness, otherwise we will get whatever these undeveloped minds come up with…scary. Your thoughts?