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At a hastily-convened meeting on October 29th, city officials, the Department of Human Services Commissioner, the Youth Study Center Director, and several of their staff met with the Multi-Community Alliance (MCA) to discuss two reported escapes from the YSC’s temporary facility on Henry Avenue and MCA’s concerns regarding security. City officials went face-to-face with irate community members outraged by lack of communication in informing the community about the break-outs. Questions were also raised about rumors that the facility was also housing convicted criminals and homeless people. The coalition of more than 20 local civic and business organizations last met when it came to light that the former EPPI site, adjacent to the MCP campus on Henry Avenue, was to house the Youth Study Center (YSC) for several years while its new site in West Philadelphia was under construction. Representatives of the YSC and the City met several times with community residents to allay fears about that facility, outline the physical rehab of the site, and the safety measures for the incarcerated youth as well as for neighboring residential communities. The YSC moved its facility to Henry Avenue on October 4th. To date, there have been two break-outs from the site. In the first escape on October 18th, three teenagers pried back a non-secure screen and broke a 3rd floor window, tied sheets together and shimmied down to escape. Two of the juveniles were successful; one has since been apprehended, the other never found. The third youth fell and broke his leg in the escape attempt. Another juvenile bolted from a bus transporting youth to the Center on October 24th. Without regard to traffic, he ran across Henry Ave and fled into the Abbottsford Homes site. He was caught and returned to custody. According to a flyer circulated in East Falls prior to the meeting, unanswered questions relating to whether the movement to the Henry Avenue site was premature, as the building may not have been adequately rehabbed and secured, and what steps are being taken to prevent future escapes and notify the adjacent neighborhoods when it happens again, would be addressed. At the meeting, MCA coordinator Ralph Wynder said the MCA is concerned, as well, about the safety of all involved – community residents as well as YSC staff, and the youth who are incarcerated at the site. A promise last year by the City and the YSC that the EPPI site would be vacated when the new center in West Philadelphia is completed in 2011 was an additional point of contention. Deputy Mayor/Safety Everett Gillison assured those attending that, despite the Market drop, the Bond for the new YSC facility at 48th and Haverford in West Philadelphia is guaranteed and the new YSC will be completed in the promised three years time. The MCA is still in litigation with the State about the disposition of the property once it is vacated in 2011. Charles Duncan, Senior Legislative Director in Senator Vincent Hughes’s office, acknowledged that that legislation was ready to be introduced once the community determines what entity is to take title to the property. Regarding safety issues, Abbottsford Homes residents were especially outraged. A Graterford guard, Greg Brinkley admonished the YSC for lack of judgment and procedures regarding safety precautions, lack of secure fencing, and concern that windows are not checked each time a room is accessed. Another Abbottsford resident warned the officials that something drastic could occur if a youth escaped and attempted to enter one of the homes in her development, or any other East Falls residence. Chief of Staff for Councilman Curtis Jones, Al Spivey, asked if corrective action is being taken to allay the MCA’s concerns. Deputy Commissioner Jim Randolph said that all vehicles bringing youth to the facility would come through the secure, rear entry, and noted that all windows have been corrected. Councilman Jones wanted assurance that the site is a state-of-the-art facility for children, and escape-proof. Mr. Gillison assured him that escapes are rare and youth are apprehended within hours. Mr. Jones wondered why it took two days and calls from newspaper reporters for the community to find out, asking “Where is the community process?” He also questioned architect Roger Lipman about the screen/shield on windows, “What are the corrective action steps?” Mr Lipman contended it was a fault in the installations, saying, “adjustments need to be taken care of,” which brought a rebuke from Mr. Brinkley that an inspection should have been done prior to opening. Mr. Wynder noted that $11 million was spent on this facility, with nothing to benefit the community it had been thrust upon. Ann Marie Ambrose, DHS Commissioner replied that there are always job opportunities for new staff as well as volunteers. Anyone interested may call 215-683-6000 for more information. Meg Greenfield suggested that certain remedies should be implemented and these were agreed upon:
- • An audible/visible alert system be installed at the site
- • A community alert (robo) system be set up
- • A gate be installed at the front
- • A Community Advisory Board be formed to work with the Henry Ave. center
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