LHT: So back to this Forest Lane/Audelia Task Force you've created. How exactly did this come about?

Allen: During a monthly meeting with staff and community volunteers, Deputy Police Chief Tom Lawrence mentioned a U.S. Department of Justice program called “Operation Weed and Seed." This program is an anti-violence strategy that “weeds” communities of crime through law enforcement measures and “seeds” them through partnerships with education, health and social service programs. Deputy Chief Lawrence mentioned that the Ferguson Road Initiative utilized this model, and it has really turned their neighborhood around.

LHT: Who are the members of this task force?

Allen: Deputy Chief Lawrence and selected members of his staff along with representatives from RISD, the LH YMCA, city staff from the Parks Department and the Economic Development Department, local property managers, community leaders, Dallas Crime Watch, and representatives from the Ferguson Road Initiative.

LHT: Is the task force already operational?

Allen: We met for the first time last week, and there was a lot of energy and solid exchange of ideas. The group's next step is for Deputy Chief Lawrence and myself to visit separately with each of the task force representatives. This should take less than thirty days, at which time we will schedule the next meeting to discuss our findings.

LHT: What do you think it will take to make this a successful project?

Allen: This has all the markings of being a home run. First and foremost, this is the right thing to do, and it will have a long-term effect on people's lives and this community. The success comes in having the right people, who are driven to make a positive change, raise their hands - and that is exactly what's happening. Please let folks know to contact me personally if they want to pick up a bat and swing at the ball.

To reach Councilman Allen, email him directly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For more information on the Ferguson Road Initiative, visit http://www.fergusonroad.org.

Be sure to stay tuned to Lake Highlands Today for updates and more feedback from this new community task force.