| Author | Message | ||
     Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1917 Registered: 2-2005 |
Gosh, Oldstone, I have to say: your online personna really sucks! (If this quote seems familiar, you said the same thing to me once upon a time).  I wonder if I was 'accusing' someone of homosexual activity when you had your little tantrum? Incidentally, genius, if the reservation were truly deserted, as you state, then none of this would be an issue: no one would KNOW except those folks up there for sex. Get it? | ||
| Hoops Citizen Username: Hoops Post Number: 2071 Registered: 10-2004  |
them and the people who drop off bodies in baggies. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater  Post Number: 2575 Registered: 10-2004 |
Guardian Angels in the park. What a brilliant idea. I totally support that. How can we all help? Please give us details. | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1918 Registered: 2-2005 |
Perhaps we can get uniforms. Like park rangers, but more millitary and futuristic. And we need those big State Trooper hats, too. Oh, and really cool hiking boots. Hell, if we make the outfits stylish enough, we can probably recruit from the 'current population' of the park! Quis custodiet custodes ipsos? | ||
| pcs81632 Citizen Username: Pcs81632 Post Number: 137 Registered: 6-2002  |
Everyone's got their own issues. Can we get the Guardian Angels to keep the sidewalks of Maplewood Avenue clear on Friday nights also? Now that school is going to be back in session, the sidewalks will be all but impassable on Friday nights. And what about getting the Guardian Angels to step in an patrol backyards where dogs are left out all day to bark and bark and bark? Dogs who are abused like that need some protection. And what about the people in SUV's who claim the illegal parking spot in front of Kings and block the crosswalk? Vigilantes in Maplewood. If the Guardian Angels aren't available, maybe the Minutemen can come up from the Mexican border once they have that problem solved and give us some 24/7/365 protection. It's an Essex County problem. Complain to the County and have them do something about it. I don't want to be bumping into Curtis Sliwa in town, thank you. | ||
| Momx2 Citizen Username: Proudmama Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2006 |
pcs81632- Public sex and drug deals/usage are illegal and should not be happening in our town! Groups of annoying teens in town on Friday nights, annoying dogs, etc...are nuisances (ones that I also don't like). I think they really can't be compared, however. | ||
| CFA Citizen Username: Cfa Post Number: 1694 Registered: 5-2001  |
If you people would spend your energy on drugs and juvenile delinquency, maybe the two towns would be much better off. | ||
| Cattail Citizen Username: Huntemup Post Number: 6 Registered: 8-2006 |
Momx2 I agree.... CFA- You don't think public sex is up there with drugs and juvenile delinquency? To me all three are problems but the problem I had while in the rez was the public sex and if I ran in to someone doing drugs ect I would have still been shocked! Just an update: I went back to the park yesterday (for the dog park and if anyone was up there around 3 knows how busy it was!) Well when I was driving out of the rez I passed the lot where we were told. And I found it funny that 3 of the same cars from the first time where parked there again. Don't these people have anything better to do than to hook up in the rez? Don't they have a life besides giving or taking? | ||
| Momx2 Citizen Username: Proudmama Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2006 |
CFA - Do you think public sex in the reservation is ok? | ||
| sbenois Supporter Username: Sbenois Post Number: 15690 Registered: 10-2001  |
Only if it's between two deer. | ||
| Momx2 Citizen Username: Proudmama Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2006 |
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| S.L.K. 2.0 Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 2026 Registered: 10-2005  |
cfa- don't worry, just because some of us have concerns of rampant gay cruising in a public park doesn't mean we have an issue with he homosexual community/ lifestyle , as a whole. At least I don't. I don't know, I think that if I were a cruising gay and saw some dude pull up in a car with childseats in it I would be disgusted, but that is just me. -slk BTW, what are you exactly doing about the drug/juvenile delinquency "problem" anyways? | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1919 Registered: 2-2005 |
I'm sure he's not contributing to the problem... which is almost like helping to solve it, if you think about it for a moment. | ||
| pcs81632 Citizen Username: Pcs81632 Post Number: 139 Registered: 6-2002 |
Momx2, I agree that there's no comparison. But I think it's an Essex County problem. The point of my post, is that you can bring vigilantes into Maplewood to attack any problem. It's called irony. Step away from the children and don't be so literal. | ||
| Flying_char Citizen Username: Flying_char Post Number: 392 Registered: 8-2005  |
I really want to go up there in a patrol car one night after 11, when the park is closed. Just want to see what you run into. Yeah yeah call me weird, but hey... BTW, I was up there with the kids on a rainy day once and I felt very uncomfortable. Too many men driving around, and since I am no spring chicken, I knew what they were there for. Made me on the look out, that's for sure... I have been up there since, but never again with the kids... | ||
| Momx2 Citizen Username: Proudmama Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2006 |
PCS81632- Literally speaking, I am perfectly o.k. with citizens helping to solve a community problem. What I get frustrated about is people ranting on MOL about something and expecting to sit back and let others solve the problem. It's not just Essex County's problem +/or responsibility. It is our problem, in our backyard, and we can help correct the situation. Now....back to the kiddies. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 10704 Registered: 4-1997  |
All those people you see at town meetings? I'd say the majority post on MOL. | ||
| CFA Citizen Username: Cfa Post Number: 1695 Registered: 5-2001 |
For the record. I don't think public sex in the reservation is okay but the suggestion of Guardian Angels is ridiculous. | ||
| something witty Citizen Username: Buckneja Post Number: 301 Registered: 1-2003  |
What is something that the everyday folk could do? I would think that letters/complaints to the South Mountain Conservancy would do some good. They state that their mission is to preserve and promote the reservation. What do we want to see promoted? Let them know. Contact info can be found on their webpage www.somocon.org (see below) cc-ing the County on a letter to the So Mo Conservation (or vice versa) would be an excellent way to address the issue to the attention of both groups. One person writing and signing a letter as a concerned citizen and supporter of the reservation would probably get some attention, but I would bet that 20 letters might be more convincing. The email address listed for South Mountain Conservancy is info@somocon.org For the County: Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. joedi@admin.essexcountynj.org Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, (973) 268-3500 x238) | ||
| MSO55 Citizen Username: Mso55 Post Number: 22 Registered: 5-2006 |
I've heard we have a prostitution problem in the reservation as well. This, I think I've actually seen. Does no one mind this? At least the men, as far as we know are only breaking the public sex law. (discuss) | ||
| Momx2 Citizen Username: Proudmama Post Number: 6 Registered: 8-2006 |
something witty - thanks for the info and proactive suggestions. Will follow-through on your advice. MSO55 - personally, I mind any illegal activity in the reservation. CFA - thank you for the response. I had to know if it was just a gay issue for you or if you agree that it's wrong, no matter the sexual orientation. As for your opinion on the Guardian Angels, you're entitled to your opinions. Dave - What's your point? If it's that MOLers are proactive and attend town meetings, great! I know that some people on this board are active community citizens and others are not. The slight I made was not at MOL; it was at people who whine and take no action. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 2586 Registered: 10-2004 |
I agree Guardian Angels are so great. They could do alot of good. Lets get rid of those creepy men having sex in the park by all means necessary. So how do we get Angels into the park doing patrols at night? Should we start a letter writing campaign to Curtis Sliwa asking for his guidance? Who wants to host a letter writing campaign at their house? Just tell me when and where, I'm so there! | ||
| wnb Citizen Username: Wnb Post Number: 548 Registered: 8-2001 |
I believe the operative phrase here is "get a room." Are there enough concerned citizens to form a "neighborhood watch group" for the park? Perhaps if it were combined with neighboring communities (all communities bordering the reservation)? Would there be enough people then to do foot patrols on a regular basis? They could do more than just snipe hunt, they could also do basic litter pickup and note areas where maintenance is necessary. I think it would be more effective to "take action" than to "demand action." The way you bring "Guardian Angels" to the park is to form such a group and start patrolling. There's really little need for Curtis Sliwa's involvement. That said, perhaps it is too difficult to find people willing and able to make this kind of commitment. But I don't think it has been tried or even seriously discussed before. | ||
| Cougar86 Citizen Username: Cougar86 Post Number: 49 Registered: 3-2006 |
good thing they threw all those mountain bikers outta there years ago how could anyone have any alone time for sex! | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1920 Registered: 2-2005 |
I didn't really want to suggest this because it could backfire... for example, I've been hiking the trail pretty regularly for the last 2 months and my car is parked at the Milburn trailhead at 6 or 7PM sometimes... but why not jot down license plate numbers? Just kind of stroll through and very OBVIOUSLY record plate numbers on a daily (make that nightly) basis. Don't do it alone - do it in a group - and simply post lists on the sign/announcement board. A note on the top of the list indicating that, sometime in the future, this list may be made more public should be all that it takes. Now that I think about it, you probably don't need to create an actual list at all. Just make a boatload of noise and fuss while you're doing it; let everyone know that "they're being recorded", as it were, and you'll probably scare off a good percentage of the cruisers. Let me remind you to do this as a group, not alone (yes, I'll go with you - it sounds like fun!). I'm sure someone will say that this violates freedom or is anti-American or something, but I'll be damned if I can figure out why. | ||
| SO Ref Citizen Username: So_refugee Post Number: 2209 Registered: 2-2005  |
Wouldn't that also deter people who are using the Reservation for appropriate purposes? | ||
| Flying_char Citizen Username: Flying_char Post Number: 411 Registered: 8-2005 |
No, because you wouldn't mind them writing down your platenumber if you are there for legit reasons... I wanna go write plate down too... | ||
| pcs81632 Citizen Username: Pcs81632 Post Number: 142 Registered: 6-2002 |
Unless you have some type of legal standing, I don't see how a group of citizens (however well intentioned) can take action if the authorities are not going to cooperate. Any resulting activity (documenting license plates, photos of individuals cavorting, etc.) can only have an affect if the authorities are willing to enforce some action. Essex County taxes, which we would all agree are extremely high, support the maintenance of the Reservation. That's why I think, if you find this behavior that offensive, you should direct comments to the County officials. I'm with CFA - no Guardian Angels for me. | ||
| Bajou Citizen Username: Bajou Post Number: 1748 Registered: 2-2006  |
Boy are you guys serious? You think these are just gay men cavorting? Gay men have houses and apartments, they don't need the reservation. This is full fledged prostitution (gay prostitution). Do you really think a regular gay guy is going to go in the woods to meet his new soul mate? It is very simple, the guys that pull their car in backwards into the spots are the hookers. It's easier to get away when the police comes around. Once you come around the bend after the dog park and head back for the road you see cars parked on the side of the street. A guy is casusally leaning against it or sitting in it with the door or window open (again the hookers) . They have gotten a little better since the exposure on the news since a lot of the Johns (mostly married cause they are not gay but bisexual) are getting afraid to be seen. One of the new tricks is to put car cleaning stuff next to the car so it looks like he is just taking a break from cleaning the car. You hang out long enough and you see the guys car is just as dirty when he calls it a night and leaves. A gay man does not need to go in the woods to get some. Gay men meet their partners in the same places as heterosexual men and women meet their partners. Through friends, in bars, in church, through hobbies etc. And yes you can do something about it. I do all the time. Slow down, say hello ask some questions about the res. It makes them very uncomfortable and the wannabe Johns will not slow down if there are people asking questions. Guardian Angels are idiotic...what are they gonna do. They have no power to arrest and no right to make somebody leave. I have said it before...put some mounted (no punt intended) cops in the woods so they can follow through the paths. Nothing puts a wannabe stud off like a real stud. Hey if they pay me I'd love the job to patrole the reservation on a horse. | ||
| CFA Citizen Username: Cfa Post Number: 1698 Registered: 5-2001 |
Case, Are you talking about recording plate number of cars with the guys still in it? | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1924 Registered: 2-2005 |
I hadn't thought of that. I hate to say this, but my real thought was to 'pretend' to be writing down license plate numbers... read on: Its 9PM. The sun has set and the park is almost deserted. Being a rational person, you think to yourself, "Hey! I know! I'll go to the reservation for oral sex with a stranger... that's MUCH better than television!". (At this point, you may or may not have to give your significant other a cover story about home depot, testing the gas mileage of the car, or an AA meeting). As you drive in, you see a bunch of loud, obnoxious people with flashlights walking around peering at license plates and making notes on a clipboard. (Nothing says 'official' like a clipboard, you know). So what do you do? Do you hide the child seat and park anyway? Or do you just leave? I know this is repetitive, but once again I should observe that if this gets done, it needs to get done with a large group. And yes, I suppose you COULD retain the license plate numbers, but as I said - that part could backfire, since not everyone in the park is there for... how shall I put this.... "non hiking activities". | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 2619 Registered: 10-2004 |
So I've gotten in contact with the Guardian Angels. They said this type of community involvement is precisely what they encourage in taking back the streets (or in this case the woods). When I discussed the license plate suggestion to him he concluded that the police are not legally allowed to use those records in a court of law since there is no way to stop someone from creating false documentation. However, he said that once we have created a good dossier with loads of license plate info, that the Angels could take matters into their own hands. When I asked him what he meant by that, he told me it's better that I don't know too much info in case the police need to be brought in down the road. Seemed a little scary, but I'm willing to go with it if we can get our reservation back. Right? But he did explain that he has a friend of the organization that is able to get names and addresses of the drivers from the numbers and that a bunch of Angels could then go to their homes and "explain the situation" to them. I think that's sounds great. So who wants to meet up at dusk every night this week for a month or two to gather "evidence" with me? C'mon we need to rally round as a community and fight these evil criminals before our children see something disgusting while strolling in the park. | ||
| Cougar86 Citizen Username: Cougar86 Post Number: 53 Registered: 3-2006 |
You know this thread ticks me off. about 10 years ago hikers grouped together to have mountain biking banned from SM Reservation. Granted because of the excellent trails, change in terrain and proximity to so many people many were traveling from as far as NYC to ride there it was becoming too crowded. But instead of a compromise, such as a county resident permit system, it was banned outright. Now the quiet privacy has given rise to a new form of recreation! | ||
| optimyst Citizen Username: Optimyst Post Number: 170 Registered: 6-2001 |
I wholeheartedly agree about taking back the Reservation so we and our families can explore the trails free of illegal behavior, so the daytime "parkers" seem more what we should be concerned with, than tracking the nighttime visitors, don't you think ? | ||
| blackcat Citizen Username: Blackcat Post Number: 767 Registered: 6-2001 |
Maybe we should just start mountain biking again on the trails. If poeple are so upset about this, they can call the cops who will also bust the "trail people". Could be a win-win situation all around. | ||
| Bajou Citizen Username: Bajou Post Number: 1778 Registered: 2-2006 |
Wow...you guys are getting scary. Are you serious..you called the Guardian Angels??? You have got to be joking. Why don't we just get together and do a protest up there. People start making noise about it will take care of it. Guardian Angels are for when you are talking gang activity and who is that guy that you were talking too he sounds like his own kind of freak. Lets go...lets do it..let's protest.... NO MORE CONDOMS IN THE WOODS !!! OR SEX IN THE WOODS IS COOL IF YOU ARE A CHIPMUNK !! | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 9409 Registered: 5-2001  |
Be careful when y'all storm the woods with your pitchforks, torches, flashlights and clipboards. 'Cause if you set the woods on fire, it will be a moot point. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 2627 Registered: 10-2004 |
Who cares about the woods as long as we get rid of the illegal degenerates. A little lost land is a small price to pay for so great a justice and for our children's continued safety. Don't you think? | ||
| Bajou Citizen Username: Bajou Post Number: 1782 Registered: 2-2006 |
Easy there pardner... I think you need to lay off the coffe and then some. Whatever happened to being a law abiding citizen? You Guardian Angle calling stud you.. | ||
| SO Ref Citizen Username: So_refugee Post Number: 2215 Registered: 2-2005 |
Alley is not very good at satire...or maybe too good. |
