South Boston’s elected officials and neighborhood leaders have called for a meeting to discuss the outrageous and tragic early morning robbery that led to the death of Jean Lampron, a well known and beloved neighborhood resident.

     The meeting will be held at the Condon Community School, 200 “D” Street on Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m.

     “Up until recent years the cowardly crime of handbag snatching was unheard of in South Boston,” said City Councilor Jim Kelly.  “But, like similar crimes: the armed robbery of corner variety stores, shoplifting and the increased number of B&E’s, more often than not, are the direct result of illegal drug use.”

     Senator Jack Hart, Council President Michael Flaherty and Representative Brian Wallace – along with representatives of Mayor Menino’s office and heads of the South Boston civic associations met this past weekend to devise a six point plan that will be discussed at Saturday’s meeting.

     According to Kelly, the six point plan is still in the drafting stages but will lead to the adoption of a policy to take back the neighborhood from the druggies and young punks who are terrorizing local residents.  Some of the ideas of the planning committee are controversial and if they are to be implemented would need the support the neighborhood, the city and/or the state legislature.  They include a curfew and bring back reform schools.

     Other aspects of the plan would be a demand for more beds at detox facilities for those who want to get off drugs.

     The planning committee agrees that a Saturday morning meeting is unusual and it is hoped that despite the inconvenient time, residents will make an effort to attend this important meeting.  As of press time the list of attendees is incomplete but it is expected that representatives of the mayor’s office as well as Police Commissioner Kathy O’Toole and other police agencies will be in attendance.