Community, School Leaders Meeting Monday for Chat on 'The Pit'

A gathering of community leaders, school officials and police representatives will be in attendance at an upcoming meeting in Cape St. Claire to discuss problems in an area behind Broadneck High School commonly called "The Pit."

The Cape St. Claire Improvement Association will host the meeting Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Cape St. Claire clubhouse to discuss what can be done about the gathering place for teens that has seen some crime and violence. 

The association's president, Scott Dembowski, issued the following statement about the upcoming meeting:

"In light of ' we feel it is necessary and important for us to address this on-going issue of students, and others, gathering at the back entrance of the school and engaging in illegal activity, damaging residents property, littering, and in general being a threat and nuisance to the community. 

"We would like to formally invite you to attend and participate in a Community meeting that will be held March 18th at 7:30 p.m. at the Cape St. Claire clubhouse. We intend that residents, school officials, and the police department can discuss these issues, provide education and resources, and begin working on a long term solution. 

"Thank you for joining with us as part of our ongoing effort to resolve this issue." 

Broadneck High's principal, David Smith, has said he will be there, as will a representative of the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

At an Arnold Preservation Council meeting on Monday, Detective Ian Pierce said the department took quality of life issues very seriously, and was taking a keen interest in patrolling the area–and not just with patrol cars.

"We're going to be using a lot of units—not just patrol units," Pierce said. "A lot of us work in covert means. We're a little bit aggressive on that—we try to blend in with the populace."

The Cape St. Claire clubhouse is located at 1223 River Bay Rd. in Cape St. Claire. The Monday meeting is open to the public.

See also:

• Cape Residents Take Stand Against 'The Pit'
• Poll Results Show Residents Want More Police Presence
• No Charges to be Filed in Student Assault at 'The Pit'