Chapelgate Residents Continue Push to Organize

Efforts to resurrect the once-thriving community association in Chapelgate took a big step forward Tuesday night, as about 70 residents came out to discuss staffing a board and collecting dues. 

Residents of the 654-home community met for about 90 minutes at the Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church and said they were ready to step up to help make the neighborhood safer and more inviting. 

"If there is no association and no group of us working together, then you working by yourself is going to get you nowhere," said Connie Kinnick, a longtime Chapelgate resident and active member of the community's previous association.

Chapelgate had a community association for many years, but interest dwindled as many active members moved away. Residents have pushed for a new association in recent months due to concerns over drug activity and other crimes in the neighborhood.

The effort gained a new sense of urgency last month, after a resident reported that someone fired bullets through his front window, injuring his 1-year-old daughter with glass and bullet fragments. Police continue to investigate that case. 

Chapelgate resident Don Gum noted that police have been monitoring the neighborhood closely since that shooting, but that they will eventually have to turn their attention elsewhere. 

"As they tail out, it's up to everyone else to fill the void," Gum said. "We can't let people back into the neighborhood thinking, 'OK, the dust has settled. Let's go back and set up shop.'"

Kinnick was the chief organizer of Tuesday's meeting, and she volunteered to serve as board president for six months until another once could be elected or appointed. The community is also seeking people to serve as treasurer, secretary and vice president. 

Residents discussed the collection of dues, and there was a general agreement that a $20 annual fee would be sufficient. But a formal vote on dues was tabled until next month. 

Chapelgate residents hope to have a new website up and running by next month. The community created a new Facebook page recently.

Kinnick said Tuesday that it was important for Chapelgate to be represented at meetings before the county council, county executive and other groups. She suggested the association produce t-shirts or caps so residents can identify themselves as Chapelgate residents when necessary. 

"If we don't engage in those meetings, then as far as anybody else is concerned, we don't care," Kinnick said. 

The Chapelgate Community Association will meet again on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Waugh Chapel Elementary School. 

See also: 

• Patch Coverage of Chapelgate Case
• Tips Coming in on Chapelgate Incident