Huntington Residents Concerned About Police Helicopters

Recently, Huntington community residents have expressed concerns about how frequently they hear police helicopters flying around the area at night. Some residents say they hear the helicopters later in the evenings.

Residents who are members of the Huntington Community group on Facebook have posted concerns, often asking about the reason why helicopters and police cars are in the area.

In some instances, incidents on Huntington Avenue and surrounding streets have been reported at the time residents have noticed the helicopters. Public Information Officer Lucy Caldwell said there has been an increase in the number of flights.

“There was an uptick in the number of flights in the Huntington area last weekend, but there is no set pattern for patrolling that area in particular,” said Caldwell in a recent email. Caldwell also said the helicopter units are usually in the area when responding to calls.

At a recent monthly meeting, members of the Huntington Community Association also expressed their concerns about possible illegal activities in Huntington Park throughout the day. Resident Phil Hartenstein who lives on Arlington Terrace, said his home is aligned with Huntington Park and he often walks his dog in the area.

Hartenstein said he's concerned about the people who visit the fishing hole in the park and what they're doing in the area.

"It's a constant stream of people going back to the fishing hole all day and mostly all night," said Hartenstein. "I walk my dog in the park, so we do walk by occasionally."

Hartenstein said he doesn't want to go back there alone to get a closer look, but he said there are times when he has smelled an odor that seems like an illegal substance. However, Hartenstein said he has seen the police patrolling the area a little more often than usual.

Members of the association and residents will have the opportunity to discuss their concerns about activity in the park and crime in the Huntington area next month when MPO Greg Kottemann attends the HCA meeting Thursday, Nov. 1.