THEY GET WHAT THEY DESERVE

broken car window glass on curb of W.11 just north of literary/kenilworth.
looks pretty fresh--just noticed this on 9/6--anything else anyone noticed in the area?

saw a guy walking down professor this evening about 8pm--right in the street alongside all the cars' driverside doors--and he appeared to be checking some of their handles and glancing in the windows without stopping as he walked by. this was right by edisons, etc, and he turned the corner and walked west on jefferson. i asked the fahrenheit valets if he was one of theirs, and they said no, but agreed to keep an eye out for him. i went looking for him and could not find him. someone later told me he may have been the one who was putting flyers out on peoples car windows--but when i saw him from a distance he did not look to be doing that. he was a tall white male, about 6'6, very thin, wearing a dark jacket and dark knit hat, i believe. who knows--maybe it was someone promoting with flyers--he did appear to be extremely nonchalant--but either way, lets keep an eye out for this guy--very tall and very thin walking along the driversides of cars in the street. if he was in fact a thief and not successful tonight or not identified, he will likely be out again this weekend (artwalk).

A resident had their car burglarized this same night--thursday overnight--on W.10th St. There was no definite forcible entry--could have been an unlocked door the nieghbor admitted. No valuable items were in the car. But this very well could have been the work of the suspect observed by Goodlatka earlier that evening. I did not see anyone matching that suspect's description and behavior when I was out and about this weekend.
Were there any other reports of car-breakins this night/weekend?

Anyone who leaves their car UNLOCKED is asking to have it broken into.

that someone forgets to lock their door does not mean they deserve to be robbed. it still means someone was walking around trying to burglarize cars--unless you think that everyone looks for the opportunity to break into someone's property and it is perfectly acceptable. most decent residents anywhere don't rob eachother just because someone has let their guard down. it is still a crime.

car stolen please read (repost for a friend) 

Dear Tremont residents and frequent visitors,

-my '91 Toyota Camry was stolen monday, december 17th @12:15 am.
-it was parked in front of Asterisk gallery while I was in Edison's.

-it is completely white except for black trim and large rust holes along each side.
-blue interior, messy inside
-hairline crack on passenger side of windshield, from bottom to halfway up.
-there is a Mullinax sticker (yellow with green lettering) on the trunk right above driver's side taillight.
-there is a bishop sticker on driver's side bottom corner of windshield

license plate -- EXH 2654

-inside of the car I had my new bass guitar ('80's Ibanez Blazer), 2 effects pedals, 2 instruments cords, down winter coat, canvas overalls, many many CDs -- all of which I don't expect to retrieve, but hope to.

IF YOU SEE THIS VEHICLE, PLEASE CONTACT POLICE IMMEDIATELY.

Then contact me on myspace.

Thank you very much,

Shmoop       http://www.myspace.com/pfht  

I've seen men - more than one and on more than one occasion - walking down the street apparently checking car doors. Every time I've seen this happening, I've told the guy to cut it out and that I'm calling the police to report him and his description (and I called). I'll admit that one time, it was the Lolita valet doing his job, and he was cool about it, but the other two times, I'm sure the men were either looking for something easy to take out of an unlocked car or looking to steal the car. Both times, the cars were parked along Professor on a busy Friday or Saturday night and both times, the men told me to eff off and took off down a sidestreet.

Sandy Smith

Nationally, cars are stolen every NINE SECONDS, so if one leaves their doors unlocked, they ARE inviting trouble.

sandy, how would you describe the perpetrators you have encountered? do they match the description of the guy i saw last thursday (see above)?
shmoop--i'm sorry to hear about your experience. hopefully we can nail these scumbags.

Well, every 2.5 minutes someone in the US is sexually assaulted...is it their fault because they are walking outside? Or wearing a skirt? Not carrying a weapon?

People who are getting mugged around here are not mugged in a remote area, cars are being stolen in broad daylight. (and I feel for you who have been hurt by these actions. I really do.)

No one deserves crime. Just because there is essentially NO police action in Cleveland it doesn't mean you should learn to be Ok with that and then need to find someone else to blame. And I'm sure you have NEVER forgotten to lock your car....

There is all sorts of shady business going down on Professor. Seems to happen between Sutton Homebuilders and the flying monkey. I have see people walking around looking at cars, even going through one once. Could have been the owner though.

 I did see some Cleveland police vans driving around this morning. Wrong time of day if you ask me.

 I agree. Cleveland will never rebound until the total absence of police situation is addressed. I have never been in a city where you dont' see the police hardly at all like in Cleveland.  And go drive around at 3 or 4 am. There are no police anywhere at all. I can name other cities where there are more police than cars on the road during this time. None of this development they want to do in Cleveland is going to do any good unless this issue is resolved.

and nothing happens if people don't complain. I don't buy the crap handed out by councilpersons and cdcs that it is what we have to put up with. in fact - it is their JOB to tackle the problem, yet no one holds them accountable for doing nothing about it, except marches (oh boy - tHAt's gonna stop 'em!). Its politically risky for them to make noise and hold the police accountable. It also takes a spine...

and btw - it was never stated that this person did not lock their car...

"it was never stated that this person did not lock their car... it was never stated that this person did not lock their car..."

"There was no definite forcible entry--could have been an unlocked door
the nieghbor admitted. No valuable items were in the car. "

It appears that it was stated that the car could have been unlocked.

So...let's organize.  I know there are people in this neighborhood who know how...Let's do this.

Block Clubs, Community Building, ReStore,Safety Marketing & Fundraising, Econ. Dev., 2nd District Police/Community relations, and various other Meetings currently exist, all of these groups are "organized"

"So...let's organize. I know there are people in this neighborhood who know how...Let's do this. "

"People who are getting mugged around here are not mugged in a remote area. "

Maybe not in remote areas, but areas where streetlights are out - dark, low tree limbs, no one around - especially no police presence. E-mails have announced muggings, but did those really happen in the areas they claimed?

Now there are only rumors of muggings. Have there been some since September/Oct when 3 were arrested?

What ever happened to the cameras that TWDC aquired and was supposed to have had installed? Just wondering . . .

Can someone please fix that huge rut in the road on W 7th in Tremont Point near the 490 interchange. I can't believe that is let go for this long.

The trench is disgusting. More than 4 inches deep, all the way across West 7th - at Tremont Point. We should sue Cleveland street department! Or at least collect for the flats that we'll all get from crossing this trench. (not only could a tiger jump this trench, but so could a tremont rat!)

I want to ask why haven't the leaves been removed from the street? Every time it rains there is a five foot wide puddle of water the entire length of my street that I have to step ankle deep into to get across.  This is ridiculous. Why wouldn't they remove the leaves? The people running this city are braindead and clueless.

Jack,
the street you live on is mostly rental property--not many home owners who may be more likely to go out of thier way to keep the whole street and sidewalks looking tidy. Maybe this is what you can do for your neighborhood Jack--grab a rake and shovel and make a contribution to your community! Although it would be nice, we can't rely on the government to spoon feed us all the time. So call and complain to the strained city-services for what its worth, and if they don't come through in a day or two, then take 30 minutes to do some community development of your own with a rake and shovel! You'll probably meet some of your neighbors and they'll be inspired by your prosocial and industrious enthusiasm.

good job on taking a lead with this one jack! let me know if you need any help--i'll stop by with an extra rake.

And why is someone blaming "renters"??  Why are we that bad?  I do alot for Tremont and I know some homeowners that don't do much.....but thanks to hereisanidea I know now what a loser I am because I rent and don't own!!

My girlfrinds car was stolen around 8:30 pm on 12/29/07.  It was a red 1998 honda civic. 

Dan: Where?

Last night at about 11pm i SAW a guy/kid try to bash in the window of a truck parked across the street--he was pounding the door and glass with a tire iron type thing. I couldnt tell if he actually got in or had anything, because when he saw me he jumped into the car that was waiting for him and they took off. The car was a white hatchback-sort or thing and the plates were COVERED UP with paper so I couldnt get the number!! I kept watching and the same car kept driving by really slowly for about 20 minutes--probably waiting to finish the job. This morning the truck was gone, so I am hoping the owner drove it away and not a hood rat. It was two guys, white, seemed to me to be older teens or young 20's? (I am not good at guessing ages). They had on hooded sweatshirts. This was at west 10 and starkweather. Fucking ridiculous. The night before a crazy woman was screaming outside at 3am about how the bugs are inside of her. IF THAT WAS YOU OR YOU KNOW WHO IT WAS PLEASE TELL HER TO TAKE HER MEDS SO WE CAN SLEEP. Thank you.

How ridiculous would it be if I objected to you describing the two thugs as "white"? 

 Any rate, W.10th and Starkweather seems to be a hot-bed for recent criminality.  Is anything being done to warn people in the area about what has been going on? 

 Also, to the fact that violent crime has increased 82% in the 2nd district...that is astonishing.  And how often we heard how safe the 2nd district was.  I wonder what the new line will be?  Maybe the new one will be that "it's better than the East Side."  How ridiculous. 

 Furthermore, can anyone substantiate what the one post said about local gangs fighting over Tremont Pointe?  If that is true, then there is only one thing to say..."Thanks Joe!!!" 

filippo7, where did you get the 82% increase in 2nd district violent crime statistic?

Is this 82% increase over one year ago? over 10 years ago? over last week?

if we had 1 violent crime last year and 2 this year then that would be a 100% increase, but it would still be a very safe neighborhood. When numbers are reletively small, then percentages of change are relatively large.

I am not doubting the numbers, I'm just saying that we should always try to be aware of exactly what the numbers mean and of course we should not be happy until that number is zero.

Oh and meangirl,

I hope you contacted the police while this was going on and described the situation to them. If you did then I thank you, if you didn't (for whatever reason) then you are part of the problem.

there is broken car window glass on literary between 10th and 11th outside of lemko. looks very fresh--last night too?
what was the police response when you called them, meangirl?
did they arrive that you know of?

Most cell phones and digital cameras have video recording capabilities now. If you happen to catch someone in the act, record it as evidence. don't be afraid to call the police and stick with the offenders until the police show up.

of course I called the police I am not a fucking moron. And they were oh-so-helpful, they actually laughed and said "well you said they are gone already and you dont have a plate number." Cleveland's finest.

And if I hadnt called? Maybe it would be because the retaliation for ratting out one of these animals might result in a gun being pointed at MY window. But I actually care about Tremont and dont just bitch about everything, I try to ACT.

And I am not sure about the thug comment? I didnt say "thug" in my posting...and I dont know what the issue would be about calling a white criminal a thug or a black one...ANY criminal is a "thug" in my opinion whether they are black or white or albino or from France or pregnant or in a wheelchair. What difference does it make???

Jacksplat that is a good idea. I thought about grabbing mine but it was so dark I knew it wouldnt have come out.

I want to apologize if I sounded like a raging bitch in my post---I didnt mean it to sound the way it probably did (the "fucking moron" part). This stuff just frustrates me, and i reacted to the "you are part of the problem" slung my way. I am tired of hearing this, it just seems to some people, we would only NOT be part of the problem if we stayed hunkered down inside the house with an elaborate booby trap in front of our doors and we wouldnt go out at night without being heavily armed with a police escort (an invisible one considering what city we live in...lol)  Anyway, sorry for the attitude.

Drug buy

Just another run-of-the-mill drug deal, but I happened to be walking past it when it happened at 7th and Jefferson. The buyer was driving a silver lumina ER85VS and the seller was driving a crappy blue passenger van PDX3084.

Call the police and give them plate numbers. If the police ever find them, then they have probably cause to pull them over and search with K9 unit.

the 82% relates to the increase in homicides in the 2nd district for 2007. The data is not happy and it can be found here: http://www.cleveland.com/crime/

scroll down, its posted midway. you have to do a bit of playing with the interactive part, and like i said - the data is not happy for 2nd district.

and not to repeat myself from another blog, but it is relevant here:

I believe Commander Sulzer is sincere in his effort to improve our Second District police force. However, if people do not report incidents and badge numbers of officers offering inadequate service I doubt he will be effective. Additionally, residents continuing to espouse the notion that complaining will only worsen the officers' behavior will also render Cmdr Sulzer's efforts ineffective. We need to act as a community and demand accountability from police officers. Its their job.

 Commander Sulzer requests complaints be directed to him at 216.623.5200

There's also the Office of Professional Standards ............664-2944 or 664-2948

The officers who gave you such a PATHETIC response, meangirl - those complaint lines are meant for their lazy a$$es. And I also agree - the snot nosed "you are part of the problem" drives me insane....it sounds like we're on the 6th grade playground for pete's sake....

its yOUr fault, no its yOUr fault, its yOUr fault, its yOUr fault,blablahblahblablah.

To all (especially meangirl)

Please allow me to defend my 'you are part of the problem' statement. I am not one of those people that say that you are part of the problem if you do something that makes you more likely to be a victim. For example, just because I take a walk at night doesn't mean I deserve to get robbed and just because I leave my wallet in my car doesn't mean I deserve to have it broken into. People who get victimized by criminals for whatever reason are certainly not part of the problem. However I do believe that there are some people (and you are obviously not one of them meangirl) , that feel that crime just happens and there is no reason to contact the police because they suck anyway. I do believe that those people (someone who would witness a crime happening to one of their neighbors yet wouldn't bother to contact the police) are part of the problem. We need to have each other's backs. Of course we need to be aware that crime does happen in our neighborhood, but at the same time we should refuse to just accept it.

i agree - and I would have your back any day MrKeith - or anyone else for that matter because i can not stand violent criminals and I am not afraid of them. We do need to refuse to accept subpar service like that shown meangirl.

regardless of whether the officers with meangirl could have found the perpetrators with their license number covered - they could make a record of every other detail available (because the perpetrators are bound to offend again and who knows what piece of evidence will break their case) and at least have shown some empathy rather than callously laughing at the situation and laughing at her outrage. F#@k them. When they are paid to extend every effort to apprehend violent criminals and they scoff at their duties, they are every bit as culpable as the perpetrators, in my book....

...too bad mY book means nothing...

It sounds like Sulzer could have a seperate complaint line for the CPD dispatchers alone!
..Talk about 'part of the problem'!!

Thanks Mr. Keith, etc. I agree with you. I did go over and talk with the guys across the street and asked if there had been any theft the night before and they said yes. They said "yeah its been happening a lot lately" and thanked me for coming over. It does seem though like many people are just giving in to the crime because it seems that trying to do something just leaves your wheels spinning. After awhile its easy to understand why some people just give up.

Why cant there be a way to have motion-active lights installed in these trouble prone places? Not that it would solve everything but maybe it would help not just deter but help the rest of us more easily identify the people doing this shit? I rent, so I dont think I have much control over my home area--which is frustrating.

 I also think its important to help keep your cars and selves safe-not that its your fault if you dont--like I, thank god, dont have to park in the street...so in my parking area I park as far back behind the cars closest to the street. I never keep any bags or general junk in my car. I also, funnily enough, consider the eclectic mix of stickers on my car would make it pretty damn easy to locate should it be stolen. A pink elephant if you will.

 Finally---I dont think its an inner-city issue. I have lived in many areas of cleveland. When I lived in cleveland heights my car was broken into three times in one year while parked in a permit only municipal lot. In lakewood, someone broke the glass doors and vandalized the inside of my building, setting the carpet on fire in the first-floor hallway. I think there is just a higher likelihood to hear all about what terrible things are happening in cleveland proper.

I attended Auburn Block Club last Thursday and the police officer there to give a report on crime and safety admitted that crime rates throughout the city are, as he put it, "evening out." He said that while once some neighborhoods were perceived as "safer," that no longer is the case.

Also, for those of you who heard about or are passing along information about a "shoot-out" (someone else's description) near Tremont Pointe a few days before Christmas, there was no 9-1-1 call related to it and no police report about it. Neither the Second District prosecutor or the Commander's office know anything about it.

I'm not saying it didn't happen, but with so many vigilant people out there, I find it hard to believe that no one who allegedly witnessed it or heard it called 9-1-1.

Sandy Smith

Sandy,

I like you but you are out of line.

The shooting happened in my alley while we were all up at Sokoloski's enjoying a nice dinner and socializing at the TWDC Christmas party.

Just because you don't like "focusing on the negatives" doesnt give you the right to be so condescending.

I was called when the incident took place by 2 neighbors and one of them had called the police. I do know that half of the time (if not more) when a report is given about these things by a neighbor, it usually gets back to those who were involved and leaves the door open for retalliation.

Would you want to be in a situation like that with gangs in a gun fight?

I hear and identify with the frustration that so many people dealing with the unchecked crime are faced with. I built a very nice new home on Marquardt across from Tremont Point (the blue house), hoping to set an example that we are making progress and that there is nothing to fear.

I have delt with a lot in the past 2 years and have been very vocal about it at meetings and block clubs as well as calling the police regularly. Your response is a perfect example of what we have gotten except that you call me a racist (I'm inter-racially married and teach black teens to start businesses)

This is my family neighborhood and I have and will always be here. I know the south side very well and know what I see. There are so many long time residents that do not participate in the neighborhood forum because they are so jaded by these kinds of dismissive responses. They know what they live with and some do not have the means or luxury to move away from or deny the problem.

There are simple solutions that can be implimented to make an impact on this problem. I am running for the Board of TWDC, because I'd like to make a difference and move forward, not to cover up the problem.

Sandy, it is likely that you will be reelected to the TWDC board, please remember: "The first step is to admit you have a problem" A.A.

Thanks,

David Purpera

unchecked crime...

dismissive responses...

 The first step is to admit you have a problem...

I like how you talk Purpera...straight forward. thank you.

The problem is not knowing we have a problem, the problem is that no resident/business person with a financial stake in tremont is willing to admit it or make it public.

One example is when TWDC's Scott Nagy was mugged a few weeks back near Starkweather & Proffesor, it became a big secret. I heard via a patron at Lucky's and later Templeton wrote a small blurb about it here on Tremonter.com. Though on the TWDC website it has had this paragraph for over a year:

Crime and Safety

Tremont Crime Forum is here. Go to this site to report crime and safety issues, and to network with your neighbors

Why would Mr Nagy not want to share this information with his neighbors so they can take caution when in this area after dusk? Could it be that TWDC is worried about potential home owners and the influx of new businesses that are opening soon on that corner? I know of at least 4 businesses that are schueduled to open by spring 2008 and I'm sure that they do not want that kinda publicity..

Or could it be that they all suported Tremont Pointe {as do I} and are afraid that any publicity of crime in that area can be damaging to the strong support they have/had of that project?

Either/or, I don't believe hiding or denying that there is a crime problem that is growing each month helps 'develop' our community nor shold it be considered a short time solution.

There has been other muggings/burglaries near this corner since Mr Nagys incident that has also been 'hush-hushed' and the barista at the coffee shop that has lived here 40+ years told me that the recent crime is at the highest point that she has experienced, so much so that she no longer walks the 2 blocks to work on account of her fear. I won't name this woman because when she told me this she used her 'quiet' voice while scanning the area with her eyes, I'm guessing she has been told not to talk about 'this problem' as well..

Speaking of Safety

      I read with interest about a week ago in the Plain Dealer that the City of Cleveland has been browning out the closest fire company in proximity to Tremont (Engine 2) Scranton and Carter since the start of the year due to budget trouble. The Plain Dealer also stated that Councilman Santiago supports this.

    Today, I read the same thing in the West Side Sun, and a small story in the Scene. Both also referring to Santiago's support of the browning out or closure. But the Fire Union Rep stated he is working with neighborhood groups in Tremont to pressure Council and the City for more funding in the 2008 budget.

   I have not heard anything about this as a Block Club Co-Chair. With the amount of new housing in Tremont, and the majority of our storefronts filled, and the amount of visitors to our businesses this is just simply un-acceptable. Do not forget the Fire Department responds when EMS is bogged down as first-responders too.

I realize Councilman Santiago is out of town with a death in his family. But I urge all of Tremont to contact His office, Councilman Cimperman, the Mayor's Action Line, and to advocate TWDC to take a stance on this issue.

This Fire truck can get to Tremont in 2-3 minutes. Do not forget the bridge by Abbey Road is closed for repairs. The closest units will be twice as far. It only takes a minute to have a fatality.

The Story line can be read in the Scene from 01-16-08, and the West Side Sun from 01-17-08

 Re-print from Cleveland.com PD Article

Firehouse on west bank of Flats idled through week

Overtime pay not in budget

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Mark Puente

Plain Dealer Reporter

The firehouse on the west bank of the Flats has been closed four times in the past week.

City and fire union officials agree that lack of money is the cause, but disagree about who is to blame for the shortfall.

Fire Station 21, on Carter Road, is closed when staffing levels dip below 187 firefighters on daily duty. On those days, firefighters assigned to the station are sent to other fire stations and Station 21 is closed for the day.

Sick time, injuries and vacation time have led to staff levels dropping below the required level, Safety Director Martin Flask said. Shifting firefighters is routine and needs to be done to reduce overtime pay, he said.

"It has no impact on safety," Flask said. "There are 40 other fire companies in the city."

Fire union officials disagree. Fire union President Chester Ashton said the station is being idled because the city did not increase the fire budget last year when it decided to keep a station open on Pearl Road after residents complained.

Fire Chief Paul Stubbs told union officials that he has not received a budget for 2008.

He said he cannot pay overtime to staff other firehouses. The chief requested a budget to staff all the fire stations, Ashton said.

Firefighters are not abusing sick time and have even decreased the use of sick time in the last year, Ashton said.

Idling Station 21 could double response times from other stations if a fire occurs in the Flats area, Ashton said.

"It makes no sense," he said.

City officials note that there are two stations less than two miles away from Station 21, which is on the west bank of the Flats.

Staffing at Station 21 has caused controversy in the past.

The city idled the firehouse last year after the city accused firefighters of calling in sick so other firefighters could pad their overtime pay. The union denied that claim.

Jim Cox, executive director of the Flats Industry Association, said dozens of businesses and hundreds of residents rely on Station 21 for fire protection. It is ludicrous for city officials to take away a layer of safety, he said.

"What in the world are they thinking?" Cox said. "It doesn't make any sense."

City Councilman Joe Santiago said the city has to draw a line when it comes to budgets. He supports idling the station and others throughout the city to eliminate overtime expenses.

"We have to stay within a budget," he said.

Fire Truck Number #2

  This is recopied from the West Side Sun Website

Funds come with a catch

Thursday, January 17, 2008

By Ken Prendergast

West Side Sun News

In the 2008 budget request, Cleveland city officials said they are seeking enough funding to keep 41 fire companies open and operating. That includes the once-threatened Ladder 42 on Pearl Road as well as the "browned-out" pumper Engine 2 and fire boat Engine 21 at Scranton and Carter roads.

Keeping all 41 companies operating comes with a condition, however. That condition is to rein in overtime pay.

Safety Director Marty Flask said firefighters took "excessive" sick time last year, and especially in the past month when 45 firefighters called in sick on Christmas and 35 firefighters called off on New Year's Day.

"Twenty five percent of the department called in sick on Christmas day and others had to be called in," Flask said. "The overtime they worked was at time-and-a-half (of regular pay). That cost us tens of thousands of dollars just for one day."

But firefighters say they aren't using all the sick time they're allowed to use.

"We have 41 companies on a budget of 40 companies," said Chester Ashton, president of Local 93 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

A fire company is typically one vehicle, often a fire engine or ladder truck, with four firefighters assigned to each truck per shift.

He noted that in 2005, a consultant did a study of the Division of Fire's deployment needs. The consultant said the city should be operating with 40 fire companies and budgeted accordingly. That resulted in fire department officials proposing to "brown out" Ladder 42. A brown out means the truck is still based at the fire station but isn't fully staffed.

When residents in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood turned out in force to demand that Ladder 42 be fully staffed, the city's budget wasn't adjusted to reflect it, Ashton said. Engine 2 and the fireboat Anthony J. Celebrezze were browned-out in recent months because city officials didn't adequately fund the fire department, not because firefighters were taking excessive sick time, Ashton said.

"We can't spend money we don't have," Flask said. "Chief (Paul) Stubbs will, from time to time, brown out a company. He says there no real safety issue and I trust his judgment."

There are two other fire companies within two miles of Station 2 at Scranton and Carter, he said. Flask also noted the fireboat is seldom used, though he didn't have statistics immediately available.

Ashton pointed out that Engine 2 was browned out last June when a fire broke out at a house on Thurman Avenue in Tremont. He said Engine 2 could have responded to the fire in two minutes. The closest fill-in companies, Engines 20 and 24, were busy with other emergencies. Engine 4 was the first to respond, taking 10 minutes.

Another fire, this time at the Flat Iron Cafe at Center and Merwin streets, also had longer response times because Engine 2 was browned-out. Ashton pointed out that Engine 2 is necessary to keep open because of new residential development in Tremont and, starting this year, with the Flats East Bank redevelopment.

"It's imperative that we get that company back out," Ashton said. He said he will be working with neighborhood groups in Tremont and the Flats to ask for more funding as council deliberates the budget in the coming months.