Councilor addresses safety concerns

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Many Providence residents say they are fed-up with the recent violence.

They expressed their frustrations Tuesday night at a community meeting hosted by Providence Councilman Michael Correia.

It was scheduled following a gang-related shooting on Academy Avenue, and a murder at the Manton Heights Housing Project.  Both are in Correia's district.

Robert Sangermano was one of the residents at the meeting.  He and his wife bought their house years ago.

"We could section 8 it out and add to the problems in the city," Sangermano said, "But we choose to live here and pay off our mortgage to get out of here." 

When asked if they feel safe in their own home, Sangermano replied, "Well, my wife and I took a firearms classes, so we do now."

Many residents are asking for an increase in police foot patrols, but officials say that won't be happening because of city budget problems.