New Haven Independent

Party Co. Bolts From Newhallville Bash

by Thomas MacMillan | September 29, 2009 3:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)

When he got to Dixwell Avenue to drop off a bouncy castle, the driver for a suburban party company fled in fear. Javaughn Harris was sure he’d have to cancel his festival.

But Harris (pictured), a local youth organizer, didn’t want to disappoint the kids, who had already started gathering on Dixwell Avenue for the party. With a few frantic phone calls, and some fast work from the city parks department, the party was soon underway.

Harris, who graduated high school last year, runs the Thompson Street Youth Coalition, which offers summer programs for local teens. To continue what he calls an effort to prevent violence in his neighborhood, Harris won a $1,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to throw a block party last Saturday at the former Martin Luther King School on Dixwell Avenue.

The festival almost didn’t happen. A truck driver who was delivering party supplies got spooked and bolted back to Fairfield County, leaving a crowd of kids in the lurch.

The company owner Pete Muckell said he was afraid of sending his young driver into a “combat zone.”

Harris, who turns 19 on Wednesday, returned to the school on Tuesday morning and explained what happened:

He planned a festival for all ages. He found a DJ, arranged for hot dogs and cake, and put up flyers for the party. He called New England Bounce About — a company in Fairfield County — and ordered a bouncy castle, a generator, and some tables to be delivered on the day of the party.

At 2:30 p.m. on Saturday — an hour and a half before the party was to start — a driver from New England Bounce About showed up at the school. The driver, Doug Muckell, told Harris that he needed a different credit card as a deposit, since Harris’ had been declined.

Harris told Muckell that he would go to his house and get his mom’s credit card. Muckell said that he needed to get some fuel for the generator and he’d be right back.

Moments later, he called Harris to say that he wouldn’t be dropping off anything. He was worried that the area was too dangerous.

Spooked

The source of Muckell’s concern was a quick conversation he had overheard between Harris and two girls, when they were deciding where the bouncy castle should be set up.

Harris said that he told the girls that the Board of Education had asked him to have the party in front of the school, where lights would make it safer, instead of behind. She disagreed with the logic.

“She said ‘either way you could get shot,’” Harris recalled.

Muckell didn’t respond to the comment, Harris said, “He didn’t react to that. He just asked where to put the stuff.”

But the offhand comment ended up tripping up the day’s plans.

Muckell heard the conversation, and it made him nervous. Muckell’s uncle Pete Muckell, who owns the company, later described what his nephew had heard.

“Someone said there was a shooting back there” behind the school, Pete said. “Then someone said someone was raped in front … Then someone said it’s better to be raped than shot.”

That’s how Doug recounted the conversation when he called Pete after he left Harris to go get fuel for the generator. “I feel uncomfortable about that if it’s that tough an area,” Pete said.

They decided to cancel the delivery.

Rescued

Harris said that he didn’t hear anyone mention rape, but that the driver may have overheard a conversation that he didn’t hear. “The kids might have been talking about that,” Harris said. “He still might have taken it out of context.”

Harris said he couldn’t believe it when the driver called to tell him he was canceling the delivery. “There were already kids waiting around here,” he said. Neighborhood kids were coming out in anticipation of a bouncy castle. “So I’m stressed.”

Harris started working the phone. “I called around. I asked people for this, asked people for that.” He found a local vendors who had a bouncy castle and a generator. With the help of Joanne Sciulli of Solar Youth, New Haven parks department’s Martin Torresquintero brought by some tables from the West Rock Nature Center. In the end, Harris saved $100 over what he would have paid to New England Bounce About.

The party was a success after all. “It was nice,” said Harris. “All the kids and parents liked it.” Harris said that 150 people showed up.

“I’m happy,” Harris said. He learned a valuable lesson through the experience, he said. “There’s always another way if you’re determined.”

Harris said that he didn’t mention his experience with New England Bounce About at the party. “I didn’t want to tell them the reason we couldn’t have the party was because someone thinks the neighborhood is too dangerous.”

“Combat Zone”

Reached by phone on Tuesday, Pete Muckell explained that he decided to cancel the Newhallville delivery because he was afraid for the 17-year-old employee who would have had to pick up the equipment late Saturday night in a potentially dangerous neighborhood.

Muckell said that his decision to pull out of his deal with Harris was based on the conversation in which Harris was reportedly discussing incidents of shooting and rape in the area of the party. “Literally the customer himself is telling us this,” Muckell said.

Muckell said that Newhallville is “on the periphery” of the area where New England Bounce About is accustomed to working. “We go to very very affluent areas. We’re a high end party rental,” Muckell said. The company serves mainly towns like Darien and Greenwich, he said. There’s a different feeling in neighborhoods where “you are surrounded by 10 million dollar homes,” Muckell said.

Muckell said that he’d be happy to work with Harris in the future. “If they pick a decent area, we’ll go down and do the party again… I’ll even discount it,” he said. “It just can’t be a combat zone for god’s sakes.” He suggested Lighthouse Point as a suitable location for a future party.

There was no racial element to his decision, said Muckell. “This has nothing to do with a black-white thing,” he said. “Hell I voted for Obama. I love the guy.”

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Comments

Posted by: lol | September 29, 2009 3:47 PM

I voted for Obama. Lol. Will this replace the endearing " I am not racist, I have a black friend."

People, Buy New Haven, Support local businesses.

Posted by: anon | September 29, 2009 3:51 PM

Given the recent crime profile of Newhallville, which the city and state have seemingly done little to address (except Rell cutting the city budget more), this type of behavior is not at all surprising.

It would be speculation to say whether they canceled the delivery because of their perception or because of the actual facts, but having spent some time there, it is fair to say that this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the negative impact of crime on community cohesion in Newhallville.

In other words, this NHI reporter probably should have talked to more local residents before writing this article. And not just the ones who are out and about. The delivery company driver is far from the only person afraid to go outside at night in this neighborhood.

Posted by: K | September 29, 2009 4:21 PM

Note to self - order bouncy castle from more local company, not from Greenwichy one!

Posted by: andrew | September 29, 2009 4:23 PM

i'm afraid of newhallville and i've lived a mile away for ten years. my wife is black, grew up off of whalley ave and wont go into newhallville. if someone is in fear, no amount of reasoning can change that. i'd like to see the neighborhood rise up and cast out the troublemakers and stand up for their children and residents.

Posted by: Norton Street | September 29, 2009 5:54 PM

Its sad that inner city neighborhoods have gotten to the point where a big bright bouncy castle is needed to distract people from a degraded public realm.
Dixwell Avenue used to be the center for cultural and civic activites for New Haven's black community, now it is just a overly congested road with holes in the urban fabric made for parking or for some modern building. This school is a perfect example of how to destroy the relationship between our buildings and our streetlife. We've pushed the lot back 100 feet off the sidewalk, put a monochromatic blank brick facade on it and painted cartoons on it.
People used to voluntarily congregate in wonderfully designed public spaces all over New Haven everyday, just because it was pleasant to be there; people never used to have to be coaxed out of their homes just to have a good time.
Unfortunately, the middle class has fled this neighborhood, and taken with them all the civic and public spaces and have stuck them in their large suburban houses to privatize them.

It is encouraging to know that Javaughn Harris are out there, trying to do positive things for the younger generation. Hopefully he is able to continue to do so in ways that have long lasting effects and a more permanent physical presence.

Posted by: HewNaven?? | September 29, 2009 7:23 PM

Where's the rest of this story?

What do the folks who live here think about their neighborhood being deemed a "Combat Zone"??

Posted by: Been Called Worse | September 29, 2009 7:27 PM

I think the previous commenter are on to something - buy local to support New Haven businesses.

I'm pretty certain race didn't have anything to do with this. It was a judgment call based on the situation as observed by the company's worker on-site. I myself would take a conversation like that for granted given the ville (and yes, I think it *would* be better to be raped than shot, all things being equal).

I'm sure Bounce About would have preferred making the $ they were anticipating having driven all the way from Fairfield, but... such is life. To them the perceived risk was not worth the compensation.

Posted by: Hmmm | September 29, 2009 8:15 PM

Oh yeah, because people with money never go into Newhallville...they have the drug dealers meet them at the Exxon....

Posted by: Javaughn Harris | September 29, 2009 8:45 PM

This is the problem with people today, they look at the negative about communities and not the positive. there is violence and problems everywhere and there is also potential. i am outraged at some comments that some people are making i mean what does have a black wife half to do with a community all colored people live in newhallvile, so comments like that are real biased and simply ignorant. would the same conversations be going on if the event was at Yale University i mean a murder just took place there, i bet New England bounce about wouldn't have a problem delivering there.
- Javaughn Harris

Posted by: JB | September 29, 2009 8:54 PM

If you receive a grant from the Community Foundation, which serves Greater New Haven, it's a good idea to spend your money within area. There are many rental centers nearby.

I work in Newhallville frequently and I'm cautious, but not afraid during the day. I wouldn't be getting out of my truck and spending a long time breaking something down and loading- at night. That really is risky.

Gang colors are being displayed openly, which matches the fairly obvious drug dealing. What a shame for all the great, law abiding people who live there.

Posted by: anon | September 30, 2009 12:37 AM

I agree, JB.

But it's more than just a "shame" -- a "shame" is when you spill ketchup on your new shirt -- this type of activity is strangling the entire neighborhood.

The Mayor regularly attempts to write this off by saying it's just a problem with a "small" number of youth or with drug dealers -- true that you're extremely unlikely to be shot there if you aren't involved, but that doesn't mean the entire neighborhood isn't deeply and drastically impacted by the violence.

Posted by: Alex | September 30, 2009 3:23 AM

Just think - it's Bouncy Castles and increased youth activity that ultimately lead to the end of gun violence. The more youth activity we have the more it will engage the kids and lessen the chance of this ever having to happen again. The answer is to keep focusing on youth to stop a violent future. Blacks and whites should be fearless in this pursuit.

Whites running away is part of the problem, too. More whites need to go into the neighborhoods and help out! They will be welcomed, not shot. Who is getting shot? It is not the whites! But they sure can do more to help rather than run. The driver should have stayed around and gotten to know the people. He would not have been afraid then.

Posted by: Noelle Shipley | September 30, 2009 6:24 AM

Javaughn Harris is a blessing to his neighborhood and to New Haven. Please support the very important programs of the Thompson Street Youth Coalition so that there IS money for them to spend in New Haven.

Send donations to Thompson Street Youth Coalition, 73-75 Thompson St. New Haven, CT 06511; checks should be made out to �Solar Youth� with Thompson St. Youth Coalition in the memo area. For more info call 203-285-0752.

Posted by: JackNH | September 30, 2009 7:47 AM

I have mixed reactions to what happened. I've also had Fairfield County treat me as if I live in Afghanistan. But Newhallville *can* be dangerous. I believe, too, in buying "local" but locally we often just don't have what we need. Drugs and guns are our problem, folks.

Posted by: Tom | September 30, 2009 8:28 AM

Most bosses would not send a young employee on a delivery to a neighborhood known to have a high crime rate. This isn't a perception problem. Crime is high in Newhallville and people don't want to go there. I'm not sure why this fact is particularly newsworthy.

Posted by: JB | September 30, 2009 8:31 AM

You're right, that it's more than "a shame". It's a large problem with no easy solution.

I've read that the city administration denies that national gangs are moving in and recruiting. That's untrue in the 'Ville and one other neighborhood (don't know about others). I do think the city could benefit from a knowledgable gang task force. I believe it's crucial to keep the national gangs out or toss them out while it's still low key.

anyway, that's certainly a ways a way away from bouncey houses.

Posted by: Bill | September 30, 2009 8:42 AM

Get real people. How many cities need a gunshot locator?

Posted by: Gretchen Pritchard | September 30, 2009 8:58 AM

Oh come on people, OF COURSE race had something to do with it.

People have the right to be cowards about "combat zones." But I hope that anyone (including those of us who live in safer parts of New Haven) who makes the daily decision to avoid dangerous neighborhoods, keeps in mind that there are thousands of children and adults who LIVE in those neighborhoods and do not have the choice to avoid them. As you prudently avoid walking in certain neighborhoods after dark, you owe it to your neighbors who live there to do your part to help them make things better for themselves. Be intentional about your money, your time and your vote. Inform yourself, support community efforts, and volunteer. You have the right to protect yourself but not to retreat behind high walls.

Posted by: Mister Jones | September 30, 2009 9:08 AM

Parts of this story just don't make sense. The guy showed up all the way from Fairfield after the credit card for the deposit was declined? And he didn't have fuel for the generator? Hard to believe either story. Sounds like he drove up to a black neighborhood, got scared and bailed out. Sounds like both the credit card and fuel stories were on-the-spot excuses to get out of there. I don't know how you separate out race from this incident. I'm not saying these guys are bigots; they seem motivated by fear not hate.

Posted by: MORRIS COVE MOM | September 30, 2009 10:05 AM

The logic is missing from these folks from the New England Bounce About, of Brookfield, CT! But I grew up with similar "logic", so i guess I shouldn't be so surprised.
I assume that there is no crime in Brookfield, no drugs, no rapes, no talk of crime even. And definitely no black people talking about crime.
So am I to understand that a 17- year old driver overheard some gossip, and then called his boss to tell him he was scared, and could not do his job? It was unsubstantiated gossip. But since he heard it in New Haven, then it must be true.
I had overheard many gossips say New Haven was "too dangerous" and "too crazy" before I moved here in 2000. I moved here anyway. Because i realized that it was just talk, and none of them actually lived in New Haven.
This is sad, and the fact that Muckell, the company owner, is standing behind a scared teenage driver being influenced by gossip is beyond unprofessional. And what he said about voting for Obama is insane, and probably untrue.
If you are upset by this, avoid doing any business with New England Bounce About, and tell your friends the same. Then join me in sending a donation to:
Thompson Street Youth Coalition, 73-75 Thompson St. New Haven, CT 06511; checks should be made out to �Solar Youth� with Thompson St. Youth Coalition in the memo area.
We need more young men like Mr. Harris is New Haven. God Bless Him.

Posted by: Andrew Ross | September 30, 2009 11:17 AM

You just keep up the good work. Just like Joanne Sciulli and your neighbors, I am proud of you. I may have been the one to write the first check to Thompson Street Youth Coalition to kick it off but you are the one that brought the dream to a reality.

You are making a measurable difference in people�s lives because you are committed and relentless. The day I came to your house and met you and your family was one of the proudest moments I have had in New Haven.

This delivery guy is a coward and ignorant. The company he works for should be ashamed of his conduct.

Now JJ. Go to school and get a college degree. When you are finished stay in New Haven and carry on meaningful work. We need more young men and women like you

Posted by: MichaelD | September 30, 2009 12:31 PM

I spent a lot of my youth in Fairfield county; I know what kind of a reputation New Haven had back in the early 90s. "Don't go there, you'll get shot." Not Newhallville, New Haven. That kind of thinking doesn't go away in a short time. (We thought of Bridgeport the same way.)

It's just ignorance.

Posted by: nfjanette | September 30, 2009 1:35 PM

MORRIS COVE MOM

Although I experienced the same ignorance in Guilford, let's be careful not to overstate the claims about safety in various parts of the city. Let's also not make assumptions about racial motivations; my own experience was that people are more concerned about the perceived danger than about any one particular group of urban dwellers. Higher density combined with the social problems caused by poverty can lead to higher crime rates. And, let's face it, Newhallville isn't Morris Cove; neither is perfect, of course, but there are different dynamics at work that may make the former less safe at times.

Congratulations to Mr. Harris for his efforts to improve his part of the city. Let's support such positive efforts without being distracted by playing the race card.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | September 30, 2009 4:59 PM

this just hurts. I know how much work and stress go into pulling a block party off. I am so sorry this happened to you. People just do not get our community's. At an event like this even the not so great people of our community's do respect it! Again I am truly sorry this happened. Just to add my thoughts when reading this were the same as LOL comment at the top, but I can see how some people do fear the area with the gun fire in the news all the time. I agree with all of the above we must have a local company that has these things.

Posted by: Hood Rebel | September 30, 2009 11:22 PM

This article is ridiculous. Written strictly on he-said-she-said-he-heard-misunderstood-ran-scared-BS.

How about adding some community factual information to this story that do not include just the salacious headlines folks are quoting in this thread. Like talk to Lt. Riddish or Lewis and folks who live in and around the community!

I don't care about the ignorant rants on this thread..But this is a disappointing amateurish story that only feeds into some of these predictable, tabloid-ish responses.

Posted by: streever | October 1, 2009 8:05 AM

Hood Rebel: whaaat? I think you should re-read the story--I didn't take the tone you took from it.

I took:
"Out of towners are needlessly scared of New Haven
Locals came to the rescue
What a strong community we really have!"

I might be reading into it, honestly, because that's my bias--but I don't think the story is as negative about the neighborhood as you seem to think, so I'm wondering how we took such different reads on it!

Posted by: streever | October 1, 2009 8:05 AM

and sorry if my tone comes off as rude--it's not intended that way at all--I'm just really surprised at our different takes on this! I typically find myself in agreement with your opinions.

Posted by: Hood Rebel | October 1, 2009 10:09 PM

Streever, I am not surprised by our different takes on this.

Residents in this neighborhood deal with these types of perceptions on a regular basis. Not by out-of-towners but mostly by local folk such as workers, employers, and even people who live just 2-blocks away from Prospect St or Dixwell Avenue.

I just didn't see the point of retelling the perceptions which are already known --whether you agree with the attitudes or not. Facts and realities could have easily been included in this piece to help show what is closer to the truth.

Otherwise, Streever, we're usually on the same page!

Posted by: James | October 2, 2009 9:18 AM

Yeah, this guy must be some sort of a racist. There's no legitimate reason to fear for your safety in this area.

Man Killed In Dixwell

by Melissa Bailey | October 2, 2009 9:01 AM

A man died this morning from an apparent gunshot wound to the head, police said.

The shooting took place at 3:23 a.m. Friday at 734 Orchard St., according to police spokesman Officer Joe Avery.

Police are calling it a homicide.

That would make it the city�s eighth homicide of the year.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call police at 946-6316.

Posted by: Edward_H | October 2, 2009 11:59 AM

I can't believe not one person has yet expressed righteous indignation at Thomas MacMillan's use of the word "Spooked" in this article. Come on. Threefifths, Robn not even Alderman Shah? No one is going to express outrage at this racially charged term that has historuically been used to denigrate African Americans?

Posted by: Ben B | October 3, 2009 3:55 PM

Making the neighborhood less scary will be as difficult as shifting the perception that it is but its not impossible. Remember 5 years ago when the majority of outsiders thought the entire city was dangerous?

We need more JJ in Newhallville and every community like it.
I want to know how JJ is going to expand the TSYC and how we can help.

Party Co. Bolts From Newhallville Bash

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