Ivy Ridge seeks ideas of neighbors
by Sarah A. Booth, Times Staff Writer
First published: Thursday, May 26, 2005
OGDENSBURG - The Academy at Ivy Ridge is considering neighbors' suggestions on how to respond when students run away from the Route 37 facility.
Some neighbors complained that Ivy Ridge staff members and students trespassed on their property during an incident May 16. Nearly 30 boys fled the campus after breaking windows and setting off alarms. Some neighbors said Ivy Ridge didn't notify them, and others said they were concerned about the students' safety.
A 90-minute informational meeting Wednesday invited neighbors to tour the campus and ask Director Jason G. Finlinson questions. Forty-four people signed in, including some Ivy Ridge neighbors, town of Oswegatchie Supervisor Alfred J. Nichols and his son, St. Lawrence County Legislature Chairman Thomas A. Nichols, R-Oswegatchie.
Ivy Ridge plans to install an automated phone alert system to tell neighbors when a student has fled. The alert system could be set up in two or three weeks to call everyone who signed in at the meeting, Mr. Finlinson said. The message would advise people to lock their doors and not allow students into their homes.
Previously, Ivy Ridge had used a contact list of people who chose to be notified. Some neighbors on the list said they weren't contacted promptly.
Mr. Finlinson was asked how neighbors who weren't able to attend Wednesday's meeting would be notified in an emergency situation. Some seasonal and elderly residents along the St. Lawrence River didn't attend.
Mr. Finlinson said he may advertise the message system.
"It isn't that hard to get everyone's contact information," said Wylon A. Springstead of McEwen Lane.
She suggested Mr. Finlinson use a tax map of the town of Oswegatchie to find nearby property owners to notify.
"That's a great idea; we'll look into that," Mr. Finlinson said.
Many neighboring residents complained that Ivy Ridge staff members didn't have identification when they were searching through their yards for students. Other neighbors asked why students were out searching for missing students. Mr. Finlinson showed recently purchased reflective vests that he said staff members would be required to wear during a search.
"We have instructed staff to not go on your property," he said. "Last week was an isolated case. The kids were just trying to be helpful. From now on, we'll call 911 and let them do the search."
Not everyone was opposed to Ivy Ridge's past tactics for finding runaways.
"They can run across my property anytime they want because they have a reason," said Daniel A. Cook, of 53 Fell Farm Road.
Other neighbors suggested using a foghorn or a flashing light to alert neighbors when there is a runaway.
"Oswegatchie is going to work with Ivy Ridge too. We'll do everything we can," Alfred Nichols said. "I think they'll have to do better. They've got to."
