Meeting eases fears of many who live near prison
Execution won't drive residents from homes
By Suzanne Risley
Tribune-Star
Despite the anticipated onslaught of protesters, media and curious onlookers, the Meneelys plan to stay in their home near the prison during Timothy McVeigh's execution in the U.S. Penitentiary, Terre Haute.
Darlene Meneely feels safer in her home at 597 W. Springhill Drive, about a block from the federal prison, then anywhere else in Terre Haute.
"I think if there is going to be trouble, they'll pick something that is meaningful -- where they could do the most harm," she said. She has confidence in the plans prison officials and the police have laid out for the week of May 16.
She and husband Charles Meneely attended a public meeting at the prison's training center Tuesday night to alleviate some of their fears.
More than 150 residents and business owners attended the meeting, at which officials outlined plans for the days leading up to the execution. Topics covered crowd control and locations of the media and protesters as well as extra patrols of local, state and federal police.
"I'm very pleased at the number of people that participated. Our interest was getting the word out to the community, assuring them we have a good plan to take care of their needs in the local community and serve our needs at the federal prisons," said Warden Harley Lappin.
Plans by prison officials seem adequate, said Linda Roberts, 4940 State Road 63.
"No one knows what someone else might do and I think we have to remember that. I'm going to be a little overly cautious during this time, especially when it comes to my kids," she admits.
She is not worried about people walking on her property. Grass will grow back, she said. Also, CNN is setting up in her front yard with her blessing.
"We're going to stay right where we are. I have to go down 63, past both parks, to go to work. My main concern is going to be traffic," she said. No alternate route to work exists. Roberts also expressed concern about the crowds of protesters.
Even though the death penalty opponents and supporters will be separated on prison grounds, Becky Long is nervous since her home at 3668 State Road 63 sits directly across the street from the protest areas.
"We may do what they suggested and put up the 'no trespassing' signs. Beyond that, I don't know. I'm kind of nervous about going to work that day to be honest," she said. "I feel secure about the numbers -- with the marshals and the state and the local bumping up security. I feel they are well-trained and know what they're doing."
Indiana State Police Lt. Mark Hartman said state police will be patrolling all around the area, including the perimeter of property adjacent to the prison.
Police will take care of trespassers if property owners call to report it, Hartman said.
"My advice to the community is stay out of the south end of town," said Terre Haute Mayor Judy Anderson, who attended Tuesday night's meeting. She was encouraged by the turnout, and considered the meeting informative.
"I wrote down things I need to know, too," she said, waving a sheet of paper filled with handwritten notes. "For the unknown, I think they've done a wonderful job. It sounds like they're going to be well-prepared."
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