In 1992, using federal funds, the city launched a Weed and Seed program to reduce the drug activity, James said. In 1994, Police Chief Thomas Windham credited Weed and Seed in southeast Fort Worth with decreasing crime by 29 percent over two years, and leading to 3,559 drug, weapons and felony charges. Last year, there were 1,521 crimes reported in Poly, down from 2,608 in 1990, according to Fort Worth police data. Yet, Poly remains one of the toughest parts of Fort Worth. Anez Jackson stops in her driveway, where her eldest son, Jewell Stean, is working under the hood of a red Ford Escort.
Green antifreeze oozes onto the ground below.
Shirley Warren, who lives in a tan house across the street, is trying to convince Stean that her Escort needs a new thermostat. Warren glances back at Leo, a next-door neighbor who is waiting patiently for Stean to inspect the fan belt on his vehicle. Leo doesn't speak much English, so he and Stean communicate largely with their hands. Many homes, like the stone residence with columns along the front porch, hint at the charm that characterized the neighborhood during its prime. Ragged furniture, tire stacks, junked appliances and vehicles clutter yards, along with carelessly tossed beer bottles, plastic bags and cigarettes.