The Excelsior Springs Boarding House District recently discussed area residents’ concerns - with a particular focus on neighborhood crime. Excelsior Springs Police Lieutenant Ryan Dowdy, patrol division commander, explained most of the crime being committed in the Boarding House District - primarily multitenant lower-income housing - consists of theft, petty assault, drug use and vacant building break-ins. He described one issue citizens in the area are concerned about: a homeless man with an alcohol and drug use issue. Although local law enforcement is aware of the issue surrounding the individual, he said the police department has a lot of red tape to jump through, and it may take time before the man is charged with a crime. “Everyone thinks that someone can get arrested and go to jail, and they stay in jail,” Dowdy said. “It doesn’t work that way.” He noted that when someone goes to jail, they are afforded a court appearance, which may not happen for up to six months to a year…