INDIANAPOLIS — A plan is in motion to improve safety in downtown Indianapolis.
As Mayor Joe Hogsett outlined, more than $750,000 will be allocated to address ongoing problems, including crime and homelessness. They are problems that downtown business owners and residents said are big hurdles.
Part of the plan includes more security cameras and more police patrols. But is that enough?
If you ask some people, downtown Indianapolis has seen better days. But, Downtown Indy Inc., with help from the city and police department, are trying to change that.
"Safety was their number one concern because without the density we're accustomed to in downtown the workforce as well as convention-goers it feels vacant," Sherry Siewert, executive director of Downtown Indy Inc., said.
Empty streets means more chances for bad things to happen. It's gotten so bad in front of City Market, they put up a temporary barrier to try to curb some of the less-than-desired activity going on, whether that's fighting, using drugs, or even littering.
Downtown Indy Inc. pays for off-duty police officers to patrol downtown. Those patrols are going to increase.
"We're gonna quadruple the number of hours by adding more off-duty officers on bikes," Siewert said.
But with all the focus on safety, Siewert doesn't want people to think they're trying to criminalize folks who live on the streets. In fact, Siewert said there's around $7.5 million coming that will help house 500 people.
"With that rapid rehousing, that'll allow homeless folks to be housed for up to 24 months," Siewert said.
Omari Heflin, who lives and works downtown, said he's happy to hear about these proposed changes in regard to safety and treating those experiencing homelessness with compassion.
"Providing different resources, opportunities, housing, shelter, ways for them to work, different things like that to keep them busy," Heflin said.
Heflin said he believes a balanced approach to solving the issues in downtown is what will provide lasting change.
"If you want to increase foot traffic or bikes or police officers, that's fine, but what is the result of that actually being there?" Heflin said. "Are more people going to get locked up or are they actually going to get help?"
That's the balancing act Siewert is doing right now, addressing the immediate safety issues and concerns, hoping this is another step in creating a better downtown for everyone.
Downtown Indy Inc. also plans to add 150 security cameras around downtown along with creating a safety patrol program. That program includes a team of unarmed people to help with issues that may arise. They would also radio IMPD for help if police are needed.
