Len Romano and Jay Rembe led a push to get more police presence on Central Avenue, all along the corridor. Here is the report, via Councilor Pat Davis, regarding their success in pushing the city to beef up the patrols:
The amendment which included the Central Avenue program passed after some debate and was included in the final Council budget. Mayor Keller signed it last week.
The budget includes 10 APD positions dedicated to Central Avenue business beats, to be determined by APD. Those positions will appear in the APD shift bid for officers which happens in mid-July. Business associations who worked with us on this initiative should be encouraged to reach out to their individual Area Commanders to ask more specifically about how the commander will dedicate those positions based on crime stats and community needs.
Also included in our amendment was $500,000 for Central Avenue marketing grants. Those will be run out of the city Council office and a process for application will be announced in July. In essence, They will be competitive grant available for merchant associations who partner with a professional marketing company to market a distinct segment of the Central/ART corridor, or Central as a destination at-large.
We are working with our staff to develop the parameters in the process and will have more information in July. At the very least it will include a meeting for perspective applicant to learn more details and ask questions .
Page 5 of the budget under “POLICE”
The grants are on page 6 under “LODGERS TAX”
