WESTERN HEIGHTS TRANSFORMATION PLAN
SAFETY ENSURE THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS SAFE FOR ALL Safety was identified as the top problem and priority for transforming the neighborhood. To address this, Transforming Western will create new safety programs, build on existing programs, and design the physical neighborhood to be well-lit, defensible, clean, and safe. STRATEGY 1 Provide Western Heights residents with the skills and support to feel safe in their neighborhood
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» Work with Western Heights residents to form a Neighborhood Watch program, including collaborations with property management and KPD and using evidenced-based data to track improvements » Increase programming options, including the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bigs in Blue mentoring program » Re-introduce foot and bike patrols to strengthen relationships between officers and residents » Build a small police substation to provide in-neighborhood, on-site security presence » Ensure the new management team communicates daily with KPD, receiving regular crime reports and submitting any complaints or concerns » Utilize street outreach workers to respond to reported homeless encampments, etc. » Construct a $46.5 Million Public Safety Complex, 1.6-miles from Western Heights, to provide 24-hour monitoring of all cameras in the city (opening Aug. 2022)
The Neighborhood Plan / Safety
STRATEGY 2 Design the physical environment to be safe and comfortable for all residents » Ensure housing and public spaces will be well-lit, with ample, soft, racially sensitive lighting tones » Design low fencing or landscaping to mark the parking areas, which will be well-lit, have clear sightlines and camera positions » Design landscaping using defensible space principles to differentiate public and private spaces and prevent places for people to hide » Take actions to secure nuisance properties to prevent vandalism in the neighborhood » Install unobstructed and monitored license plate reader cameras » Locate dumpsters out of public sight, screened, and so that they can be easily accessed by service trucks STRATEGY 3 Ensure residents can safely enjoy outdoor spaces and can walk, bicycle, and cross streets safely » Design community parks and green spaces with ample lighting, cameras, and clear visibility » Include physical barriers, such as bollards, to prevent cars and ATVs from driving into the park » Post park hours on signs and enforce the opening hours » Install pedestrian-scale streetlights along streets and open spaces
