Community Initiative Aims to Enhance Safety Along 27th Avenue

News Summary

Residents of Phoenix’s 27th Avenue are rallying for change as Grand Canyon University leads a coalition of 80 organizations to improve safety and combat crime. Dubbed 27Collab, this initiative focuses on beautifying the area and addressing issues such as high crime rates linked to prostitution and drug trafficking. Business owners are hopeful for the transformation, as community concerns grow alongside university expansion efforts. With city funding and collaborative efforts in place, there’s renewed optimism for the neighborhood’s future.

Community Coalition Launches Initiatives to Improve Safety and Combat Crime Along 27th Avenue Near Grand Canyon University

In a vibrant corner of Phoenix, residents are coming together to tackle some serious issues. Thanks to a collaborative effort led by Grand Canyon University (GCU) and an impressive lineup of about 80 community organizations, including the Phoenix Police Department, the neighborhood along 27th Avenue is gearing up for a transformation. This initiative comes in response to troubling crime rates, including incidents related to prostitution and drug trafficking that have made this area notorious.

A New Coalition for Change: 27Collab

This coalition, dubbed 27Collab, has a clear mission: to uplift the community by enhancing safety, beautifying the area, and creating exciting business opportunities. Focusing on the space between Indian School Road and Northern Avenue, the coalition aims to make this part of the city more appealing and secure for everyone. With business owners voicing their concerns over the high presence of crime, it looks like the time for change is now.

Business Owners Weigh In

Local business owners, such as those running shops along 27th Avenue, have been vocal about their experiences, highlighting that attempted robberies have become a regular occurrence. The recent improvements spearheaded by GCU have sparked hope for positive change in the area. Some business owners are looking forward to potential transformations, while others harbor fears about gentrification, a topic that often brings mixed feelings within communities.

Crime Rates in the Spotlight

Unfortunately, the statistics paint a grim picture; this area struggles with high rates of both property crimes and violent offenses, with reports ranking it among the worst in America. For context, GCU’s Phoenix campus has been a staple of the community since 1951, enjoying a significant expansion following a jaw-dropping $1.7 billion investment that swelled student enrollment from 1,000 to over 25,000 by 2024.

Community Concerns and Changes

Despite the university’s growth, critiques have arisen from community members, especially following the demolition of the Periwinkle Mobile Home Park in 2023 for campus expansion. Security updates around GCU have proved effective; a combination of a private police department and collaborations with local law enforcement have led to a reported crime decrease of 34% over the last five years.

City Funding for Crime Prevention

Phoenix City Council allocated over $4 million towards a comprehensive Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan. This plan specifically targets poorly managed hotels and apartments often linked to crime. One notorious establishment, the Royal Inn, known for its connection to prostitution, was finally shut down in 2024, marking a significant win for community safety.

Investing in the Future

Over the past decade, GCU has invested upwards of $170 million into the local community, rolling out new developments like a shopping center aimed at revitalizing the area. They’ve also opened a state-of-the-art public safety dispatch and real-time operations center to enhance crime detection and police response in the neighborhood.

A Call for Continued Collaboration

Community leaders are emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration in addressing safety concerns and ensuring the area undergoes a sustainable transformation. Residents are actively voicing their wishes for cleaner, safer spaces that families can enjoy together. There’s a growing call for sustained pressure on city services to boost the area and create an environment where local businesses can thrive.

Bright Days Ahead

With a unified effort from GCU, community organizations, and engaged residents, there’s a palpable sense of hope in the air. As they all work together, this neighborhood has the potential to become a shining example of resilience and progress for communities everywhere.

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Additional Resources

• AZ Big Media: Life Along 27th Avenue
• Fox 10 Phoenix: GCU Leaders Collaborate with Phoenix
• AZ Central: GCU Opens New Police Station
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Canyon University
• 12 News: GCU Celebrates Safety Initiatives