Garfield Neighborhood Residents Voice Safety Concerns

News Summary

Residents of the Garfield neighborhood in Phoenix are increasingly worried about safety due to issues stemming from nearby alleyways. Homeowners report finding drug paraphernalia and experiencing break-ins, causing significant anxiety in the community. The City of Phoenix has approved funding for a gated alleyway program and partnered with a local non-profit to improve neighborhood safety, while residents are encouraged to report criminal activity to Crimestoppers.

Phoenix residents in the Garfield neighborhood are facing increasing safety concerns due to problems stemming from nearby alleyways. Local homeowners have reported finding drug paraphernalia and experiencing break-ins, which have led to heightened anxiety among the community.

One affected resident discovered dangerous items, including foil and needles, in her backyard, indicating potential drug use in the area. This individual, who has been a target for burglary, has endured multiple incidents involving an unhoused person squatting in her yard. The presence of such paraphernalia has raised alarms about safety, particularly regarding her grandchildren.

Recently, a police response was triggered by a report about a homeless encampment situated in the alleyway directly behind one resident’s property. Another resident, who is currently renovating a rental property in the area, has also encountered similar issues with discarded needles and drug-related items. This has prompted calls for improved safety measures, specifically advocating for gated alleyways as a potential solution to these ongoing problems.

The City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services department has made it clear that the upkeep and responsibility of alleyways fall upon residents. To address safety concerns, the city has approved an additional $3 million in funding for a gated alleyway program this year. However, qualifying for this program requires that residents gather signatures of support from the majority of properties on both sides of the alley. It is important to note that renters are not eligible to participate in this initiative.

In addition to the gated alleyway program, the city has established a new partnership with a local non-profit organization to enhance its tool lending program. This initiative is designed to aid residents in maintaining their properties and improving neighborhood safety. Furthermore, residents must schedule appointments with public works for bulk trash removal to ensure the cleanliness of the area.

Residents are also encouraged to report any criminal activity through Crimestoppers, an initiative aimed at reducing crime and improving safety in communities. The city remains dedicated to cultivating a collaborative environment among residents and city officials to address the issues faced in the Garfield neighborhood.

The City of Phoenix has reportedly received positive feedback regarding the implementation of the Gated Alley Program and the tool lending initiative. This underscores their commitment to providing necessary resources and services to support neighborhoods in their efforts to enhance safety and livability.

As the Garfield neighborhood grapples with these ongoing safety issues, residents are hopeful that enhanced collaboration with city officials, alongside new initiatives, will bring about the change necessary to create a safer and more secure living environment.

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• ABC15 Arizona
• Wikipedia: Safety
• ABC15 Arizona
• Google Search: Phoenix safety concerns
• ABC15 Arizona
• Google Scholar: Safety in neighborhoods
• ABC15 Arizona
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety
• ABC15 Arizona
• Google News: Phoenix neighborhood safety