During a recent city council meeting, community concerns regarding crime prevention and housing development took center stage. Barrett Hicks, a local resident, urged city officials to identify the organizations funded by the city that are working on the south side to address crime prevention. He emphasized the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence affecting children in the area. Hicks praised the efforts of Councilman Page and the police chief for their community policing initiatives but stressed that more resources are necessary to protect the youth.

Hicks expressed frustration over the lack of timely interventions in schools following incidents of violence, calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of children. He reiterated the importance of preventive activities to combat the rising crime rates, particularly in neighborhoods where children have been victims of violence.

Curtis Cole, a local business owner and advocate for minority contracting, also addressed the council, thanking them for approving housing projects that he is involved in. Cole assured the council that the homes would be of high quality and that a significant portion of the contracting work would be allocated to minority-owned businesses. He shared his experience in previous projects, emphasizing his commitment to inclusivity in construction and development.

The discussions highlighted the community's urgent need for effective crime prevention strategies and the importance of equitable opportunities in local development projects. The council's response to these issues will be closely watched by residents seeking improvements in safety and economic equity.