Northwest residents press CRA for indoor meetings, cameras and small-business marketing

Residents and neighborhood stakeholders raised safety, access and outreach concerns for the Historic Northwest during public comment and the CRA budget discussion on Sept. 2.

Resident Darren Studstill (Cityside Suites, 401 N. Rosemary) said he has long advocated holding Northwest CRA meetings indoors rather than outdoors to reduce noise and ensure neighbors hear and participate. Studstill asked the agency to prioritize "projects for people" when designing public-space activations and to ensure safety measures include lighting and cameras that protect volunteers and residents who help maintain the neighborhood.

Studstill later returned to the podium to reiterate support for giving neighborhood small businesses an opportunity to provide security services — or to sub-contract — so local companies can participate in the work, saying he does not want a single vendor approach.

Commissioner Fox told attendees the CRA has added dollars to the Historic Northwest budget for both cameras and additional security and said staff will outline new budget additions when the board reaches budget items. Staff and board members acknowledged that specifics — including whether funds would pay for off-duty police versus private security — will be spelled out in the grant or agreement to be presented to the board before funds are spent.

Commissioner Ward invited residents to a public networking event at Cityside Suites and emphasized outreach to small businesses. Board members stressed they want to evaluate the security spending to make sure it addresses community needs and that grant agreements will include documentation and reimbursement provisions.

No formal policy change to meeting locations was enacted; commissioners said the next Northwest meeting is expected to be held at the Sunset Lounge in October and that the issue of meeting location remains under discussion.