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City planning highlights Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design; pilots at two apartment complexes and a corridor study underway
Summary
The Planning Department reviewed CPTED work tied to the city's violent-crime reduction strategy, describing site assessments at two apartment complexes (Rosemont at Highland Park and The Reserve at Pecan Valley), recommendations for lighting, cameras and maintenance, and corridor-level guidance for the Northeast Corridor revitalization plan.
The Planning Department told the Public Safety Committee it is applying Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles as part of the city's police-led, data-driven violent-crime reduction strategy. Staff presented three case studies: two multifamily apartment complexes identified as problem places and a broader Northeast Corridor analysis to inform an upcoming revitalization plan.
Bridget White, Planning Director, said CPTED is a design approach that discourages criminal behavior by improving visibility, guiding pedestrian movement, defining and activating spaces, and maintaining property conditions. "Neglected and poorly maintained properties can become breeding grounds for criminal activity," White said. "Maintenance, lighting and activation can change that dynamic."
Site findings and recommendations
Rosemont at Highland Park (252 units, built 2007): Staff reported inconsistent or damaged lighting, unlit building exteriors and exit signs, no cameras, weakened perimeter points and maintenance issues such as boarded windows. Recommendations included improved LED lighting, camera installation, activation of unused common spaces and ongoing maintenance; planning staff said implementation is ongoing and benefited from an engaged property manager and a recent ownership transition.
The Reserve at Pecan Valley (413 units, privately owned): The draft assessment identified more extensive problems including trees obstructing stairwells, low visibility in hallways, broken lighting and boarded units, pool safety issues, perimeter access problems, debris and pest concerns, and inadequate entry controls. Draft recommendations include city-encouraged LED lighting upgrades, improved access control, landscape trimming to restore sight lines, camera installation, trash and pest remediation, and tenant resource referrals where social needs were identified.
Northeast Corridor (NEC) revitalization study: For a larger commercial corridor, staff suggested a tiered approach for business and city investments: baseline low-cost standards (keep sidewalks clear), encouraged low-cost improvements (prune trees, fix sight lines), and higher-impact upgrades (integrated lighting into landscaping, wayfinding and signage). City-level recommendations included targeted code-enforcement sweeps, CPTED workshops for small-business owners and corridor cleanups.
Council discussion and next steps
Council members urged scaling CPTED beyond pilot locations, exploring funding mechanisms to support physical improvements on privately owned affordable properties, and incorporating CPTED recommendations into capital projects such as parks, libraries and drainage work. Planning staff and Integrated Community Safety staff said implementation depends on property ownership and funding; when the property is public or part of a city partnership, the city can implement upgrades directly. For private properties, staff said recommendations will be provided to owners and options for incentives or targeted support will be explored.
Ending: Planning staff said CPTED is an ongoing tool used for targeted problem-oriented place-based policing and in redevelopment plans; they will continue assessments and incorporate recommendations into future projects when feasible.
