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Windsor’s downtown metropolis councillor desires extra funding for initiatives that can enhance security within the metropolis core.
Throughout a Ward 3 assembly at All Saints’ Anglican Church Wednesday night time, Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino stated he’s asking Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens to spice up downtown funding for the 2024 working finances.
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“I do have a giant ask for the mayor and I do have a giant ask for metropolis council,” stated Agostino. “I believe different communities within the metropolis at the moment are beginning to see this department rising from among the points downtown, nearly like a illness. That is one thing I believe the remainder of council will get on board to assist and I actually hope they do.”
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Agostino stated statistics don’t present a rise in crime downtown, however says there’s nonetheless a rising “notion” of unsafety amongst residents.
“It’s the notion of security and feeling protected that’s necessary,” he stated. “I don’t suppose we’re there but. Do I believe we’re getting nearer? Sure, I actually do.”
Agostino touted Undertaking Greenlight, which just lately rolled out 4 or 5 cameras to maintain watch over public areas in downtown Windsor and which might be monitored in actual time, a system which had success in Detroit’s metropolis core.
He additionally hopes the finances will enable for extra policing downtown, extra lighting on streets and in alleys, and improved security in public parks.
“I’m asking for big-ticket gadgets,” he stated. “These big-ticket gadgets are what’s going to assist repair the issues downtown and I really feel like the whole metropolis is behind downtown. I really feel like we’re the underdog and everyone’s rooting for us.”
Downtown resident Gary Jones, 72, spoke on the assembly about his security considerations.
“I’m scared to exit at night time time,” stated Jones, who makes use of a cell support. “With me being disabled, I can’t defend myself. I don’t know who’s strolling behind me.”
Jones stated he didn’t know if cameras and improved lighting would assist him really feel extra protected.
“We are able to all establish the issues,” stated Mayor Drew Dilkens. “The options and the way we make a distinction are the extra difficult piece.”
“No one has their head within the sand on this.”
mmazak@postmedia.com
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