Phoenix Council Votes To Expand Gated Alley Program Pilot To Increase Safety And Reduce Crime

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

July 9, 2020

Phoenix—The Phoenix City Council approved an additional $98,100 in Neighborhood Block Watch Grant funds to install gates at the ends of alleyways to increase safety and reduce crime and illegal dumping. The vote expands the current Gated Alley Program Pilot to install and additional 20 gates in 10 alleys surrounding the Human Services Campus located at 12th Avenue and Madison. The neighborhoods in the area have been identified as hotspots for illegal dumping, graffiti, homeless encampments and criminal activity occurring in the alleys.

The Gated Alley Program Pilot began on June 27, 2017, with the goal to help deter criminal activity and illegal dumping in residential neighborhoods. The pilot identified Royal Palm and Sunnyslope neighborhoods. On February 5, 2020, the City Council approved an expansion of the program to allow for gating of up to 10 alley segments per council district. Additionally, $400,000 in Neighborhood Watch Grant Program funds were allocated to pay for some gates in the expanded program pilot to be allocated via a grant process based on need and income levels.

The alleys remain accessible to utilities and waste services are moved curbside. The majority of the residents that abut the proposed alley must sign on for the gating to move forward.

For more information about the Gated Alley Program go to https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Pages/Gated-Alley-Program-Pilot.aspx.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.