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The Issues
An Update From Your City Councilwoman
October 21, 2008
Dear Friends, As I pen this note, it is a beautiful October afternoon in Columbia, full of warm mellow colors and fragrant tea olives. While we enjoy this glorious fall season, it is important to remember that each of us has a special role to play in ensuring the future of this great, vibrant city. I have heard from many of you over the past several weeks about public safety and homelessness. Let me take this opportunity to bring you up-to-date on these and other issues.
Public Safety
No matter is more critical to the way we experience life in our city and its neighborhoods than the issue of public safety. As reported in the local media last month, our region, unfortunately, is experiencing a significant rise in property crimes - burglaries and larcenies are up 15% in Richland County, 7% in Lexington County, and 13% in the City. Our downtown commercial district has experienced a 70% increase in automobile break-ins over those reported a year ago, and we have seen a number of car thefts and break-ins throughout the City. Law enforcement leaders tell us that the declining economy is a major factor in this crime spike, which suggests that with the worsening financial crisis we need to be even more vigilant in protecting the safety of our neighborhoods.
Our law enforcement officers have made it clear that they rely on residents to alert them to suspicious activity in our neighborhoods. It is critical that we be especially observant of activities in our neighborhoods now and not hesitate to contact the Police when we see something unusual or suspicious. The non-emergency number for the Columbia Police Department is 252-2911, while the emergency number is "911". We must also be certain to report all crimes to the Police, however small, because the flowerpot or bicycle taken from the front porch today could lead to other, more substantial crimes later. Click here for a Home Security Checklist>>Columbia Police Chief Tandy Carter will soon provide an assessment to City Council of our Police Department that will address critical needs and challenges. It is clear to me that an increase in the size of our police force is needed. During the campaign I advocated increasing the City's goal of 375 police officers to a force of 400, and I remain a passionate advocate of plans to increase the police force and to provide adequate salaries and other incentives to retain our officers. I recently supported the allocation of surplus hospitality tax funds to secure immediately additional police officers for our Main Street, Vista, and Five Points hospitality districts. The City must, of course, do all it can to provide an adequate and well-trained police force to provide a visible and effective deterrent against criminal activities in our neighborhoods. If our neighborhoods and business districts are not safe, nothing else we do as a city matters.
Homelessness in Our City
Our City is filled with compassionate residents who care deeply about our most needy citizens. I have heard from numerous District 3 residents about their expectation that our City will address the compelling issues of homelessness in our midst. Estimates indicate some 900-1500 homeless in our area, with one fifth of them military veterans. I have been a strong advocate for the City's need to address homelessness with a comprehensive approach. It is clear that prior efforts have been inadequate and that the impact of homelessness on our in town neighborhoods, Main Street, business and hospitality districts, parks, libraries and hospitals increases daily. We can and must do better.Several District 3 residents have taken leadership roles with the new Midlands Housing Alliance (MHA), a non profit organization comprised of business, community and faith leaders, that seeks to provide a comprehensive solutions-based program along the lines the successful and highly regarded homeless program in Miami. I attended the MHA press conference last summer announcing this initiative to be located at the site of the Salvation Army and a $5 million challenge match issued by the Knight Foundation. The MHA has raised nearly all of its $5 million challenge amount, resulting in almost $10 million in funds pledged to address homelessness in Columbia.
The MHA will need public funding from surrounding local governments to help underwrite its ongoing operations. I supported a City Council proposal that the MHA consider an alternative location on City owned property where the winter shelter has been located that included a provision for significant ongoing City funding. For a number of reasons, the MHA declined this offer and has announced plans to move forward with the center at the Salvation Army site. It is obvious to me that our City has a critical and necessary role to play to ensure the best possible center for Columbia. Without question, City leaders must do everything possible to guarantee that the safety concerns of the surrounding neighborhoods and Main Street businesses are responsibly addressed with an effective, proactive plan of action. I will continue to advocate a role for the City on the issues of homelessness and will support a significant financial contribution to support the ongoing operations of the MHA center. I also deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication of MHA volunteers on this critical community concern.
Other Matters...
City Finances - I have been closely following the City's financial affairs since assuming office in July and have been encouraged by the reports from the City's outside auditors that we are finally building the type of financial infrastructure that will allow for accurate and timely financial reporting. City Council received last week a financial update on expenditures and revenues for the year to date. Please know that I have pressed hard for detailed monthly reports and have been assured that they will be forthcoming by January. City staff is in the final stages of addressing the audit for FY 2006-07. I am pleased that the FY 2007-08 books will reportedly be closed on time this fall, which represents significant and long overdue progress in this area.
Buses - Public transportation in our region remains a critical issue as we confront dramatically reduced funding for our buses and no plan for a County voter referendum to provide that funding. A functioning public transportation system is essential for our community, and I will be devoting considerable attention to finding a workable solution to this critical public need. A special committee of City/County leaders has been established to consider alternatives to keep our buses running. The first meeting will be on October 30th at 9:30 at City Council Chambers, and I urge you to attend.
Five Points Parking - The Five Points Parking Advisory Committee, under the capable leadership of Ms. Susan Lake, continues to explore short and long term parking solutions for this historic urban village. Plans are underway to secure an outside consultant with expertise in parking in an urban village setting to address parking needs and opportunities. The next meeting will be October 22nd at 5:30 at the Capital Senior Center at Maxcy Gregg Park and the Committee welcomes your input. You may contact Ms. Lake directly at slake3@sc.rr.com to share your thoughts and ideas.
Code Enforcement - City Council will begin consideration of the Code Enforcement Task Force recommendations at its work session at City Hall this Wednesday at 9:00 am. This comprehensive report provides important recommendations on a host of matters directly concerned with the way we experience daily life in our neighborhoods. I have posted an "Executive Summary" of the report's recommendations on my website and hope that you will review it and share your thoughts with me. Let me also urge you to attend the "Super Saturday" program that will focus on city code enforcement, zoning, and neighborhood assessment this coming Saturday, October 25th, from 9:00-11:00 at South Kilbourne Elementary School in Rosewood. City staff will be on hand to provide an overview of our procedures and programs and to address your questions.
In closing let me tell you again how honored I am serve as your City Council representative. I wake up each day excited about the great potential of our city and the great talent and energy of our residents. Please stay in contact with me and check out my web site at www.BelindaGergel.com, where I post information on a variety of city topics.Best Wishes,
Belinda Gergel
Columbia City Council, District 3 Representative