Stockton Miracle Mile Security Changes Have Neighbors Worried
STOCKTON (CBS13) — Leaders with Stockton's Miracle Mile Improvement District recently voted to clean up the neighborhood by changing its security, but the decision is causing concern for several residents.
The stretch of businesses along Pacific Avenue will go from having security during an eight-hour day to patrol every few hours.
Rose Nied recently moved to a home a few doors down from the Miracle Mile. She was expecting a safe and friendly neighborhood but has experienced one problem after another.
"I've seen people urinating and defecating in our parking lots, you name it and we pretty much have seen it," she said.
From all the noise visitors bring to the neighborhood to the crime taking place, she worries the Miracle Mile Improvement District's recent decision to switch security companies will have a negative impact instead of bringing positive change.
"When we need to have someone here, we're not going to be able to get someone, and if we call the police, many times they are tied up with something much critical and a time when I think we really need more security, they are cutting security," said Nied.
Right now, it has security officers available up to eight hours during the day. A new plan will have patrols circling the district for only a few hours but will be on call 24-7.
"We want people to be able to feel safe, to come here, and shop. Obviously, it will help the businesses succeed. If people feel safe to come and, come to the businesses and dine, businesses will be better," said Jaime Lester-Watts, executive director, Miracle Mile Improvement District.
Leaders with the district say they are making the change in security to a company that has more resources available including a 1-800 number allowing business to have access to officers whenever there is an issue.
"The Mile is really in need of some extra coverage, and at different times, because we are all here at different times. Some of us are here early in the morning, opening our businesses, some of us are here until 2 o'clock in the morning, so it's an opportunity to get more coverage, to make sure our patrons are safe and the mile is a safe place to visit," said business owner, Kimberly Byrd.
The director of the Miracle Mile Improvement District hopes to have the new security in place by the beginning of June.
