'Follow the lead of the communities:' New $1 million violence prevention plan proposed

After two children were shot outside a convenience store, East Westwood's community council went to CincinnatiCity Hall for help.

They pointed toward the basketball court they built and lunch programs they organized to help kids in the neighborhood stay on the right path. They said they could do more, but needed resources and funding.

A $1 million initiative proposed by Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman hopes to change that. If his plan is approved, expect to see more lighting, security cameras and property enforcement in neighborhoods that request that.

"Research shows that the most effective way to achieve long-lasting crime reduction is to follow the lead of the communities most impacted, as they have the most nuanced and genuine understanding of what is needed to create change," a statement from Landsman's office said.

The money will go to re-establish the "safe and clean fund." The fund was originally established in the wake of the 2001 civil unrest, but regular contributions to the fund dwindled to nothing over the years.

Through an application process with the city administration, organizations like community councils will be able to get money for safety plans in their neighborhoods.

The city is also offering training to the community leaders to better work with police and use crime data.

"These plans will all be different, but they will have certain similarities," Landsman said. "They will likely include requests for additional lighting, clean-up efforts, security cameras, signage and tackling problem properties."

His motion proposed that the city use $500,000 from this year's carryover budget, which gets allocated in the fall, to seed the fund. He hopes that creating a public-private partnership with local organizations and businesses will fill out the other half.

Landsman said he does not want elected officials to have any influence over how or where the money is spent but wants clear criteria and a fair application process managed by the city administration.

Landsman said the motion could be voted on at this week's City Council meeting. If that vote is delayed, Landsman said he hopes enough of his fellow councilmembers will voice support for the plan so the city manager can start work on the logistics.