Asheville City Council will get an update on the city’s plan for gang prevention and community-center security at its Oct. 23 meeting.
According to a staff document, the Asheville Police Department will create two new gang investigator positions to address what is seen as a growing problem. The city also plans to increase security — both staff and police presence — at its community centers.
The moves follow a July shooting at Stephens-Lee Rereation Center and a Sept. 30 shooting at a birthday party that police say was gang related.
Council will also consider funding for the city’s homeless initiatives, including the 10-year-plan to end homelessness. Staff is recommending a reorganization of the entire initiative, which would increase the cost to the city by $26,000 a year.
For the entire meeting agenda, go here.
— Brian Postelle, staff writer.
Here’s hoping someone has the good sense to nominate Lindsey Simerly to serve on the Homelessness Task Force.
Hmmm… I think she would be good for that. I agree.