Chatham-Kent council is hoping to deter crime in downtown Chatham, with the impending installation of a gate between two King Street West businesses.
In a 15-1 vote, council approved granting an estimated $13,880 towards the installation of a gate between 202 and 210 King Street West in Chatham.
“It’s not really the two businesses that it’s going to affect, it’s roughly about 18 businesses on that whole corner block,” said Councillor Conor Allin. “It’s showing that we are investing in our downtown.”
Councillor Alysson Storey expressed concern that since the alleyway is on private property, there is the potential for other BIA groups to come forward and asking for renovation money if this was approved, and that it has the potential to just change the location.
“There was recommendations in the environment design report to at least increase lighting,” said Dave Taylor, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO.) “It wasn’t specifically for a gate. But the property in question has been identified as an area that has had a number of issues.”
Funding for the gate will come from the municipality’s Strategic Reserve.