Uptown Corpus Christi is considered a 2.2-mile stretch that includes the Nueces Co. Courthouse, City Hall and many local businesses.
But the increase in crime, vandalism and trash sparked a public meeting Thursday.
The goal: find solutions to these issues.
“I would say we have a multitude of issues, including crime, vandalism, trash everywhere, that must be resolved,” said Uptown Neighborhood Initiative Chairwoman Darlene Gregory. “Our initial mission was to, and continues to be our mission, to make uptown a safe, prosperous, walkable community.”
Some community leaders and local business owners attended the public meeting.
Michael O'Hare owns a furniture store near Uptown. He said he wants to find a solution to the trash problem.
“My front porch some mornings, it's hard to even get in the front door,” he said. “So, anything that can be done, involving the patrolling -- I'm all for it.”
During the Public Meeting, Gregory touched on one solution she believes could be helpful.
“Every business, every resident, in the district, to talk about contributing $50 a month strictly to pay the police force,” she said.
Gregory said UNI believes the Corpus Christi Police Department is stretched thin, but that paying for patrols -- whether private or through the police department between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. -- could help decrease the amount of crime and vandalism in the area.
“The reason we're having this meeting tonight is to gauge some interest in the community, supporting such an initiative,” she said.
UNI talked about numerous solutions that would help the social issues in this area.
The plan moving forward -- that this is the first of many meetings and they can find solutions fast.
