South side lighting, cameras to be boosted
Potawatomi donate $45,000
A $45,000 grant from the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation will pay for additional lighting and a half-dozen new surveillance cameras in an area on Milwaukee’s near south side, Ald. Bob Donovan announced Thursday.
The donation benefits “Operation Impact,” a public-private partnership to improve safety and quality of life in the area bordered by the Menomonee Valley, S. Chavez Drive, W. Lincoln Ave. and S. 39th St.
In the past, funds have been used to increase lighting in alleys, install 25 to 30 surveillance cameras, and pay for additional police bicycle and foot patrols, Donovan said. Milwaukee Police District 2 will provide a list of “hotspot” locations for the additional cameras, which could be installed within a couple of weeks, he added.
The cameras have been used to identify burglary suspects and assist in crash investigations and cases of fleeing and stolen cars, according to Donovan.
The foundation made its first donation to the effort in 2009. Harold “Gus” Frank, chairman of the Forest County Potawatomi, and Kaye Garcia, the foundation’s executive director, presented the check to Donovan and Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton at Christ-St. Peter Lutheran School.
“We have a casino operation here in the city of Milwaukee, and it is our obligation also to provide and help and assist in public safety,” Frank said.
About 36 students observed the news conference in the school gym, and city officials, at times, addressed them directly.
“This is extremely important for you to see because we want you to know that everybody is fighting to try to have a safe community,” Hamilton said.
“Operation Impact” is governed by a residentled board of directors and is primarily funded by donations from residents, foundations and local businesses. A recent event organized by the board raised $19,000, Donovan said.