Obiora Obi, owner of Oasis Lounge on West Villard Avenue, said he didn’t always get the response he wanted when he posted about events he was hosting on social media.
“People would say things like: ‘No way. I won’t come to that area,’ ” said Obi, whose lounge is located at 3120 W. Villard Ave. “It hurts to hear that about your neighborhood.”
He’s gotten better responses lately, he said. He thinks it’s because people have taken notice of changes in the neighborhood: cleaner storefronts, rehabbed buildings and new development, streetscaping and engineering changes and more new businesses.
“Crime has been coming down now, too, because people are doing their part,” said Obi, who is one of 230 owners who are members of the Villard Avenue Business Improvement District, or Villard Avenue BID.
The BID’s latest effort, a partnership with the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Police Department, is called Operation Green Light. The project has brought four high-tech cameras to different intersections in the neighborhood. The cameras provide real-time intelligence for investigations to help curb reckless driving and other crimes, according to Angelique Sharpe, director of the Villard Avenue BID.
“People are going to know that they can’t just come here and do what they want,” she said. “It’s not just about traffic, either. It will help deter things like dumping, loitering and improve safety in general.”
Ald. Ashanti Hamilton, who worked for years to help bring Operation Green Light to Milwaukee after learning about a similar program in Detroit, said the technology and partnership between residents and police will pay dividends.
“We’re letting people know that there are eyes and ears that law enforcement has access to that can help us prevent crime,” he said. “Along with cooperation from residents and business engagement, we’re talking about a holistic view of public safety.”
He said some people may be wary of cameras and their impact on privacy, but that special attention will be paid to ensure that surveillance is used properly.
The cameras can rotate 360 degrees, zoom in and cover the entire business district, Sharpe said. Another important aspect of the project is that business owners who sign on to participate are expected to do much more than call 9-1-1 to report crime. They also commit to comply with city ordinances for their building, provide adequate lighting, clean up garbage and snow in the winter, and they must help deter loitering, among other obligations. The BID helps business owners connect with local programs to cover some of the costs of improvements.
“If you mean well and care about this neighborhood, then these are things you should want to do anyways,” said Manisha Dotson, owner of The Nisha Group, 3328 W. Villard Ave. Dotson, who has made several improvements to her storefront and renovated the inside of her building, was one of the first business owners on Villard to sign up for Operation Green Light.
She moved her business, which provides security guards and training, landscaping and other services, to the neighborhood five years ago. She said she believes that Villard will return to its once glorious past.
“This used to be like a downtown, and it can be excellent again,” Dotson said. “These cameras are going to force criminals to go somewhere else because they know people are watching here.”
A larger ‘Vision’
Cameras are just one part of a larger public safety initiative on Villard called “Vision Zero,” a public safety approach that has been adopted across the country, including in Madison, to address reckless driving.
The four-pronged plan focuses on equity; education and outreach; engineering; and enforcement. It’s also heavily reliant on collaboration between residents, business owners and other stakeholders, including the city and law enforcement. Phase One of the plan was put into motion during the summer and included several initiatives to address reckless driving, Sharpe said.
“There are changes in the roads now, curb extensions and bike lanes and high visibility crosswalks that people need to get used to,” she said. “We’re working to change behaviors and have to build that infrastructure for people to feel safe riding their bikes on Villard.”
The BID and other partners used a concert series, Summer Vibes on Villard, and other public events to raise more awareness about reckless driving, including hosting art contests for youth and sharing information on vehicle insurance and license recovery.
Phase Two is Operation Green Light, she said. Those plans coincide with ongoing efforts to activate public spaces using art and draw development and businesses to the area, including to the sites of old Villard Library and Villa Theater, both of which are city-owned properties. The long shuttered library, at 3310 W. Villard Ave., replaced by the new Villard Square Library in 2011, represents a major opportunity for a catalytic development, Sharpe said.
“My hope and what residents have shared is that they would like the space to be utilized as an incubator space to host multiple small businesses,” she said.
Obi hopes that more people will continue to give Villard a chance.
“When people find out that the neighborhood is getting better, that the police department is watching and that members of the BID are engaged, this area will draw investors and different clientele to come check it out,” he said.
John says
We recently moved off Villsrd after over 15 years of keeping our home in pristine condition , grass , flowers , painting , only to come home every day to tons of garbage all over the blocks around us , and going to sleep to the sound of gunfire. We had to call the city several times to get business owners in the area to cut grass or do snow removal . Right now I bet Gary’s Car Loy on 52nd and Villard has all kind of grass and shrubs coming up through the concrete! It killed me to see that every day , and yes we were out there picking up trash that wasn’t out in the morning before work and after everyday, hoping to lead by example. We have grandkids who due to the speeders and numerous accidents couldn’t ride their bikes without us supervising over limited areas. We live in Georgia now and it’s such a change, clean streets , people speak , and folks are doing big things here , taking care of and doing business . I got so tired of hearing politicians promise but never really do anything , and a mayor who rides around with a podium in his his suv just waiting for the next killing to use as a photo opp or speech in our neighborhood , then spend his city funds on a trolley nobody rides , while decent people can’t ride the bus to work due to route changes or reductions. Bitter no, got tired yes! It’s still a lot of good people on Villard who do their best to “ keep it going “, and live life the best the as possible , so I do pray change comes and comes swiftly and consistently , but for us it’s time for a new beginning and time to give our family better options and chances for a better life. I wish we could have had that there , the place I was born and raised , Milwaukee . L
JoAnn Whitman says
Well said. Especially comments on our mayor. You said everything I’ve been saying for years. Especially the money wasted on the trolley. Enjoy your life in Georgia.
Angelique says
I’m not sure exactly where you lived on Villard, but I do wish there was a NID (neighborhood improvement district) so that homeowner resources can be pooled together and recyled back into the neighborhoods. Thats how the BID works. The businesses get a special assessment on their taxes that is pooled together and recycled in the district. We have a clean up crew thats out twice per week to help keep the business corridor clean. Unfortunately, we are unable to take funds from the businesses to clean up arount the residential properties. Our BID stops at Sherman Blvd. Villard has unfortunately suffered decline and put on the back burner while other neighborhoods are getting the resources to make them more affluent. Everything that we work toward is to see equitable development in all areas on Villard Avenue. Its sad that the City of Milwaukee doesnt realize that Villard like Brady Street and Kinnickinnic for example are is one of its ” Bourbon Streets” of the city. These walkable business corridors are extremely valuable hence the property values on and near brady and KK. It truly is time for Villard to have its turn to get the property resources that are due to this amazing, historic, community!
Dr. Jennifer Potts says
Villard Avenue BID, Businesses and Residents have done an amazing job turning many of the ills around. There are challenges City wide, however, with these measurable steps, this is a beacon of light for our entire city. Angelique Sharp is very giving of work that Villard BID has done to other BIDs in Milwaukee. We are taking a page out of Villard Avenue BIDs book as far as Safety measures and are working collaboratively to keep our commercial corridors ready for investment, sustainment, as well as safe. Hopefully, more funds will be brought to the Central City areas because many are working each and every day to offer normalcy. Center Street BID 39 is appreciative of the Work of Villard Avenue BID and others.
Angelique says
Thank you Dr. Potts for your unwavering support! We look forward to partnering with you and having regular meetings to stay on to of safety in our neighborhoods.
Gale says
I am so grateful to Angelique for all of her hard work and dedication to our community She is one in a million. When there is a need she steps right in with sleeves rolled up ready to get things done. Way to go Angelique!
Angelique says
thank you Gale for your positive and encouraging words. You too, are one of the rare jewels that we have as homeowners in the area who sets the bar high for how to love and take care of our homes and our community!