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Mostly Cloudy Schumer calls for security cameras after shootings
$250,000 grant to be used for safety measures at Channel Park Homes
Nearly two months after residents of the Channel Park Homes held a rally calling for an end to the gun violence that has erupted at the apartment complex in recent months, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer entered the fray last week when he called on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to approve a $250,000 grant for additional security measures at the complex.
Specifically, the funding would be used to install surveillance cameras as well as computer and Internet systems at Channel Park. The move comes after a spate of gun violence and other incidents at the apartment complex, at 500 Center St. According to the Long Beach Housing Authority, which operates the Channel Park Homes, there have been a number of gun- and gang-related incidents at the housing development.
Schumer said that since October, there have been 80 incidents, including family offenses, burglaries, disorderly conduct, assault, drug use and sales, and criminal mischief, most of which have occurred in the common areas of the Channel Park Homes, where the new cameras would be positioned.
Funding would also be used to purchase and install improved exterior lighting systems. The funding, provided through HUD’s Emergency Safety and Security grants program, would help the housing authority combat crime and drug-related activity, Schumer said. The grant program awards funding to public housing authorities to address emergency, safety and security needs at their properties.
“Following a variety of violent incidents at the Long Beach Housing Authority, it’s clear that we need additional security measures in place to help fight crime and improve the safety of local residents,” Schumer said in a statement. “We must continue to crack down on gun violence and other crime, and that’s why I’m urging HUD to provide federal funding for security cameras and improved surveillance systems at the Long Beach public housing developments to help reduce crime in the community, help local police officers and better protect residents.”
