University City District Shines Light on Neighborhood Safety

Philadelphia, PA (12 August 2002) --- According to the latest Philadelphia Police statistics, major crime in the University City section of Philadelphia is down 20% year-to-date. While cooperation among the Police, University City District (UCD) Ambassadors, Town Watch, and officers of the three university police divisions deserves much of the credit for the improvements, UCBrite, a UCD initiative to increase safety by increasing street lighting, can also be credited, says UCD Police Substation Commander Lt. Fred Carbonara.

Part of the UCD’s Neighborhood Initiatives program, UCBrite subsidized the purchase and installation cost of outdoor lighting for homeowners within the University City District’s 2.2 square mile area. Participants were reimbursed for 50% of purchase and installation of their choice of two fixtures. Corner properties were eligible for up to $400 reimbursement; others could receive a maximum of $200. UCD provided a list of electricians who agreed to install the fixtures at a discounted rate.

The program was promoted through an inexpensive flyer mailing, ads in the neighborhood weekly newspaper, and on the UCD website.

Neighborhood Initiatives director D-L Wormley, who managed UCBrite, has seen the difference a lighted street can make. "Not only does outdoor lighting make people feel safe walking the streets, it engenders pride in the area which leads to further improvements." University City resident Roy Harker agreed. He organized nine property owners on his block to join in UCBrite. "The lighting is almost secondary. What this program is really about is uniting the neighbors to improve their piece of University City."

UCD has offered two rounds of the program since the spring of 2001, assisting more than 115 properties on 58 residential blocks. Because of continuing demand, the organization is seeking funding for a third cycle this fall.

University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan, and advocate for University City's diverse urban community. The UCD's programs to improve streetscapes and parks, remove trash and graffiti, provide technical assistance to home- and business owners, increase public safety, and publicize University City's advantages have improved the quality of life since 1997.

Release Date: Monday, August 12th 2002