Polson business leaders raise concerns about downtown safety
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
POLSON – About 30 Polson city residents and downtown business owners voiced their collective concerns and frustration regarding the increased occurrences of petty crimes in the downtown area, which are negatively affecting their quality of life and businesses.
The Thursday evening meeting was held at the Polson City Hall and hosted by Polson City Police Chief and Interim City Manager Wade Nash who listened to comments and took questions from the crowd. Downtown Polson business owners are concerned over a recent increase in shoplifting and vandalism in the downtown area.
Many shared personal stories that include car break-ins, brazen shoplifting and persistent loitering. Several Main Street shop owners said they arrive to work each morning not knowing whether they’ll find another smashed window, broken locks or vandalized property.
One business owner noted crime is a constant element of doing business downtown. Another retail business owner told Chief Nash, “We are fearful downtown and that’s an issue.”
Chief Nash said he understands the frustration of the business owners. He said he was also frustrated with the limited resources the department has to handle the public’s concerns due to statewide budget cuts. He added that the 2017 state legislature “really handcuffed” law enforcement agencies across the state on their ability to handle certain infractions due to limited resources.
The meeting also focused on identifying ways to curb crime from installing more outside lighting and security cameras to posting pictures of people caught on camera shoplifting. Other solutions included hiring a nighttime security guard and organizing a local business watch group.
One citizen stood up and stated they would like to see an increased police presence on Main Street to which Nash responded that he and his department had already initiated a revised style of patrolling that benefits the downtown community. Dustin Kisler, owner of the Vine and Tap Bar, did tell the group he’s noticed the increased police presence in the downtown area and is thankful for it.
“I love to see the community participation in this evenings meeting,” Nash said. He added that community involvement was a valuable element to the police department.
Chief Nash noted that Thursday’s meeting wasn’t going to be the last as he and his officers will continue to work with the downtown community and business owners to improve public safety.
