In response to several recent security incidents in Hull Park, the City of Traverse City announced Friday it will be ramping up safety measures "to support a safe and welcoming public space."

"The city recognizes that concerns at Hull Park are not new and has taken measures over time to respond to activity in the area," according to a city release. "Those efforts have included coordination among city departments, law enforcement presence, and continued engagement with community and regional partners working to address homelessness and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with available services and resources."

City leaders, the TC Police Department, and the Parks and Recreation Department met with representatives from Traverse Area Community Sailing (TACS) and other parties to hear their concerns and discuss conditions in and around Hull Park, according to the release. City staff also conducted additional site visits to evaluate the site.

"The city takes these matters seriously," the release states. "At the same time, law enforcement resources must be balanced among public safety needs throughout Traverse City, including both highly-visible incidents and calls for service and other public safety responsibilities that may be less visible to the community."

The city said it will be taking the following steps:

> Increasing TCPD visibility in and around Hull Park, while balancing calls for service and public safety priorities throughout the city.

> Connecting individuals who experience recurring incidents with law enforcement to regional and service provider resources, including the RESILIENCE Program, to identify and address their specific needs.

> Making targeted modifications to the public space consistent with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. Such principles include things like using lighting, fencing, pavement and landscaping desigh, routine maintenance, and public events to deter criminal activity, according to the US CPTED Association. "These minor changes are intended to improve visibility and the overall park environment without significantly altering the character of the park," the release states.

> Installing city-owned security cameras and signage notifying park users of camera presence.
The city also said it will be "working with TACS to improve the positioning of its existing cameras," and that TACS will make lighting improvements to its buildings.

> Establishing a direct communication channel between TCPD and designated TACS representatives to improve coordination and timely sharing of information regarding any concerns at the park.

"The circumstances at Hull Park underscore the complexity of addressing public safety and homelessness," says City Manager Benjamin Marentette. "Public safety concerns and criminal activity are not exclusive to any housing status, and the city remains focused on addressing behaviors and incidents rather than attributing public safety concerns broadly to people experiencing homelessness."

Traverse City Police Department Captain Adam Gray says the department's embedded Social Work Program can help connect individuals experiencing homelessness with resources and already worked with four unhoused individuals this week at Hull Park. "All individuals, regardless of housing status, are welcome in Hull Park," he says. "However, criminal activity will not be tolerated."

City commissioners are expected to consider two ordinance amendments in October, with possible enactment on October 29. "The proposed ordinances are not specific to people experiencing homelessness; however, certain provisions may provide additional tools for addressing some of the behaviors and activities that have recently been reported at Hull Park," the release states.