Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/175080
Sarasota News Leader September 20, 2013 Officer Ron Roberson, an analyst with criminal investigations, portrayed a static picture of crime in "zone five," which is slightly larger than the area the DID encompasses. Roberson said the figures were through Sept. 12 of each year. He offered the following results: Page 41 "We're not very well protected after 9 p.m.," said Ron Rayevich, chairman of the residential portion of the Plaza at Five Points. He came before the DID with a proposal: Can the downtown condos join the DID and pay higher taxes if the money goes to greater security efforts? • Strong-arm robbery: seven cases in 2012; He added that the residents of the Plaza have voted to join the DID and agreed to a property 11 in 2013. tax levy of one-half mill if the money is used • Aggravated assault: 82 cases in 2012; 84 in for safety and security purposes. He said Pla2013. za residents are interested in paying for a foot • Theft (petty and grand): 157 cases in 2012; patrol from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. 145 in 2013. He also proposed the DID board be expanded • Burglary: 24 cases in 2012; 26 in 2013. to seven members, with two additional ones • Criminal mischief: 41 cases in 2012; 49 in coming from the five downtown condomini2013. ums (Orange Blossom, 1350 Main, 50 Central, • Open container: 187 cases in 2012; 142 in 100 Central and the Plaza). 2013. Peter Fanning, representing the Downtown • Lodging (sleeping out of doors): 53 cases in Sarasota Condominium Association, said 2012; 76 in 2013. those residents would add between $90,000 Clearly, the big jump was in the number of and $100,000 annually to the DID's coffers. violations of the city's Lodging Ordinance, Right now the DID's annual levy on commerwhich prohibits sleeping outside without the cial property owners raises about $340,000. permission of the property owner. This may "We've got $40 million in residential property reflect increased police attention to the issue values in the Plaza," said Rayevich. "We don't of vagrancy and homelessness. want people throwing up on our front steps "These are pretty flat numbers," said Deputy and bums hanging out in our lobby." Police Chief Steve Moyers. "Overall, it looks The DID is a creation of the City Commission, like about a 4 percent downward trend." He which has the power to alter it in any way. The added that in the next couple of months, commissioners could expand the geographic "You'll see more foot patrols downtown." area, allow in residential owners as well as commercial ones, modify the levy or make CONDO OWNERS other changes. SEEK MORE SECURITY While the statistics are "flat" — in the word of "With your support, we're ready to go to the the deputy chief — the perception of crime by city attorney," said Fanning. "Commissioners downtown residents is obviously up. have told us if there is a large opposition —