A Safety & Security Grant Program

PROJECT
To establish a grant program to support commercial property owners who invest in lighting upgrades that enhance the safety and security of their properties, align with CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Designs) principles, and contribute to the overall illumination of the public right-of-way. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to create a safer, more vibrant community. As an added bonus, participating property owners will also receive a temporary security camera deployment (3 to 6 months, fully funded by NNMD) to further enhance security and recognize their investment in the community.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this program is to create a structed grant program designed to provide financial reimbursement to commercial property owners for a portion of the cost associated with the implementation of CPTED principles. This initiative seeks to encourage property owners to enhance the safety and the quality of life of their customers, employees and the surrounding community. To reinforce this partnership, NNMD will provide a security camera for 3 to 6 months at no cost as a bonus incentive for investing in the program.

1. Improve public Safety: Encourage property owners to upgrade lighting systems to reduce dark
   spots and enhance visibility, contributing to safer streets, sidewalks, and public spaces.
2. Align with CPTED Principles: Support lighting upgrades that follow the principles of CPTED, specifically maximizing illumination on the façade of properties to increase natural surveillance and deter criminal activity.
3. Enhance Community Well-Being: Foster a sense of safety and security for both property owners and the general public by improving visibility and promoting community engagement.

GRANT DETAILS
Reimbursement Amount:

• 1:1 matching grant
• Maximum of $5,000 per commercial property

Bonus Incentive – Security Camera Deployment

• In addition to the grant reimbursement, NNMD will deploy a SentriForce mobile security camera
  on the property for a period of 3 to 6 months.
• Deployment, monitoring, and removal are provided at no cost to the property owner.
• This added benefit serves as a recognition of property owners’ commitment to improving community safety.

Eligible Expenses:

• Purchase and installation of exterior lighting that enhances visibility of the building façade and
  surrounding public right-of-way.
• Lighting fixtures and systems that align with CPTED Principles, ensuring illumination is strategically placed to maximize visibility and reduce potential ambush points or dark areas.
• Consultation and/or design services for lighting plans that meet the program’s safety objectives.
• Only improvements initiated on or after March 1, 2025 will be considered eligible for reimbursement.

Eligible Participants

• Commercial properties are located within NNMD’s boundaries.
• Property owners must demonstrate they are investing in upgrades that align with CPTED lighting
  guidelines.

CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
CPTED is defined as “the proper design and effective use of the built environment that can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime and an improvement in the quality of life.” The principles of CPTED include strategies such as improved lighting, natural surveillance, defensible space, access control, and territorial reinforcement. Adopting these principles into commercial properties, property owners can reduce the opportunities for criminal activity and simultaneously create a safer living space for their residents.

CPTED principles aim to reduce crime and improve safety through the design and management of the built environment. When it comes to lighting standards, the key is to ensure that lighting is strategically placed and well-maintained to enhance visibility, reduce the likelihood of crime, and foster a sense of safety. Here are some examples of CPTED principles related to lighting:

1. Natural Surveillance:
   • Well-lit areas help to increase visibility and allow people to observe their surroundings, which deters criminal activity. Lighting should be used to eliminate ambush spots, especially in high-risk areas such as parking lots alleys, and pathways.
   • Overhead lighting or street lighting at appropriate heights helps people see what’s going on in the environment, thus discouraging potential offenders.
   • Use of downward-facing lighting prevents light from spilling into unwanted areas, maintaining clear sightline without excessive glare.
2. Territorial Reinforcement:
   • Consistent and adequate lighting defines the boundaries of space and reinforces a sense of ownership or care. Properly lit areas signal to intruders that the area is monitored and cared for, which can prevent trespassing.
   • Distinct lighting design can indicate ownership of control of an area, such as well-lit fences, gates, or property lines that are visible and unmistakable.
3. Access Control:
   • Proper lighting at entrances, exits, and pathways helps to direct people to safe, intended routes, making it harder for intruders to move unnoticed.
   • Lighting near doors and windows ensures that they are clearly visible and monitored, reducing opportunities for break-ins or theft.
4. Maintenance and Quality of Lighting:
   • Consistent maintenance of lighting ensures areas are never left dark due to burned-out bulbs or broken fixtures, reducing opportunities for crime.
   • High-quality, energy-efficient lights such as LED fixtures that have a long lifespan and are resilient against vandalism contribute to the ongoing safety of an area.
5. Lighting for Social Spaces:
   • For communal areas such as parks, plazas or sidewalks appropriate lighting encourages social interaction and provides a sense of security to individuals who may otherwise feel isolated in the dark.
   • Lighting in public spaces can create a welcoming atmosphere, reducing feeling of fear or unease, and promoting positive behavior and increased activity in the area.

In summary, good lighting based on CPTED principles is all about making spaces more visible and accessible, while also creating an environment that feels secure and monitored, ultimately reducing the opportunity for criminal behavior.

Process
To apply, the property owner must submit a detailed plan for the proposed enhancements. This plan should include the following:

• The exact location of the proposed improvements
• Work estimates, along with detailed information such as drawings, plans, and specifications
• A description of the lighting improvements, ensuring the use of energy-efficient LED lighting
• Regular maintenance and monitoring of LED lights to ensure proper operation
• A detailed breakdown of the project, including paid receipts and invoices

This grant program will reimburse eligible property owners for a defined percentage of costs, up to $5,000, incurred for the project, including but not limited to lighting upgrades and installation. This information is necessary for the committee to review. The grant shall be available following approval by the NNMD Security Committee. Upon approval and project completion, NNMD will also coordinate with the property owner to install a security camera for 3 to 6 months as an added layer of safety.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THE GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR BUSINESS BEAUTIFICATION GRANT PROGRAM BY THE NEAR NORTHWEST MANAGEMENT DISTRICT.