City Council Unanimously Votes to Take Down Signs
The Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to remove neighborhood watch signs from the city after officials decided the signs were inconsistent with community values.
City officials took down more than 600 neighborhood watch signs following the vote. The decision came after Mayor Christopher Taylor explained his reasoning in a video.
Taylor said neighborhood watch signs are expressions of exclusion. He added that the signs were inconsistent with the values Ann Arbor wants to promote.
Mayor Says Ann Arbor Is a Welcoming Community
Mayor Christopher Taylor explained in a video that he wants Ann Arbor to feel like a welcoming community. He said the city does not want to push people away.
Taylor stated the city wants to welcome folks in instead of keeping them out. The mayor emphasized that Ann Arbor should feel open to everyone.
Council Member Highlights Community Concerns
Council member Cynthia Harrison spoke about how the decision reflects how city officials want residents to feel. She said the change addresses concerns about community members being questioned in their own neighborhoods.
Harrison is black and highlighted how people from her community have been questioned while in their own neighborhoods. She said the removal of the signs shows how officials want people to feel safe and welcome.
City Set Aside Budget for Removal
The City Council set aside $18,000 specifically for the removal of the signs. This budget allocation covered the costs associated with taking down the neighborhood watch signs from throughout the city.
Debate Continues on Purpose of Signs
The decision has sparked debate among residents. One social media commenter called the signs worthless. Another person said the signs help communities bond through service.
Some residents expressed different views about the purpose and value of neighborhood watch programs. The National Neighborhood Watch program started in 1972 and states it allows citizens to help fight against crime.
The program also offers communities an opportunity to bond through service according to the program website.