Students and safety advocates in West Campus are calling for increased safety measures following a series of car break-ins over the weekend. The city council is set to review density regulations in the off-campus neighborhood in September, prompting advocates to push for more oversight and accountability alongside any changes.
Concerns over safety in West Campus have been ongoing, with previous successful campaigns for enhanced lighting dating back to 2017. A senior at the University of Texas at Austin residing in The Mark on West 23rd Street recounted the distressing discovery of multiple car break-ins in her parking garage, including her own car and that of a friend.
She described the fear and vulnerability she felt upon finding the shattered glass and damaged vehicles, emphasizing the lack of security measures like cameras in the area. The resident highlighted a previous break-in involving her boyfriend’s stolen belongings and expressed frustration over unresolved issues with the property’s broken garage gate.
The property management team at Landmark Properties acknowledged the recent break-in and gate malfunction but claimed no knowledge of the weekend incidents. They stated an increase in security patrols and urged residents to report any suspicious activity while awaiting repairs.
The resident’s efforts to address safety concerns with the property management, authorities, and emergency services have seemingly gone unheard, leaving her feeling unsafe and unsupported. This lack of response has driven her to seek intervention from student advocacy groups like SafeHorns, which aims to address long-standing security issues in off-campus housing.
SafeHorns President Joell McNew emphasized the need for improved crime prevention measures and oversight in the neighborhood. Collaborating with city council member Zohaib ‘Zo’ Qadri on updating the University Neighborhood Overlay, McNew advocated for regular security assessments to hold negligent apartment complexes accountable and ensure student safety.
Qadri acknowledged the high number of car break-ins in the district and reiterated the commitment to enhancing safety measures, citing past efforts to improve lighting in West Campus. The U.T. senior, who pays a significant sum for housing each year, expressed a desire for accountability and action from authorities to address the ongoing security issues.
The student advocacy group and residents are urging for a comprehensive approach to safety in West Campus, emphasizing the importance of creating a secure environment for students living in the area. With the city council expected to vote on changes to the University Neighborhood Overlay later this month, the community remains hopeful for tangible improvements to address the persistent security concerns.
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