Opportunities for safety-enhancing elements should be sought in conjunction with any improvements in the neighborhood. Because issues of neighborhood safety were significant to Hilltop residents, physical improvements, their location and design, were carefully considered to determine their potential to improve or threaten neighborhood security. For example, open space amenities, like Friendship Park, have become sources of trouble in the neighborhood that inhibit residents from using them. Even the homes lining the park are separated by unkempt landscaping and fencing. Introducing new open space, as has been suggested, could further exacerbate safety issues if it is not done properly and if residents do not accept some responsibility for monitoring activities and reporting suspicious behavior. The city should also be involved to provide and maintain adequate lighting within the park. In addition, other tools can be applied to neighborhood redevelopment to improve safety. The following nine "SafeScape Principles" were utilized to evaluate neighborhood improvements and should be used as a resource for decision-making regarding future projects in Hilltop.
SafeScape Principles
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Enclosure & escape - providing directional choices, clearly defined spaces, & eliminating opportunities for concealment within any given location.
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Access & movement - facilitating or restricting accessibility to spaces based on the intended uses & users of that space.
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Wayfinding & information - using signs & other design features to guide people to their destinations.
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See & being seen - optimizing visibility to & from spaces in a manner that supports informal surveillance of people & activities.
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Socialization & interaction - encouraging informal gathering of people to sustain a sense of community.
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Activity & programming - facilitating the formal organization of events and land uses to generate activity & vitality.
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Stewardship & ownership - encouraging citizens to assume responsibility & care for private property & the public realm.
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Land uses & compatibilities - arranging & mixing land uses to generate & sustain productive activities.
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Management & maintenance of places for their intended use & in their optimal physical condition.
SafeScape Principles for crime prevention as defined by Dean Brennan and Al Zelinka, courtesy of New Urban News, January-February 1999.