“Social disorder threatening” Belleville’s downtown: DBIA

Belleville’s Downtown Business Improvement Area says a “higher degree of social disorder” is threatening the city’s downtown area.

Chair of the DBIA Kathryn Brown placed a list of issues before council Monday night, including the food program that had been held at Market Square, night-time foot traffic involving disrespectful language, drug dealing and loitering in the downtown.

The report included the fact two main business windows had been broken.

Belleville public library is getting increased security because of the disruptions caused by some people on the site.

Brown referred to a “blue cloud of obscenity” and altercations between customers.

Brown tells Quinte News, “We’d like to make a decision like a warming centre that we at least have a voice. So then we can talk about some of the implications. When it comes to whether or not a food program is going to be served on Market Square and whether permits should be issued. We’d like to have a voice in being able to say what are some of the challenges we’ve experienced in the past and what are some of the solutions to being able to fix that. It’s a really important message for us.”

She continued, “We understand. We are a very caring and compassionate group of people and that was why we worked with so many of our partner agencies to try and find good answers.”

Brown outlined a new procedure relating to safety and security launched in January in consultation with Belleville Police Service. “This procedure outlines not only the expectations of our members, the businesses and building owners, but of our visitors in terms of what is acceptable behaviour. We’ve introduced the No Trespassing protocol where are members or business members must opt in to participate and we’ve also implemented an app called Group Me which will allow text messaging between those opt-in members when urgent communication is needed.”

She noted that if shoplifting occurred in one store that member can send out a Group Me text message to all the other stores in the area that have opted in so they’re aware and can watch out as well.

Executive Director Marijo Cuerrier noted there have been positive outcomes. Cuerrier pointed to the announcement of the OATC (Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre) clinic’s relocation, and the razing of the Cabaret building. She said the DBIA is pleased with the number of new businesses considering locating in the downtown.

Mayor Mitch Panciuk tells Quinte News he supports bringing everyone together to solve the issue.

Council referred the issue to staff.