Berlin, Md. -- The Berlin Town Council approved grant funding for new security cameras and modular vehicle barriers. Officials say it's a proactive attempt to keep people in the town safe.
According to Ivy Wells, Director of Economic and Community Development for Berlin, the Safety Community Grant was offered up to downtown business districts last year by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
"We applied for a variety of things that we needed for downtown," said Wells. "Included in that grant was the security cameras, the mvb's and some additional safety barrels and barricades."
Wells says the town received $76,300 from the Safety Community Fund, which is what will pay for these cameras and barriers.
The cameras will be placed on utility poles, where they'll have a wide view of streets and parking lots. The cameras have a 360 degree view, can zoom in and can identify cars and clothing.
"It helps our businesses and it helps our police because they can’t be everywhere all at once," said Wells.
The barriers would be brought out for large events when there are lots of people on the streets of downtown Berlin. The barriers would be used to prevent any cars from driving through a crowded street.
Neighbors we spoke with in Berlin were happy to hear the town approved these added safety measures.
"I think that’s wonderful because I think anything we can do to make this town friendlier and safer is a good thing," said Susan Bashore.
Mike Wiley, a volunteer at The Church Mouse Thrift Shop, said these cameras are a good idea because they would hopefully help deter any shoplifting.
"Oh most definitely yes, things like that yeah, any deterrent at all," said Wiley.
Town officials didn't have a timeframe for when they'll get the barriers and get the cameras up and running, but said the goal is to do so as soon as possible.
