MAYFAIR — A city-funded program launching next week for Mayfair residents and business owners will reimburse most of the cost of security cameras.
The Pulaski Elston Business Association is launching the program to increase safety in the community. Neighbors and business owners within the area’s boundaries who buy up to five doorbell cameras can get 75 percent back on their purchase, or up to $1,000 depending on the total spent, said association President Amie Zander.
The cameras will be connected to the 17th District’s video feed.
The Pulaski Elston Business Association is setting aside $10,000 for the camera rebates, and it could help about 20 properties since most are small and require only a front and back camera, Zander said. The program is funded by the special service program, which receives tax money from residents and the city for beautification and community improvements.
Association leaders met with police officers from the 17th District’s CAPS office to determine which camera is best. They suggested buying a Ring camera, which can be bought at Costco for $250, Zander said.
“The most important thing is placement, so we are going to have people meet with CAPS to make sure [the cameras] are placed correctly,” Zander said.
The program only applies to business owners or residents who don’t have cameras or who want to upgrade their cameras. People can apply online starting May 1. A police officer from the 17th District will need to inspect the camera’s positioning to make sure it’s effective and on, Zander said.
“We will work with CAPS to make sure owners know you have to have it on all the time and have backup footage,” she said. “If there is ever an issue, we want that to be working.”
The program will run through the end of the year or until funds are gone.
Those who apply must have proof that the cameras bought are on the exterior of the building, are weatherproof, operate with high-definition video, have night vision capabilities and have 72 hours of backup footage.
Special Service Area No. 79 covers Lawrence Avenue from Kentucky Avenue east to Pulaski Road, Pulaski on both sides to Wilson Avenue and south on the west side of Pulaski to Elston Avenue. The area also includes Elston from Harding Avenue north to Lawrence and Montrose Avenue from Pulaski west to Keeler Avenue.
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