My 10-Point Plan to Fight Crime and Improve Public Safety

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 My 10 Point Plan to Address Crime and Public Safety

Millville is Broke — But We Can Fix It

I’m told all the time, “Millville is broke.” “We need more revenue.” “We need businesses with high-paying jobs to come to the city.”

But here’s the real question: Would you want to open a business in Millville today? Would you invest in a city struggling with crime, neglected properties, and safety concerns?

Until we fix those issues, more revenue and more businesses won’t follow. The foundation of a prosperous Millville starts with safety and stability.

So ask yourself this one question: Would you open up a business on High Street—or anywhere in Millville—knowing what you know about our city today?

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not here to constantly run down Millville. We need to honestly identify and accept the problems if we want to fix them. If we can’t get crime, drugs, gang activity, and homelessness under control, Millville will never be appealing to great businesses or to people looking to relocate here.

That said, here is my 10-point plan to address crime and restore safety in Millville:

 Immediate Hiring of Additional Police Officers

To effectively reduce crime and increase public safety, Millville must promptly hire more police officers to bolster the force and ensure adequate coverage throughout the city. The Police is currently understaffed by 10-15 officers. 

Reimplement the Crime Task Force

Revive and strengthen the specialized Crime Task Force to target violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang activity with focused intelligence-led enforcement.

Deploy Mobile or Semi-Permanent Precincts in High-Crime Areas

Establish temporary or semi-permanent police precincts in neighborhoods with elevated crime rates to improve police visibility, responsiveness, and community engagement.  EVERYONE deserves a safe neighborhood!!!!

 Pass a Traffic Safety Ordinance Outlawing Standing in High-Traffic Areas

Enact a clear, content-neutral ordinance prohibiting individuals from standing in busy traffic areas where they pose safety hazards. This approach complies with constitutional protections by avoiding content-based anti-panhandling bans, following legal precedents set by other municipalities.

Additionally, strictly enforce and punish panhandling on private property without the property owner’s permission to protect residents and businesses from unwanted solicitation.

 Hold absent and neglectful landlords accountable for Neglected, Abandoned, or Nuisance Properties.

Enforce strict penalties and codes to compel property owners to maintain safe and habitable buildings, reducing crime havens and neighborhood blight.

 Seize Non-Compliant Properties for Redevelopment

Utilize legal measures to seize and demolish dilapidated properties that remain neglected, reclaiming land for redevelopment projects that revitalize Millville’s neighborhoods.

Coordinate with private and public entities to get the homeless off the street and to the appropriate help they need.  Food, shelter, counselling, drug and mental health treatment will be key to helping individuals get off the streets.

Implement Drug, Anti-Gang, and Crime Prevention Education in Schools

Introduce proactive educational programs targeting youth to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs, gang involvement, and criminal activity, fostering safer communities.

#9  Millville needs to focus on balanced development that strengthens our neighborhoods. We want housing that attracts working families, supports homeownership, and encourages investment in our community. Simply adding more subsidized rental units doesn’t address the root issues — it risks concentrating poverty instead of creating opportunity. Our priority should be housing that builds stability, pride, and long-term growth for the city.

 Collaborate with County, State, and Federal Agencies to Crack Down on the Drug Trade

Strengthen partnerships with law enforcement agencies at all levels to dismantle drug networks operating within Millville, enhancing overall community safety.

 Together, this plan will help restore safety, order, and prosperity to Millville—making it a city where families feel secure, businesses want to invest, and our community can thrive.

If you have additional input that you think would help..I am all ears. PM me and let's get started!