Once idyllic college town facing collapse as almost 200 local businesses slam Democrat-run city’s ‘crime crisis’
Almost 200 local businesses in an idyllic college town have turned on its Democrat-run leadership as the city’s ‘crime crisis’ threatens to destroy its once thriving tourism industry.
Downtown Burlington, Vermont, where the University of Vermont is located, is now a crime-infested cesspool blighted by substance abuse, mental health and homelessness, according to fed-up locals of the artsy enclave.
More than 170 businesses signed an open letter in May demanding the city intervene and do something to stop the violence, open drug trafficking and substance abuse directly impacting their revenue.
‘We have reached a critical point where we must voice a serious alarm: our downtown is facing a crisis,’ the open letter said.
The letter called on city officials to also address quality of life issues including unsafe parking garages, public drug use and needle removal, graffiti and overall safety.
Burlington Business Association’s Kelly Devine told WCAX Channel 3 that restaurant and alcohol revenues have dropped drastically as the level of crime and chaos have increased unabated.
Devine described the current city state as ‘icky’ and ‘kind of scary’. Business owners advocated for efficient actions to condemn open drug use, shoplifting and graffiti.
Progressive mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak expressed that there is no quick solution to these deeply-rooted issues with bizarre woke claim that additional police presence would increase crime rates; instead calling for more state aid for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Democrats are struggling to combat the crime crisis in downtown Burlington, Vermont, where the University of Vermont is located
While there are new efforts to maintain the city’s safety safety, locals raised concerns about the violence, open drug trafficking, and substance abuse plaguing the downtown region
Rutland County Deputy Jimmy Baldea told Fox News Digital that the mayor should reconsider.
He strongly believes having clearly visible police officers is a ‘viable option’ and ‘one of the best crime deterrents possible.’
Baldea added having police officers interact with residents builds trust. It will make the public more willing to share concerns or tips, emphasizing ‘it takes effort on everybody’s part’.
City Council Ben Traverse proposed a public safety plan back in August that would increase police presence after a man was killed by a group of teenagers near City Hall Park, according to NBC 5.
He stressed that serious criminal activity could be prevented with the police increase, adding: ‘I should be able to say this without being compared to Donald Trump.’
Democrats are struggling to combat the crime crisis in downtown Burlington, Vermont, where the University of Vermont is located
Burlington Business Association’s Kelly Devine described the current downtown state as ‘edgy and kind of scary, and icky’
The University of Vermont describes the surrounding area as a ‘thriving artistic community’ with multiple tourist attractions at students’ fingertips
WCAX Channel 3 footage, City Council Ben Traverse proposed a public safety plan back in August that would increase police presence after a man was killed by a group of teenagers near City Hall Park
WCAX Channel 3 footage, Traverse added that serious criminal activity could be prevented with the police increase
But progressive City Councilor Melo Grant voted against his plan, calling the proposal ‘performative.’
Grant fired back that he hates these public safety resolutions, branding them ‘a political stunt to get attention.’
Despite this, Traverse met with the mayor to receive constructive feedback for his proposal.
His proposal passed with a vote of nine to two. The city additionally adopted a new regulation called City Circles.
The program targets the prevention of low-level offenses, such as littering, that will help increase public safety and prevent crime.
The University of Vermont describes the surrounding area as a ‘thriving artistic community’ where students can ‘explore the outdoors, enjoy world-class meals and libations’ all within a short distance from campus.