Downtown Wilmington stakeholders launch Community Watch & Safety Coalition
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Downtown, Inc. has announced the formation of the Downtown Community Watch and Safety Coalition, a new initiative developed in collaboration with local businesses, property owners, and residents to strengthen communication and public safety in the city’s Central Business District.
The coalition, announced this week, is designed to serve as a business-led platform to coordinate strategic safety efforts and provide a unified voice for downtown stakeholders. According to WDI, the effort comes amid increasing concern over crime and safety-related issues that could impact the district’s continued growth and appeal.
“But we can’t ignore that a few persistent issues, including recent crime and public safety concerns, threaten that continued progress. This is about protecting our community and the future of our downtown,” said Christina Haley, president and CEO of WDI, in a statement. “We’re calling on businesses, property owners, and residents to take a stand by joining the Downtown Community Watch and Safety Coalition and working together to keep downtown Wilmington one of the most vibrant coastal urban districts on the East Coast.”
WDI emphasized that the coalition is not a membership organization and does not require any financial contribution to participate. Instead, it invites all downtown stakeholders, such as businesses, property owners, and residents, to collaborate and share responsibility for maintaining public safety and ensuring the district’s long-term prosperity.
The coalition’s initial focus includes organizing an internal communication system and forming a core leadership group from various sectors including restaurants, retailers, offices, and residential buildings.
WDI is also building a member contact list and establishing a coalition-specific email channel for updates and outreach
WDI also plans to work closely with public safety partners such as the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the STING Center, and other agencies to enhance responsiveness and develop long-term safety strategies.
This new initiative expands upon WDI’s existing Downtown Public Safety Grant Program, which helps businesses invest in safety-related infrastructure like exterior cameras, lighting, and physical improvements when connected to the Wilmington Police Department’s STING Center.
This announcement follows recent concerns voiced by Wilmington City Councilman Luke Waddell. In a social media post, Waddell highlighted several issues, including underage groups gathering in bar areas, fireworks being launched into crowds, and what he called public disorder involving homeless individuals refusing services.
He said he plans to bring several proposals to city council, including a juvenile curfew, a public camping and trespassing ordinance, and a policy review regarding bars that allow underage patrons.
