Lynn Mayor Patrick J. McManus recently joined forces with his Housing Authority and Police Department to establish a new grant program designed to fight crime and address public safety concerns neighborhood-by-neighborhood in the Massachusetts city.

The Safe Neighborhood Incentive Fund Grant Program promotes crime prevention activities involving the police and neighborhood groups. Grants of up to $500 are available to community groups to address an existing public safety concern specific to their neighborhood.

"This program further establishes and fosters relationships between neighborhood groups and our Police Officers," said Mayor McManus. "The grants will be used to support these partnerships in targeting public safety issues and enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhoods."

The grants, totaling $15,000, are federally funded through the City's Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. Disbursements of the funds are in the form of micro-grants and are administered by the Lynn Housing Authority's Neighborhood Development office.

"The Lynn Housing Authority believes it is important to support our local neighborhood groups," said Charles Gaeta, Executive Director of the Lynn Housing Authority. "The grants allow residents to work closely with the Community Liaison Team Officers to improve their neighborhoods."

All neighborhood groups or non-profit community organizations are eligible. Sponsoring organizations are required to meet with their Community Liaison Team (CLT) Officer to discuss neighborhood public safety needs and priorities.

Proposed activities must address an existing neighborhood public safety problem or issue. Grants may be awarded for activities such as field trips, safety equipment, educational programs, crime and violence prevention activities, cultural activities, etc.

Groups must submit a brief report highlighting the accomplishments and activities at the end of the grant period. Grant recipients also must be willing to share information on their experiences with other neighborhood groups or residents interested in crime prevention.

Deputy Police Chief Kevin Coppinger considers the grants a powerful incentive to foster citizen involvement in their own neighborhood. "What better tool could there be than the money needed to start a neighborhood project long talked about but never acted upon?" asks Coppinger. "In addition, an important side effect here is that the grants help solidify police-community relations. Officers assigned to the neighborhoods can now work together with the residents on a common goal that they identified as important in their community."

One of the first grants awarded was for a neighborhood clean-up.  The community and their CLT Officer identified an area as a public safety issue that was known as a troublesome gathering spot. The area was overgrown with brush and weeds, and littered with broken bottles, cans, and other debris.

By removing the dangerous debris and clearing the overgrowth, the area is significantly more visible and attractive. The lot is much safer for children and discourages group gatherings and illegal activity.

Program director Eduardo Maron praises the initiative as a good crime prevention resource because it brings groups "out of the woodwork" and establishes new relationships. "That means we are more aware of what's going on and most importantly, people get to know their neighbors."