More security cameras, kiosks coming to downtown New London

New London ― Months after the City Council approved funding for a suite of new downtown security cameras and safety kiosks, work is underway to complete a “Project Blue Light” system aimed at addressing public safety concerns.

The council in December approved using $141,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to purchase and install seven police cameras and five “blue light” call boxes in the coming weeks.

City Grants Coordinator Adriana Reyes said the camera component of the project involves a partnership among the city, police officials and those local businesses interested in affixing a camera onto their properties.

“So far, we have an agreement with Hygienic Art and are exploring adding cameras to the Muddy Waters Cafe and the Vessel apartment building,” Reyes said. “These are owners that have invested a lot into their businesses and we want to give them the option of adding these cameras whose cost is covered by the city.”

Reyes said while new cameras could simply be attached to light or traffic poles, putting them on a storefront offers a wider view of an area and provides an added sense of security for both patrons and businesses.

Reyes said the pilot program could be expanded if more funds are found and the program garners interest from other business owners.

The city in 2022 approved spending $366,400 to add 34 cameras at several New London intersections and parks. Such devices can be seen on traffic poles at the intersections of State Street, Eugene O’Neill Drive and Union Street.

Another phase of the project entails installing light-topped call boxes in heavily walked areas, including Parade Plaza, Waterfront Park and municipal parking lots.

The kiosks ― older versions are already in place in the marina parking lot off Pequot Avenue ― will be equipped with a call button and speaker.

“If there’s any emergency or a crisis and someone doesn’t have a cell phone, a caller can connect directly with a dispatcher who can see the exact area the call is coming from,” Police Chief Brian Wright said.

Wright and other city officials praised the security additions as providing police with another investigative tool, but also repeated their contention that the downtown business district, specifically Bank and State streets, are safe.

“It is essential to recognize the significance of creating an environment where the perception of feeling unsafe does not align with the reality,” Wright said. “By implementing these measures, we are not only addressing actual safety concerns, but also actively working to dispel any unwarranted fears that may deter individuals from fully engaging with our vibrant downtown community.”

The new cameras and kiosks are slated to be operational by the end of the summer.

j.penney@theday.com