During a recent government meeting, local business owner William Robles raised concerns about ongoing vandalism affecting his property in Rothwell, specifically the old Hailey Shoe store he owns. Robles highlighted the challenges posed by frequent incidents of broken glass, which he attributed to nearby homelessness and mental health issues. He noted that the financial burden of repairs, with a deductible of $5,000 and repair costs of approximately $1,000 per window, has become unsustainable for him and his tenants.

Robles proposed that the city consider implementing a program similar to one recently enacted in Albuquerque, which assists businesses in dealing with vandalism. He emphasized the need for a support system to help local businesses mitigate the impact of such incidents, which he believes detracts from the city’s appeal, particularly for tourists.

City council members expressed support for exploring potential grant opportunities to fund a similar initiative. They discussed the possibility of creating an application process for affected businesses to access financial assistance for repairs. The council also suggested that local law enforcement could increase patrols in the area to deter vandalism.

The meeting underscored the broader issue of urban decay and the challenges faced by businesses in areas with high rates of vandalism and homelessness. Council members acknowledged the need for a collaborative approach to address these concerns, aiming to enhance the safety and attractiveness of the city for both residents and visitors.