CBD safety: Deputy mayor Russ Dickens (left) discussing safety concerns of the area with Elias Kinnas and Ara Akopian. Picture: Gene Ramirez
BLACKTOWN Chamber of Commerce vice-president Ara Akopian, treasurer Elias Kinnas and shopkeeper Joe Hourani recently met with deputy mayor Russ Dickens and councillor Jess Diaz at the CBD to seek their support for a new safety plan.
Mr Akopian said nothing had happened after a similar proposal for the area to be better lit and to have CCTV monitoring were first put many years ago.
"We now hope something good would happen
under the new Liberal and independent-controlled council," Mr Akopian said.
"Our businesses are badly affected by the lack of council's action.
"We are ready to work with the council to improve the amenity and security."
Cr Dickens, who is also the chairman of the council's CBD committee, said he and Cr Diaz would raise the matter at the council meeting early next month.
He agreed with Mr Akopian and Mr Kinnas that Blacktown CBD is an unattractive as well as unsafe zone at night.
"The area was in almost complete darkness and looked unsafe when I drove past at night last week," he said.
"We couldn't do much previously due to a lack of co-operation from the shopkeepers who don't live in the area.
"I am prepared to work with the chamber and local real estate people who I was told manage most of the shops in the CBD."
Cr Diaz seeks 24-hour patrolling of the CBD.
Mr Hourani said the situation was affecting his business and residents who patronise the shops.
"I don't see why the council and the chamber could not work together for the greater good of the community," he said.