CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Charleston city councilman from the West Side said a new program aimed at putting officers into homes in that neighborhood is a great opportunity.
Rev. James Ealy knows the problems that area faces with increased crime and a feeling of disfranchisement. However, he believes “Project West Invest” is a game changer.
“Just knowing that there’s a police car parked out there. It should be a deterrent to some crime,” Ealy predicted. “And then having a policeman who knows the neighborhood, I mean actually knows the neighborhood and the people, I don’t think you can beat that!”
The project was unveiled Wednesday. Ten city police officers will be eligible to move into an existing home on the West Side that needs rehabilitation. The officer will work to improve the house and the community at the same time. If the officer remains in that home for 10 years, it’s theirs, free and clear.
“Somebody would be crazy to pass up this opportunity,” said Ealy.
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and the Charleston Urban Renewal Authority will split the purchase price of the existing houses. Ealy is convinced once the neighborhood sees these officers are serious, they’ll become an integral part of the community. The councilman said he knows several officers who plan to apply and they are just what the neighborhood ordered.
“Those guys have the personality to make it work. That’s what they want to do,” according to Ealy. “I think it will have an immediate impact.”
In fact, the program is so progressive, said Ealy, he believes it will be copied.
“I believe after this thing gets going, somebody somewhere else is going to steal the idea. It might be a model for the rest of the nation!”