In 2008, Uptown Consortium (UpCo) initiated a fund solicitation drive for a surveillance camera system to make Uptown a safer place to live, work, and play.  Thanks to the commitment and contributions of local business leaders, $132,000 was raised. Also in 2008, the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to place surveillance cameras throughout Cincinnati.  To maximize the effectiveness of surveillance cameras for the Uptown neighborhoods, UpCo partnered with CPD for the purchase, installation, maintenance, and monitoring of the cameras.

On November 16, 2009, the UpCo’s Board of Directors hosted a celebration to thank contributors, announce the partnership with CPD, and to present the symbolic “big check” indicating transfer of the $132,000 to the City of Cincinnati.  Mayor Mark Mallory and Police Chief Tom Streicher accepted the “big check.’  Dee Ellingwood, Senior Vice President of Planning & Business Development at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center represented the UpCo’s Board in presenting the check and extending heartfelt thanks to local businesses and organizations who stepped up to make this project a reality.  Major funders were recognized for their contributions.  Representatives of the major contributors expressed their pride in being a part of the Uptown communities and confirmed their commitments to help enhance the quality of life in Uptown.  Those representatives included: Robie K. Suggs, Vice President, Community Development Consultant, PNC Bank, Valerie Ashe, CRA Analyst for Community Affairs, US Bank, and Jackie Wolf, Manager, Downtown Property Management, Inc.  Gene Ferrara, Police Chief for the University of Cincinnati and Chairman of the Uptown Consortium Public Safety Subcommittee expressed joy on behalf of all committee members at seeing this project come to fruition.

Special guests for the festivities included:
City officials – Andrew Glenn, Director of Public Services; Margo Springs, Director of the Regional Computer Center; CPD Captains Eliot Isaac and David Bailey (Commanders of Districts 4 and 5 respectively), along with Captain Jeff Butler, Captain Russ Neville, and Barry Whitton (CPD surveillance camera project managers)
Other Donor Reps - Mike Neugebauer representing ASIS, Jennifer Goodin, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati
Michael Fisher, incoming President and CEO of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Beth Robinson, Interim President and CEO of Uptown Consortium
Michael Elovitz, Vice President of the Clifton Town Meeting who thanked UpCo and CPD for their leadership in identifying and implementing best practices in crime reduction for the Uptown neighborhoods.

Special thanks to Fire Chief Robert Wright and Captain Kevin Campbell for their generosity in making the Clifton Fire House available for the occasion. Kudos are extended to Lajuana Miller, UpCo’s Neighborhood Service Executive, for coordinating an outstanding event and to the UpCo staff for another job well done.

Click here to view the musical photo presentation.
http://easleyblessed.com/uptown2/