Grant Money Going To Help Tulsa Neighborhood Fight Against Crime

The City of Tulsa will get more than half-a-million dollars in grant money to help one south side neighborhood fight back against crime.

It's a process that's been in the works for several years. The grant money is part of a larger effort to revitalize the area around 61st and Peoria.

While crime has garnered much of the attention there, one Tulsa city councilor says positive change is moving in.

To District 2 councilwoman, Jeannie Cue, 61st and Peoria is a relic of the past.

"Once a great thriving part of our community; anyone you talked to had either lived there or had a relative live there," Cue said.

But, as of late, drugs and murders share the limelight in that part of Tulsa.

Cue said, "Feel detached from our city, from out police department."

The councilwoman hopes that's about to change as the City of Tulsa is getting more than half-a-million dollars through a federal grant - money to help protect the neighborhood.

"To be able to get a police officer full-time in that area, to be able to get to know the residents," she said.

Cue’s hope is that the officer becomes the go-to resource for people living there; someone they can confide in and go to for help.

"And show the importance of those police officers that just walk around," she said.

Cue said once an officer is stationed there and becomes the community police officer, the work isn't done. She said some of the money will go towards research to make community relations there even better.

"Is that decreasing crime? Is that decreasing domestic violence? How are we helping that area," she said.

The City started a task force to help the neighborhood - searching for grants and already brought in a clinic.

Cue said, "With things that we have happening, I think they're going to feel safe again. And with our river development, that's a big part right there."

At the next city council meeting, councilors are expected to adopt an ordinance officially accepting the grant money.

Cue said she is also working with the City to get new economic development grants for the area.