Lakeshore merchants have been meeting on alternate Sundays at 5 PM to talk about issues facing them-especially problems of crime and safety. After a number of armed robberies, the merchants have decided to pull together to prevent another spate of crime from occurring.

Merchants will also search for and put together a list of reputable local contractors who can work on various projects in their stores. For instance, at one of the next meetings, a contractor who has installed store cameras will be present and offer his services to other merchants who wish to monitor possible criminal activity at their businesses.

At a meeting to be announced, Eddie Simlin, OPD Technician, will offer us a free presentation on some methods that can help merchants safeguard themselves and their businesses.

Eddie is also available to survey your business set-up and determine whether your windows (views into the store), cash register, lighting, etc. currently discourage robberies and other criminal activity. To schedule a free survey, call Eddie at 238-6200 or email him at esimlin@oaklandnet.com.

Next BID Meeting

The BID Board will hold its next meeting on May 16th at 1 PM at the Lakeshore Baptist Church, 3534 Lakeshore. We’ll discuss the BID’s next Annual Meeting to be held on June 25th. Merchants are always welcome and wanted at our meetings.

Merchants’ New Listserve

At the last meeting, Eric from Lakeshore Natural Foods, offered to put up a listserve , email lakeshoremerchantgroup@yahoogroups.com to join. We can use this listerve to send out emergency messages as well as announcements of upcoming events.

Don’t forget the Lakeshore website that John Fabela at Fabmation has constructed as a way for us to advertise for free and link to other agencies which can also promote our avenues. See www.lakeshoreave.net for this ongoing site.

New Security Hours

Our private security guards, who have been on duty from 12 to 7, 7 days a week, will expand their hours to 8 hours a day for a 3 month period to determine if it improves the comfort and safety of our customers and merchants. We will be moving their hours up or back on alternating week days. One week will be 11 to 7, then 12 to 8, then 10 to 6.

After 3 months (or before, if necessary) the BID board will ask for feedback on this arrangement. Please feel free to contact Pamela Drake at pamelad205@sbcglobal.net or 451-1257 for input on this or other issues of our BID.

In order to reach our guards, use the pager provided to them. Call 840-5959 and put in your address, number only, the guard will come to shop ASAP.