DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — A Dothan resident is encouraging members of the community to sign a petition calling for increased security measures and additional action at Wiregrass Commons Mall following recent violent incidents on the property.
Jimmy McCray, a concerned citizen of the Wiregrass community, has launched the petition asking the City of Dothan to address ongoing public safety concerns at the mall.
According to the petition, organizers are requesting that city officials require the owners of Wiregrass Commons Mall to provide “well trained armed security” across the entire property. The petition also asks that mall ownership be held accountable if patrons are harmed during acts of violence that organizers believe are linked to inadequate security, subject to the appropriate legal process.
In addition, the petition states that if the mall owners are unwilling or unable to provide what organizers describe as a safe environment, they are asking city officials to pursue lawful options that could include the voluntary transfer of ownership to the City of Dothan for future redevelopment.
The petition states that organizers are not seeking to determine legal fault or liability but are instead calling for “decisive leadership to protect the lives of our citizens and restore confidence in one of Dothan’s major commercial areas.”
The document cites multiple violent incidents at the mall over the years, including shootings that resulted in injuries. Organizers say those incidents have left many residents feeling unsafe while shopping or working at the mall and have negatively affected nearby businesses and the local economy.
Among the requests outlined in the petition are:
* A visible, professional security presence throughout the mall property.
* Additional surveillance and other reasonable safety improvements.
* Restitution for injured patrons where legally appropriate if negligence or inadequate security is determined through the legal process.
* Consideration of all lawful options available to the City of Dothan if the requested safety improvements are not implemented.
McCray is inviting members of the public to meet with organizers and sign the petition on Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Golden Corral. Organizers say they also want to hear from residents about what changes they would like to see at Wiregrass Commons Mall.
The petition is addressed to the Mayor and City Commission of Dothan and states that its purpose is to encourage city leaders to make public safety at the mall a priority through lawful action.
At the time of publication, no response from the City of Dothan or the ownership of Wiregrass Commons Mall regarding the petition had been released.
