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July 14, 2014

Augusta workers raise concerns about downtown safety

Workers in downtown Augusta are seeking help from the city after saying they’ve been attacked and threatened and seen synthetic chemicals used by “street people.”

The Kennebec Journal reported that several downtown merchants and workers approached the Augusta City Council last week to see how the city could help with safety issues. Several of them described different problems coming from people downtown, including illegal substance use, public defecation, prostitution and assaults on pedestrians.

Mayor William Stokes told merchants a greater police presence will be considered, but it could come at a greater cost for the city in the form of higher taxes.

Earlier this year, the city installed four security cameras in the downtown area for $6,500. City Manager William Bridge said more could be installed to fight the problem.

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