Minneapolis Officials Take Steps to Make Downtown Safer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minneapolis officials are taking steps to make sure
downtown's Hennepin Avenue is safer.

Officials hope to improve safety and reduce incidents like public intoxication
and catcalling.

Starting this weekend, the plan calls for stepping up police patrols as well as
extra outreach from organizations like the city's Youth Coordinating Board.

Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges says while the presence of law enforcement is
important for ``maintaining livability on Hennepin Avenue, it cannot by itself
make Hennepin Avenue feel safe.''

Police officers and employees of the city's Downtown Improvement District will be posted on each block of the street's downtown section during morning and afternoon commutes.

Officials also plan to bring back the ``Pianos on Parade'' project that posts
instruments around downtown Minneapolis for public use.