Are Downtown Security Gates Cause for Alarm?

Royal Oak City Commissioners want some new rules controlling the use of security fences and rolling gates in downtown Royal Oak.

At issue are the rolling gates installed at Infinity Jewelers and Franklin Deli & Cafe on Main Street. Bill Harrison addressed the security measures during public comment at Monday night's meeting.

"We appreciate your efforts to control the use of security curtains so Royal Oak's reputation of being a safe place to visit and do business is not damaged by the implication that it is not," Harrison said.

Commissioner Jim Rasor said he was unhappy to learn that the city actually signed off on the security gate at Franklin Deli & Cafe, which is located at 511 S. Main Street.

"Make them take it down," Rasor said. "There is no way that we should have that type of outdoor security curtain in our downtown. It is absolutely unnecessary."

Rasor asked that security gates be regulated so they don't make Royal Oak "look like a high crime district."

"It sends out the wrong signal," said Commissioner Dave Poulton. "People just passing through may not want to come back."

Harrison, who is a member of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority, offered commissioners the following recommendations:

• Limit security curtains to the chain link type used in shopping malls that can be seen through.
• Preclude the use of solid curtains or scissor gates.
• Require security curtains to be located inside the window, the same distance from the window as supplementary window signs.  Harrison referenced the former Dobie Jewelry at 500 S. Washington as an example. 

Commissioner Kyle DuBuc said he hoped any new rules will be about aesthetics only and not about telling an owner how to protect their business as they see fit.

By a 7-0 vote, City Attorney Dave Gillam was directed to draft an ordinance.

What do you think of security gates? Do they send the wrong message?