Business owners push to make east side shopping center safer

Business owners at Madison East Shopping Center are working with the Madison Police Department and city leaders in an effort to clean up crime in the area that has increased in volume in recent years and driven away customers, according to a report from WKOW ABC-27.

Business owners say there has been an increase in trespassers, panhandlers, and drug activity, which is driving away families.

One idea for improving the climate surrounding the shopping center is to bring in a farmers market behind the shopping center building and possibly create a public garden. Police are also increasing the frequency of their patrols.