May 12—The Towson Chamber of Commerce announced it received a $66,000 Community Safety Works-Business District Improvement Grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to reimburse local businesses who install new exterior surveillance cameras for the benefit of public safety.

"We all care deeply about keeping Towson vibrant, safe and strong and this grant is another positive step to do just that," said Nancy Hafford from the Towson Chamber. "We are working very closely with our local businesses and property owners, the Greater Towson Committee, our residential community, Towson University, Ggovernment officials, the State's Attorney Office and our police department to keep our community as safe as possible. We would like to thank the State of Maryland for allocating these funds toward the initiative."

Businesses with existing or newly added cameras will be provided with "Smile You're on Camera" stickers from the chamber to place at entrances to notify the public that the area is covered by surveillance, according to a news release. Although about 65% of the buildings in Towson have surveillance systems, the chamber will be using the surveillance cameras as a "valuable extra set of eyes and ears" that will help deter and solve any crimes, according to a news release.

"Adding more surveillance cameras in Towson is a very welcomed addition," said Captain Deanna L. Chemelli of the Baltimore County Police Department. "While our officers do an exceptional job of patrolling, the reality is that we cannot be everywhere at every minute of the day. If a crime does occur, we have a much greater chance of solving it with the additional technology. We continue to encourage business leaders and community members to be a valuable extra set of eyes and ears and be our ambassadors in the community."

The grant also includes funds to hire a community ambassador to help to guide visitors, maintain the streetscape in the downtown core and provide the funds to increase surveillance by more businesses, according to a news release.

"All of Towson's stakeholder groups are working hard to take the important steps to increase security and provide peace of mind for residents, merchants, and visitors of Towson," Councilman David Marks said. "I applaud the Towson Chamber of Commerce for stepping up to lead this effort."

Businesses interested in the surveillance camera program should contact the Towson Chamber of Commerce at 410-825-1144 or by emailing info@towsonchamber.com.