(Des Moines, IA) -- Recommendations are now under consideration to improve the sense of safety along Court Avenue after dark in downtown Des Moines.
An independent review found the city could probably benefit from hiring a night manager that's dedicated to Court Avenue safety.
According to Des Moines City Manager Matt Anderson, the position may be created in the city council's next budget cycle.
He says "the night manager is kind of like the quarterback of Court Avenue and of our night economy."
Anderson says progress has already been made with the shut down of several bars inside the Court Center building about six months ago helping to reduce crowds and police calls.
Another recommendation is to create a dedicated area for taxi's and ride share transportation to help thin out the inebriated crowds after closing time.
He says the city is certainly encouraging all stakeholders in Des Moines' downtown night economy to talk more with each other about the issues they face.
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