TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A big topic of discussion for neighbors living on Tallahassee's Southside is the proposed location for a new police headquarters.
WTXL ABC 27's Jada Williams was live Monday morning with reaction from those who will eventually become closer neighbors to the station.
On Tallahassee's Southside, there is a wide range of emotions coming from the residents involving TPD's relocation.
Almost everyone Williams spoke with was passionate about their answer and also a little fearful of what might happen if they speak out.
Plans to relocate the Tallahassee Police Department to the southside has sparked debate throughout Tallahassee.
Louis Bunch is a resident. "I don't have a problem with it as long as they do what they do and treat people fair," he said. "That's all that matters."
Bunch says having that extra presence would definitely impact the neighborhood.
"A police presence always gonna, just by the police being alone might decrease some things and increase some things. It's up to the individual."
Plans to put the new public safety complex up in the Towne South Plaza - home to a grocery store, clothing store, and pharmacy to name a few - isn't winning big with every person living in the area.
Deandre Menchan is one such resident. "I'm not cool with it," she said. "It's TPD. Why they gotta come to the Southside? What's the reason?"
That's the question many in the neighborhood are asking, but most are afraid to address publicly.
"Southside ain't even that bad for them to have a police station right here. How many years it's been without a police station over here? Many. Now they need one. Crime is everyhere, the Northside, the Southside."
The fear of retaliation either from the police department or from others in the community is keeping most people on the Southside quiet about the topic.
There will be two town halls. One will be Monday from 6 p.m. 8 p.m. at the Senior Center. The other will be Tuesday at the same time at Walker Ford.
