Gateway to Milwaukee: Data shows neighborhoods near Mitchell Airport safer than ever

MILWAUKEE -- Some say it is a different world near General Mitchell International Airport -- where folks from around the world are welcomed to Milwaukee. New crime statistics for neighborhoods near the airport show that the "Gateway to Milwaukee" is becoming a safer.

Citing the fact that the "Gateway to Milwaukee" is the area where those who fly into Milwaukee get their first glimpse of the city, on Wednesday, March 16th, city leaders said crime statistics in the area are such that visitors may be more inclined to enjoy their experience.

"This area's always been safe," said Ralph DiChristopher.

Safe during the daylight hours, that is.

Having spent the past 18-plus years owning and operating Beer Belly's on Milwaukee's Layton Avenue (near Howell), DiChristopher said when his business opened, crime was a concern.

"When you had to worry about it was at closing time," said DiChristopher.

Over the past several years, in an area around General Mitchell International Airport known as the "Gateway to Milwaukee" -- DiChristopher said the crime rate has been falling like meat off the bone.

"My employees feel a lot more comfortable now than they did then. Even when they close, they still see the police are out here. That's a good thing," said DiChristopher.

"Some of the findings from this are really spectacular," said Gateway to Milwaukee Executive Director Leif Otteson.

Representatives from the "Gateway to Milwaukee" Business Improvement District and the Milwaukee Police Department joined 13th District Alderman Terry Witkowski to share the results of a crime data analysis.

"Since the implementation of our mobile security unit, we've seen a 40% drop in crime since 2008 -- between 2008 and 2014," said Otteson.

Otteson said the effort to reduce crime in this area is not limited to security -- as it includes beautification efforts, economic development and strong support for businesses.

"We do a lot of different programs -- do anything to support our businesses and our members in the area, whether that's a business coaching workshop or various grants," said Otteson.

One example of those "various grants" involves a security system installation grant which matches up to $1,000 of the cost to install a security system.

The following statement was issued by Alderman Witkowski: