City leaders in Ann Arbor have officially removed the last remaining “Neighborhood Crime Watch” sign, marking the end of an era and signaling a shift in how the city approaches community safety.
Officials, including Mayor Christopher Taylor and council members Jen Eyer and Cynthia Harrison, gathered on Princeton Avenue on April 21 to ceremonially take down the final sign. The removal concludes a broader effort to eliminate more than 600 outdated signs across the city.
City leaders described the signs as relics from a past era, noting that traditional neighborhood watch programs are no longer active. Officials also argued that such signage can promote exclusion and does little to actually reduce crime.
The City Council had previously approved $18,000 to fund the removal project, emphasizing a desire to move away from surveillance-based approaches to public safety.
Leaders say the decision reflects Ann Arbor’s commitment to creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring all residents feel safe and accepted in their communities.