(S.D.)-Rapid City Businesses Concerned About Art Alley

By: Roxie Graham-Marski Posted at: 02/15/2013 07:44 AM
     RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - Some business owners in downtown Rapid City say they're noting a spike in criminal activity in a popular alley that's adorned with artistic graffiti.
 
     Business owners this week took their concerns about Art Alley to the city's Legal and Finance Committee. They cited gang activity, damage to utility structures, and even threats of violence to pedestrians making their way through.
 
     Downtown building owner James Taylor says the city should form a task force to identify and solve the problems.
 
     Taylor says the area has diverse issues that will require the input of police, the city attorney, building owners, artists and tourist groups.
 
     The committee put the issue on the agenda for its next meeting.

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