'Operation Doorhanger' to Provide Safety and Community Tips to 4,000 University Heights Residences

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- More than 4,000 "doorhangers" printed with safety reminders and tips on how to be a good neighbor will be distributed to students and other residents of University Heights Saturday as part of the University at Buffalo's ongoing and longstanding efforts to improve safety and quality of life in the neighborhood.

The double-sided doorhangers encourage students to "get to know their neighbors, be considerate and don't travel alone at night;" they also provide community members with contact information for UB's Community Relations Office and the Mayor's Resolution Line if there are safety or behavior issues that need to be addressed.

"Operation door hanger" will take place 1-4 p.m. on Saturday. In case of rain, the distribution will take place on Sunday at the same time. The annual effort is organized by Student Life and the Office of Community Relations at UB, and staffed by UB students, faculty and staff and community members who volunteer to distribute the doorhangers.

The operation will cover several blocks of 40 city streets in University Heights, according to coordinator Mary Clare Fahey, from UB's Office of Student Life.

"We are all responsible for keeping our community safe, clean and vibrant," said Fahey. "Operation Doorhanger is UB's way of saying 'thanks for being a good neighbor' and 'be safe' to our off-campus students and University Heights neighbors."

Other programs initiated by UB to improve safety and behavior in University Heights have included an agreement with the Buffalo Police Department to target and break up disruptive parties; a new neighborhood clean-up program and an effort to stop loud parties before they begin.

In addition, UB is purchasing three security cameras for the Buffalo Police Department to be installed in problem areas in the neighborhood. UB is working with the Mayor Byron Brown and the Buffalo Police to set a date for installment.