Common Ground and city leaders launch 'South Side Safety' campaign

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- City leaders and non-profit group 'Common Ground' came together to launch their 'South Side Safety' campaign. 

It comes after months of research into issues facing Milwaukee neighborhoods south of I-94.

Their plan involves accountability for problem properties in the area, building a culture of proactive neighbors, creating relationships with police and pushing policy changes.

From food pantries to churches, groups from across the south side say they need safety if the city is going to thrive.

"The decades of work we put into establishing trust and security in our pantries was put at risk last September when a physical fight escalated into a shooting during service on our location at 22nd and Lapham," said Audree Hansen, operations manager of Nourish MKE. 

Common council members and a district attorney were at today's campaign launch, they signed onto Common Ground's plan during the event. 

"We all deserve the ability to walk safely down our sidewalks and our neighborhoods," said Milwaukee County District Attorney Kent Lovern.