ABOUT US
MISSION STATEMENT:
The SOMA Security Alliance serves the Atlanta’s South Downtown community with a singular focus on quality of life and security issues affecting the SOMA community. SOMA is a part of a large downtown landscape that includes The Luckie Marietta Historic District, The Old Fourth Ward, Castleberry Hill, the Georgia Dome, Phillips Arena, the World of Coca Cola and a long list of other venues that play host to a number of conventions throughout the year.
This is a grassroots organization that addresses the unique set of quality of life issues of SOMA. Cross Marietta Street going south and you are transported into another world that stands in stark contrast to the developments north of Marietta. Some have called it the “third world,” some have called it an area in “transition” and others simply call it “scary.” We understand the unique challenges of the neighborhood and take pride in implementing tactical solutions that can improve the quality of life in SOMA. We are interested in working with anyone who is able to dream a little bit, see the possibilities and embrace the vibrancy and dark side of this historical,quirky, interesting neighborhood.
HOW WE IMPLEMENT OUR CORE OBJECTIVE AND MISSION
Our collective efforts help to resolve specific quality of life issues that affect everyone that works, lives, shops and visits South Downtown.
TODAY’S PERSPECTIVE
Public urination and defecation, selling alcohol to underage minors, selling illegal drugs, trespassing, vagrancy, aggressive panhandling, public drunkenness, graffiti, defacing property, are sometimes referred to as victimless crimes. They are not. The victim of these crimes is the community as a whole. When “victimless” crimes are tolerated, it creates an accepting environment conducive to the commission of more serious crime. It begins with incremental infractions such as code violations and public drunkenness. Then, slowly a movement starts where more serious offenses are allowed to occur in the open public. Without swift, consistent, visible, bold punishment, the area becomes a destination for lawlessness on all levels.
Do we want tourists to have to be subjected to panhandling constantly?
We believe that with with the joint efforts of law enforcement, absentee landlords, business owners, residents and city government this area can return to a place less accepting of criminal behavior. With change, SOMA has a chance to contribute to the huge pot of positive developments that have taken place in other parts of downtown Atlanta.
Shell Con Game – Unsuspecting Tourist Falls Victim
