BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Bellingham City Council will soon consider an ordinance that would allow some temporary closures downtown.

If approved, the ordinance would give the city’s Public Works Director the power to close certain alleys in an effort to deter crime.

Bellingham Police say that the city’s alleys have become hotspots for illegal activities, like open drug use and reckless burning.

Public Works would work with police to fence off a problematic alley, clean it up and add security features like additional lighting to keep potential criminals out.

Business owners and utility workers would still have alley access during a scheduled closure.

City councilmembers are scheduled to vote on the ordinance during their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 23.