Grant Program Helps Businesses Strengthen Safety
More than two years after its launch, the Energy Corridor District’s Public Safety Reimbursement Grant Program is helping local property owners invest in safer workplaces and stronger crime prevention measures.
Created by the Energy Corridor District Board of Directors, the program reimburses a portion of the cost of security improvements such as lighting, surveillance cameras and other enhancements designed to improve safety.
Since the program began, more than $23,000 has been distributed to six commercial properties, according to Energy Corridor District Vice President Zak Miller, who oversees the initiative.
“We know that something as simple as better lighting or a security camera can make people feel safer and help deter crime,” Miller said. “This program gives property owners a way to recover part of the cost of those kinds of improvements, along with other upgrades that enhance the safety and security of their businesses and properties.”
A safer banking environment
One of the largest projects supported by the program was completed by BP Federal Credit Union at its retail branch at 15455 Memorial Drive.
After relocating from the BP campus in 2020, the credit union initially viewed its new branch as a temporary solution. But members embraced the location, prompting leadership to renew the lease and invest in long-term upgrades.
The credit union spent more than $82,000 on security improvements, including bullet-resistant glass at teller stations, reflective safety film on the front windows, and a remote magnetic locking system for the entrance. A small meeting space just off the lobby was covered with privacy film to accommodate private meetings between bankers and members and a keypad-secured door separating customer areas from back-office operations completed the improvements.
“Our retail center is not subject to a lot of vagrants, but we do have a bus shelter right out front, which does occasionally bring pedestrian traffic to our door,” said Branch Manager Robert Corolla. “More than anything, we want to make sure our staff is safe.”
Jose Llanas, who works in the mortgage department, coordinated the project and construction. After learning about the district’s grant program, the credit union applied for and received a $5,000 reimbursement — the maximum award available.
“The process for applying for the award was simple,” Corolla said. “We’re a not-for-profit, so the grant was much appreciated.”
Eliminating blind spots
The Hyatt Regency Houston West, 13210 Katy Freeway, also received a $5,000 reimbursement to support a property-wide camera upgrade.
Director of Engineering Chris Sejman said the hotel replaced aging, low-resolution cameras with 37 new units — 21 inside the building and 16 covering parking lots and exterior areas. The $20,000 project also included a new server to store footage for 30 days and ensure compliance with Houston requirements for surveillance systems.
“Our installer helped pick the right locations for the cameras,” Sejman said. “We placed them based on our previous incidents and known blind spots.”
Sejman noted that hotels can be targets for vehicle crimes, making quality surveillance an important tool for law enforcement.
“If a guest’s vehicle is broken into or stolen, we are able to provide pictures and footage to the Houston Police Department to help solve the crime,” Sejman said.
He said the District’s grant provided an added incentive to move forward with the project.
“The total project exceeded $20,000, so we were grateful for the incentive,” Sejman said. “I would love to see other owners apply for the grants and install cameras. It would help create a broader network of facilities in the District that make crime tougher to commit.”
Download the grant application or contact Zak Miller for more information.