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PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is ​​looking to expand its closed alley program.

Although you may not have heard about it, the city says word is spreading quickly among concerned homeowners.

The program was launched two years ago and aims to relieve residents of the blight caused by the homeless community and criminals.

However, the city council learns that the doors are not cheap.

Tents, shelters, public urination and defecation, graffiti and drugs. Phoenix homeowners say the alleys behind their properties appeal to them all.

“My son said he was at school one day and saw people doing ‘adult things,’” one homeowner said.

Residents say looking out the back window and watching people walk by or move in is uncomfortable, and sometimes the situations become downright scary.

“There were a lot of problems several years ago,” one resident said. “There were a number of murders there. There were dead bodies there.”

That’s why the city’s alley closures program has become so popular. It allows owners to request a gate from the city.

A block needs 50% plus 1 to agree. The city will come to evaluate, approve and install the portal.

“We asked for it because of all the people coming in and out and all the problems we were having,” one resident said.

Another said: “It was really bad news there. But you know, I’m glad they got the fences. It’s even better. It’s so cool.”

The details of the costs were revealed during a recent municipal council meeting.

“By our estimates, we have about 5,000 alley segments throughout the city,” said Spencer Self, Phoenix’s director of neighborhood services.

City staff say there were more than 100 requests for alley barriers last year, and the program now averages about 15 requests per month. The city says it has a budget of $850,000 for just 77 gates and needs an additional $3 million to meet growing demand.

The taxpayer-funded cash infusion will be up for a vote in the coming weeks.

“This is something that taxpayers have been asking for,” said District 2 Council Member Jim Waring. “Long story short, we’ve tested this and it really helps because people don’t want people camping right behind their homes.”

This year, the city expects to receive more than 300 applications.

Click here to learn more about the program.