Sunset Drive near Adelphi Commons. (Photo by Andrew Ybanez)Located directly behind the on-campus housing complex Adelphi Commons, Sunset Boulevard is a familiar street for residents who live in the student housing complex, but after recent assaults some residents said they are steering clear of the area.
In addition to the recent sexual assault in the area, the lighting and surrounding parking lots have made some students more aware at night, psychology sophomore and Adelphi Commons I resident Nicole Curry said.
“I’ll walk there alone during the day, but not at night,” she said. “At night, there are drunk people from The Vine and people that hang out in their cars.”
There is currently only one street light on Sunset Boulevard that is managed by the city of Tempe.
After the recent attack, some Adelphi Commons residents, like computer information systems junior and Adelphi Commons I resident Yzel Sanchez, said they are being more aware of their surroundings.
A sign at the corner of Sunset Drive and Apache Boulevard near Adelphi Commons. (Photo by Andrew Ybanez)“It’s really dark, you can’t see the street,” Sanchez said. “I’ve made sure to be more cautious lately. I stick to the lit areas.”
One student said installing more light fixtures would be a helpful solution to making students feel less vulnerable walking at night.
"More light over there definitely wouldn’t hurt,” said communications senior Caitlin Birdsell, who lived in Adelphi Commons I last semester.
Tempe has received a request to add more street lights to the area, Brittany Lane, Tempe Public Works official, said.
“Once a request is made, a Public Works Supervisor will scout the location and evaluate the area to determine if more street lights are necessary,” Lane said.
There are also various campus programs that are committed to maintaining safety. Some of these programs include emergency campus resources, public awareness, and volunteer programs such as Safety Escort Services, which is a group of trained employees that will meet and escort students to and from their destination from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on campus.
In a campus security policy released by the University, ASU Police Chief John Pickens said he encourages ASU community members to join their force “in partnership” by reporting any unusual activity.
Being proactive when it comes to preventing crime is also key, Pickens said.
“Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings,” the policy advises. “Do not walk alone at night.”
CORRECTION: Due to a reporting error, a previous version of this article incorrectly stated specifics about the Safety Escort Services. This version has been updated with the proper information.
Reach the reporter at rtdavis1@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @ryantaylordavis
