Community Based Services expands into South Tacoma May 3 with the official kickoff for the Community Based Services (CBS) program expansion into the neighborhoods between South 56th to South 49th streets and from Oakes Street to Interstate-5, South 56th to South 80th streets and Interstate-5 to Orchard Street.

As part of the expansion, the Edison and Manitou neighbors will host a kickoff meeting for residents to help set priorities for the area. If you live or work in the new CBS area, you are encouraged to attend to learn more about CBS program and to offer feedback. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Mon., May 3, at Gray Middle School, 6229 S. Tyler.

The expanded CBS area will now have a dedicated code enforcement officer, community liaison police officer and program development specialist who will work directly with the neighborhood. Together, they will strive to eliminate blight, reduce crime and increase community awareness.

For more information about the kickoff meeting or CBS, visit http://www.cityoftacoma.org/cbs or contact Mary Beth Riggs at (253) 591-5160 or mriggs@cityoftacoma.org .