Mayor Jim Kalb has offered help with a street camera surveillance project, saying the city will post security signs along Chillicothe Street where the cameras are to be located.

The request for the signs was made by Kevin and Paul Johnson, co-owners of The Emporium at Portsmouth. The two this week initiated a project to install two of the cameras in the 600 block along Chillicothe Street, and one in the municipal parking lot at Chillicothe and Seventh streets.

Kevin Johnson said he plans to contract with Southern Ohio Security to install the three day/night infrared cameras.

The cost for the cameras and monitors is $2,075.80.

Johnson said a number of people have pledged money toward paying for the project.

Main Street Portsmouth, he said, has agreed to be the conduit for collections.

He said businessmen Neal Hatcher and Clay Johnson have said they will match whatever amount the Johnsons may have to donate to pay the full amount, providing it's not covered by contributions.

Checks can be made out to Security Project, c/o Kevin Johnson, or dropped off at The Emporium at Portsmouth, 607 Chillicothe St.

Johnson began the security project after vandals again damaged the small trees that have been planted along Chillicothe Street. He's hoping other downtown business people will come up with similar projects.

"We're hopeful that this effort will serve as a beta test for dealing with security issues in other areas of downtown Portsmouth that are prone to car break-ins and other vandalism," Johnson said. "We're hoping the effort will be an ongoing project for helping our downtown grow and prosper."