Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- It has only been on the table for a short time, and already the proposal to install security cameras in downtown Colorado Springs has become a hot button issue.

Tuesday Colorado Springs City Council discussed the possibility at its formal meeting.

The proposal includes 10 cameras, all of which would be placed along Nevada Avenue and Tejon Street.

In total, the cameras would initially cost about $190,000 dollars.

Colorado Springs Police officers would strategically place the cameras in the areas where crime happens most.

"The issue of security has come from the retailers downtown and the shoppers that go to downtown," Steve Cox, Chief of Economic Vitality, said.

Some of the proposed locations include the intersections of Pikes Peak Avenue and Tejon, Bijou Street and Tejon, and Colorado Avenue and Nevada.

Chuck Murphy, leader of the Downtown Solutions Team, agreed with officers.

He said people have become tolerant over time of things such as panhandlers and violence.

"The downtown cameras have been successful in other areas, and some people think it is an intrusion, but I do not think it is for people who are behaving," Murphy said.

But not everyone is convinced the cameras are a good idea, including dozens of residents who spoke out during council's meeting.

"I do not understand how they are going to keep me safe, and quite frankly I do not feel unsafe walking downtown," downtown resident George Rapko said.

Rapko said the cameras are unnecessary, a waste of money and an invasion of privacy.

"The cameras are always on, so if they catch one percent of criminal activity during that time the rest is me walking down the street," Rapko said. "I do not think that is the city's business at all."

If approved, city officials said the cameras would be monitored by trained volunteers and added the system would be designed to ensure individual rights are protected.

The proposal also includes money to buy a sidewalk sweeper for the downtown area.

City council is scheduled to vote on this issue in two weeks.