Take the Theater District, add a pinch of "entertainment district" (whatever that is), mix thoroughly with a broad group of stakeholders, season with robust discussion, and where do you end up?
As it turns out--the Theater District!
That's one of the conclusions reached by participants in Wednesday afternoon's meeting that focused on the problems and promise of the north end of the BIA. That area's brand--which, admittedly, could be promoted more thoroughly--is too much a plus to change.
That was really never the aim of the meeting, but several participants thought it was--the meeting was really about how groups with different hours, clientele and cultures might better work together. It turns out, attendees agreed, that everyone co-exists pretty well already.
A group headed by Patricia Lecy-Davis from Embellish Salon will attempt to define a better defined "pact" for how neighborhood residents, clubs, restaurants, bars and stores will use the sidewalks and other common spaces. Stakeholders were again encouraged to participate in the e-mail alert system, call police dispatch when needed and watch each other's backs.
Stakeholders will also continue to explore ways to discourage illegal and nuisance activities. Requiring clubs to close after 2:00 a.m. was a popular suggestion--and may be a good first step.
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As it turns out--the Theater District!
ReplyDeleteYes, the most important task accomplished was to emphasize that the area is indeed the Theater District and should be treated and branded as such. I don't think there is much support for a Pioneer Square type area to be set up.
The continued work to get the crime and nuisance problems to controllable level one would expect in a Theater District will be an ongoing task.
Requiring clubs to close after 2:00 a.m. was a popular suggestion--and may be a good first step
I agree. Only problems appear to be happening after 2:00 from what I have heard of and it is in efficient to expend police resources to handle the bizzare street scenses that occur at this time.
Patricia Lecy-Davis from Embellish Salon will attempt to define a better defined "pact" for how neighborhood residents, clubs, restaurants, bars and stores will use the sidewalks and other common spaces.
A good start would be for businesses to take resposibility for their patrons who are within 50 feet of their entrance, or adjacent to their building that are causing trouble. A business has the ability to ban patrons on the future who are loitering outside and causing problems in the ares.
If this can be accomplished voluntarily, the city can avoid having to enact an ordinance on the matter.