Crimes draw ire of downtown merchant, JoDu administration
A spate of recent armed robberies in the downtown and McKinley Street Strip area of Lafayette has at least one Jefferson Street merchant calling for dramatic efforts to curb the late-night population — and the crimes of opportunity that go along with it — and City-Parish President Joey Durel is backing the plan.
In an e-mail thread The Independent was copied on over the Thanksgiving weekend, Rob Robison, owner of Jefferson Street market, urges the Durel administration to take on the downtown’s many bars and nightclubs:
I opened the paper this morning to find that on Wednesday morning there was yet another armed robbery downtown. The situation is spiraling out of control. If some sort of drastic measures are not immediately taken, we are going to watch years of hard work and private investment go down the drain. The problem, at its roots, is simple: this community has tacitly condoned the prolifieration of a criminal enterprise (bars, who by and large flaunt the laws — sneer at them — while stuffing their pockets at the expense of law abiding citizens and taxpayers) which has erupted into a contagion of lawlessness. I would suggest that you declare the municipal equivalent of martial law: a 12 o’clock curfew within the district, for instance. This last hold up occurred in the parking lot of the public library. Why not close it? Why should the taxpayers provide parking for the bar owner’s patrons?
Someone is going to get killed... There are few communities of any caliber that would allow this to happen. I implore you to address this as a priority while there is still time.
On Thursday afternoon, Durel responds to Robison, indicating that he’s on board with taking steps to address crime in the district.
It is time for the [Downtown Development Authority/Downtown Lafayette Unlimited] to stand before the council to demand such measures. I am fine with a 21 age limit, curfew, go cups and a goal of reducing the number of bars downtown. I simply don’t seem to have any support from where it needs to come from, including the council. If I can declare a midnight curfew legally, and ya’ll come a meeting to ask for it...I’m there!
In six years of office, downtown is the ONLY place in this town that this continues to be an issue. It IS the bars and vagrants in the area. Sensitivities have to be put aside. Cameras, signage and any means possible must be used. I would rather see the bars leave instead of businesses like yours. Time for everyone to take a stand together.
On Friday, John Milton, a Lafayette lawyer and former assistant district attorney, also responds to Robison’s e-mail: “There are several issues that the community should be concerned to the point of outrage. This is one of them,” Milton replies. “ I am interested in meeting on this issue to assist in creating the political will to make things better.”
Robison said on Monday that barring 18-20 year olds from entering bars would be a huge first step in addressing the crime problem, estimating it would reduce the late-night population by up to 50 percent. Reducing the late-night population, he contends, would limit the opportunities for criminals to prey on bar patrons — “low-hanging fruit,” as he refers to them. Current law allows people 18 to 20 years old to enter bars, with the caveat that they wear a wrist band identifying them as being underage and unable to buy alcohol. But Robison contends some bars routinely ignore the wrist bands, or the underage patrons find ways to obtain alcohol, and that the economic incentive for the bars to serve all patrons regardless of age makes downtown Lafayette a magnet for underage drinking.
Lafayette Police, meanwhile, say they plan to address the issue of crime by stepping up patrols — “reallocating resources,” as spokesman Cpl. Paul Mouton told The Daily Advertiser.
... written by Plumpy , November 30, 2009 - 05:44 pm
gee..That's just ashame...Downtown bars with drunk's being robbed...gee...go figure..God must love stupid people . He put so many of them HERE !!
... written by Cajunrunner , November 30, 2009 - 07:20 pm
18-20 year old college "kids" are not the source of Downtown Lafayette's crime problem.
Look at the Local Arrests section of the newspaper. Quite a number coming from the 100 block of S. Buchanan. Guess what wonderful non-profit is located there, one which invites vagrants and drug addicts?
The vast majority of Downtown crime is being caused by druggies and vagrants, not college students. Barring 18-20 yr olds from entering bars will not stop criminal actions.
... written by Sensical , November 30, 2009 - 08:03 pm
How about banning women too? That may cut down on sexual assault.
Whatever we do, we need to make sure that action is taken against the victims, not the perpetrators.
... written by M. Leblanc , November 30, 2009 - 08:11 pm
Most likely, Cajunrunner has located the problem but cutting back on the number of sheep (18-20 year olds) might help too.
... written by educatedsoldier , November 30, 2009 - 08:37 pm
How about stepping outside of the circle and looking at how stupid this article is in the first place. It should not even be run. Does it really make you feel better to blame the bars? Why don't you shut down the Acadiana Mall too - being that it is a place that has had rape, robbery, AND MURDER occur more than once! It is not the Acadiana Mall's merchants that should be blamed-just as it is not the entertainment district downtown that should be blamed. Not only are venues one of the most challenging business models to run, but they account FOR BILLIONS of dollars made by the US Economy. You think curbing crowds of people are going to make those that commit crimes just give up? You think the 18-20 yr olds that you make out to be the criminals are robbing people in parking lots? You talk of sheep? Who is the real sheep? Who is the one being educated by a media that only targets "bad" news stories, then sensationalizes them? That is a sheep to me. You probably think you know everything about Iraq too... from what CNN says.... but I bet you've never stepped foot on the soil. Why don't you go and spend some time in the downtown entertainment district before you write another thread and write off the hard-working people that have also made investments to bring that once "ghost town" back to life. How interested in downtown do you think people will be if the entertainment district was not there - the wouldn't as they weren't before... It would be a ghost town AGAIN !
... written by Max M. , November 30, 2009 - 08:42 pm
McKinley Street and Jefferson Street are 2 different worlds at night. What on Earth is this guy talking about?
... written by educatedsoldier , November 30, 2009 - 08:53 pm
Footnote: No offence to The Independent when I commented on "how stupid" the article was. By no means was I referring to the paper. I was referring to the complete ignorance of the Jefferson Street business owner who initiated the thread, and who has only had his property value INCREASE because of the entertainment district... I might add.
... written by Solutions? , November 30, 2009 - 09:19 pm
Blue laws, the laws on the books that regulate alcohol, are a blight on our civilization. If you think I am wrong, google the country that has the most alcohol consumption per capita vs. alcohol related deaths. You will find that the countries with the loosest laws have the least alcohol related deaths and crimes. It's the same premise with pot. If pot were legal, do you think that the stigma that associates pot use with rebellion would exist? I think not.
You want to get rid of the crime downtown, get rid of the bums. The same ones are there every day (I know, I just moved out of the downtown area three months ago.) I haven't seen a fight downtown in quite some time, not to say they don't exist, just not nearly as much as I saw back when the McKinley strip was the hangout. Also, the lighting is poor downtown and there aren't nearly enough security cameras. The fact is that downtown Lafayette is the cultural mecca of Acadiana when it comes to arts and entertainment. The arts are what have kept this town from ending up like Lake Charles.
... written by Owner Downtown , November 30, 2009 - 10:44 pm
It is amazing what a corrupt government will do... The bars dont bring the trouble the over charging of the bars and clubs by this so said downtown detail should fix this problem, once again its called criminal activity and it can be done on both sides of the law.....Mr. Robinson I wish you would come downtown on a Sat night before your bed time at 7pm and see what kind of crime we actually have... Also show me the stats for the rest of the town and the activity.. How about I write a letter to shut down your buiss for failure to make any contribution that anywhere compares to what I have done for this district and see if money reaslly make a diff here... Oh and this statement" criminal enterprise (bars, who by and large flaunt the laws — sneer at them — while stuffing their pockets at the expense of law abiding citizens and taxpayers" didnt your mother ever teach you not to call the kettle black?....I would suggest you know the people your talking about before you follow the crowd with this I hate downtown bars crap....
... written by confused , November 30, 2009 - 10:49 pm
Get rid of public parking (Public Library) for downtown patrons? Boy, that makes a ton of sense. Instead of parking in well lit parking lots lets all park on dark and narrow side roads because no criminal will think to rob people there!!
... written by Amazed by ignorance... , November 30, 2009 - 10:52 pm
In all honesty, this is rediculous. You cannot place blame on the bars for crime committed by the trash that congregates on the blocks behind downtown. If anyone that's who the police need to keep an eye on. There has always been some fool who places the weight of the problem on the businesses that have made downtown the popular area that it has become. Before the bars opened downtown, no one would even dream of going there. These bars/clubs have paved the way for downtown to become what it is. These businesses paved the way for the wonderful restaurants and great night life that we have there now. Remember people, if it weren't for these "trouble causing bars" the days of a desolate downtown area would still be here.
... written by Kenny , November 30, 2009 - 10:58 pm
Lets not compare McKinley to Jefferson, and if you ban the 18 to 20 croud, Downtown will empty out again, and our city will turn into Alexandria.
I remember when I first moved to Lafayette, one of the main reasons was because of the nightlife, and I think that is somenthing everyone should be able to experience.
... written by Who Cares Now??? , November 30, 2009 - 11:26 pm
Let bring prohibition back!!!! Because it worked so well last time!!!
Alcohol is a legal substance but yet you have the self rightous who believes everyone who consumes it is just pure evil and is a burden on society. There is a very small percentage of the people that go downtown that actually causes any trouble, but yet now the self rightous wants it all shut down to fit there beliefs and using the few instances of crime as their argument.
I do not personally go downtown all the time, out of PERSONAL choice, but I dont believe the bars are the problem. How about we crack down on the few that are violating the law and punish them instead of punishing an entire City. If this kind of closed mindeness is allowed to take control of the Downtown Area then who will be next?? Anyone that the self rightous believes to be evil and a burden on society!!!
Why don't the City actually investigate the problem and come up with a solution that actually works?? Closing bars will never be a solution to fixing crime. The law abiding people who support Downtown bars need to get together and "ALL" attend a council meeting and have their voices heard before the self rightous takes control of yet another city.
... written by northsidian , December 01, 2009 - 12:03 am
Solutions, my man!! How strange, I really agree with you on this. As far as the e-mail response from joe-du to his chamber of commerce bud, it doesn't even qualify a response!! But I will give one anyway. "It's the criminals stupid!!"
... written by realitychecks , December 01, 2009 - 12:29 am
The bars are already paying for greater policing. Residents don't like the idea that cops might feel that businesses are a priority bc they pay more. Meanwhile, residents and the library, carry a great burden to the social agencies that attract the most addictive personalities to the community. Mr. Robison, as a board member of Acadiana Outreach, should be more concerned with that clientele! He has access to the financials and should be able to read clearly that this agency has plenty enough money to provide security to the downtown community. Maybe he wants us to look the other way for some reason. How about social agencies that flaunt laws of basic sanitation? AOC & St Joe Diner, which seem to think that the historic district are their own Fairgrounds for exploitation should be paying parade fees every day for cops to manage their unruly clients that roam the downtown area. The residents and library are burdened by these "clients" without any compesation whatsoever. How about Robison push for management of social agencies and get them under control and prevent further expansion into development of permanent housing for crazies in the area!?! Permissiveness toward the homeless and vagrants is the cover for much drug dealing, which may well be the cause of these crimes Mr. R complains of!!!
... written by observation , December 01, 2009 - 12:52 am
Right - blame the bars who are selling alcohol legally and paying taxes rather than the pretend to be homeless drug dealers who are selling their goods in the alleys (under the tennis shoes hanging from the powerlines)........why don't we tax the drug dealers and make them pay for the extra police protection? Oh - that's right - we subsidize them instead- thru NGO's money.
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , December 01, 2009 - 01:58 am
If you take all the police who congregate on Jefferson Street on one corner to B.S. with each other and spread them throughout Jefferson Street, you'd still have the easy pickins on the side streets! The 21 age limit is the best answer!!! THE ADMINISTRATION (LPCG) NEEDS TO ENACT AH PARISH LAW $ DRAFT ALL THE JUVE'S 18---21 AND SEND THEM TO AFGHANISTAN $ IRAQ !
....JODU'NT, DERE'S YO ANSWER--DRAFT EM ALL, THEY'RE TOO YOUNG TOO DRINK AND BRING IN SUM $$$$$$$$$$ FO YO COFFERS !
YEAH ! THAS THE ANSWER!!! SHEEEEET ! THEY WILL BE GIVING THEIR LIVES FOR YOU $ WALL STREET!!!!!! THERE ARE PROBABLY 10,000 JUVE'S HANGIN DOWNTOWN AND THEY HAVE NO BUSINESS DRINKING AND HAVING FUN( MEETING SUM RUB)! WHY SHOULD 18-21 YEAR OLDS GET TA PARTY LAK THE GROWN-UP COUILLIONS AND DO MARDI GRAS PARADES !!!! WHEN, DAS AH GOVAHMANT RIGHT FOR DA TAX-PAYIN CITIZENS WHAT SUPPORT DA FIBER! DESE LIL COUILLIES JUST USE ALLUS DA FIBER !!!!!!!!
... written by Ashley Q. , December 01, 2009 - 02:07 am
As an employee of a popular club downtown, I personally take on responsibility to make sure that there is no alcohol served to any minor. There are places that do ignore the law and i do believe that this should be inforced however I do not believe that underage drinking or OF AGE drinking has anything to do with cars that are getting broken into. If a minor wants alcohol you can almost guarantee they will find someone to buy them a drink. It is those that are not in the clubs that probably cant even afford it and are ingorant enough to break into cars and take our hard earned belongings! I think the smart thing to do is to have businesses choose whether their parking lot should be used or not, and if so, have law enforcement watch over the parking lot and they can even charge to park there so the person who parks there knows that their belongings are in good hands. Now it is up to the police to do their job. If someone doesnt want to pay a little parking charge, they can go park their car down a dark alley and they are pretty much asking to get burglarized! Its common sense people. Even if you have to walk outside to check on your car, it is definitely worth the walk, and dont forget to not walk alone because you dont want to get killed now do you? Dont shut down the nightlife of Lafayette simply because police are not patrolling enough because that is part of the problem. I often see 5 or 6 cops sitting on the railings in front of a bar....doing what? Sitting down doing absolutely nothing and just watching people walk by. When they could be in their car riding through the parking lots. By shutting down the bars, there will be MORE unemployment which means we will probably be living off of the government which is what we are all trying NOT to do. Think about it!!!!!
... written by Made enough money working downtown to open my own business , December 01, 2009 - 04:00 am
Robison,
Why don't you take your used business to "upper Lafayette", where you will be safe. And Joey Pinnocchio Durel, please start finding jobs for all 500 college students that work DT. Then please find more people like Robison to rent all the empty buildings DT, turn it in to a huge flea market. As I recall, Mr Durel, did/doesn't your family own businesses in Lafayette? Can you imagine if someone threatened their business? Karma is a bitch, not a nightclub.
... written by Jason Theriot Downtown employee , December 01, 2009 - 05:37 am
Yes Mr.Robison i agree that the only reason that you have to make downtown bars at night a target for causing the most crime in Lafayette,but what you didn't account for is the area around downtown Lafayette and the arts district.You want to reduce crimes "they" said (they meaning people who commented before me)get rid of the homeless people on the streets downtown at night whom ask people for money every night and when they dont get it,get aggravated and then rob people.Again the comment about the "why should the hard tax payers allow people to park at the library for free"as the problem,seriously that parking lot is the of the most well lit parking lot downtown closing it wont change a thing because of the fact that every other parking lot isnt well lit and people still get robbed,so instead you would like not only to close the best lominated parking lot also making it the safist i think not,what you should do is require that parking lots downtown are more well lominated and have cameras.Guess what those hard paying tax payers you are referring to, that park there for free and are cause the problem downtown just so happen to be the same 18-20 year olds you wish to ban for entering bars.Barring 18-20 year-olds isnt the problem and you know it,but that with be your excuse for the crimes cause downtown,think of it like this if say about 10 to 12 people go in the Acadiana Mall and steal,rob,cause fights, or even rape someone in the mall or around it(which have all happened before)would you close the mall......no and you know why it's because everyone shops there,including you and 18-20 years-olds,and provides what hard tax payers money which goes into lafayettes pocket.The bars and the 18-20 year-olds are not the problem it's the area around it the northside is just on the otherside of downtown,and another thing it was my understanding the Lafayette Police department are supposed to be watching these parking lots around downtown but are not doing so as often as they should.If it werent for the things that brought downtown to life,the bars,it would be a abandoned wasteland!Also if you close all the bars downtown guess what else with be closing pretty soon every restruant and business that is downtown cause no one with have much need to be down there.So the arts that make downtown "downtown" will lost like before!Plus banning the hundreds of college kids that come out isnt gonna change anything cause they will still find a way to drink and have fun anyway,will it bring down the numbers of underage drinker .....yes but nothing will change.Not to mention the very large number of people that will be unemployed,your looking at about 30-40 percent of lafayette which also means the number of Lafayette Police Department that will cause an uproar because their pockets also will suffer from this and we dont want that to happen do we? So i close with this the businesses arent the problem and neither are the 18-20 year-olds,cause the bars dont sell unless to 21 and over parons,it the area around it and the homeless people walking the streets.I think you should come downtown at night and see for youself i bet you would enjoy every minute of it.
... written by Unempirical Observer , December 01, 2009 - 05:52 am
If one goes anywhere outside of South Louisiana, you shall find that "go-cups" are not permitted. This may be a fix to the problem of persistent bar and club-hopping and the littersome trash issues.
Can we also get cigarette butt receptacles installed downtown? I mean, this is a considerable trashiness problem, and all that mess goes straight to the Bayou Vermilion.
I agree with the commenter who speaks with respect to the age of majority for alcohol consumption. Our problem is not the age of the patron, but the limits to total consumption not placed upon them. I would suspect that the slice of the population that frequents the bars is limited, but like any effect, if you were to remove them from this sphere, downtown would be diminished during the rest of the day.
So maybe, let's set the closing hours a bit earlier than 2:00am, and ban the go-cups to cut down on the litter.
As for the prejudiced talk on the "bums." Someone needs to collect some data, and then an approach to deal with this needs to be made. If the city just takes out the stick to deal with beggars and pleaders, but fails to address the problem of the persistently homeless, then this will continue. Some will continue to do this anyway, and some are just passing through, and go where the crowds are. They're lucky I guess to have a town with a vibrant core.
Is Austin worth emulating?
Banning 18-20 will kill the hopes for viable music venues downtown. Whether "illegally" obtaining alcohol or not, they're the backing population that makes live independent music possible. They supplement the crowd size that us older drinkers of refined and not-so-refined spirits normally consist of. Take away the music (and I don't mean the booty-shaker tunes) and you just have a bar.
... written by AmyG , December 01, 2009 - 12:49 pm
The bars are not the problem. An utter lack of security that the bars are forced to pay for anyway is the problem. A few years ago when I was going out more, privately contracted uniformed police officers wouldn't even allow people to congregate on the street. Shouts of, "Keep it moving!," could be heard throughout the night. Since the city "upped security" there are more vagrants than ever allowed to linger and panhandle outside of the bars. I live downtown. On many nights I observe officers gathered together on side streets, leaning on the hoods of their cars, just talking. I've seen 6 police cars respond to a call for 1 bum illegally charging people to park in a parking lot. Why? Isn't there anything else to do? What happened to patrolling? What happened to an officer stationed outside of each bar, preventing people from congregating in the street? It's a shame that the bar owners- who, in fact, started the rebirth of the downtown area- are being blamed for a lack of security when they pay upwards of $500 monthly to the police department for that very reason. It's time that the police step up and do the job they are being PAID for.
... written by Andooie , December 01, 2009 - 02:23 pm
written by educatedsoldier , "How about stepping outside of the circle"
I thought it was a box?
... written by realitychecks , December 01, 2009 - 03:57 pm
As for the prejudiced talk on the "bums." Someone needs to collect some data, and then an approach to deal with this needs to be made. ******************************************* "Prejudiced" is actually "informed" based on living and/or working in the area. The media is all about their innocence as though they all are. The fact is that there are many people, just down and out and need a little help, but there are many, many, sucking up services for years and are being enabled in their addictions. It should also be called "tough love".
As to stats, a council meeting reported some 50 - 60 arrests of homeless in a 5 month period! Many complaints from myself and neighbors go unreported. We are regularly assaulted verbally and visually and our community is defiled with vandalism and outdoor bathroom squatting! We follow up the next day or a week later and there is no record! Also, arrests of homeless are listed under the non existant address of "Oliver" St. instead of "Olivier" St. Also, listings can be found for Buchanan. The one article that The Daily Advertisement FINALLLY wrote, did not consider these other addresses!
... written by Mrs. , December 01, 2009 - 04:23 pm
I occasionally visit downtown during the day to shop, and I don't feel safe downtown. I will actually move my car, if I can, if I have to walk more than a block. I have seen vagrants that give me the creeps. As far as downtown at night, the crime will follow the crowd. "The Strip" used to be plagued by crime and parking could be blocks away. It became safer when hordes of off duty law enforcement officers were hired for security. It was near USL, so campus security patrolled the border with the city. I believe young people have the right to congregate, business owners have the right to do business, and to do so in safety. It is the absolute duty of local government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the public safety. Since I don't frequent the area at night, I don't know how much "patrolling" city police vehicles do, or Sheriff's Dept. vehicle, but they should do a lot since they should be patrolling any time they're not on calls. I do know I see a lot of those agencies' vehicles "visiting" with one another - sometimes 3 at a time. I have to say however, this past weekend, the Mall of Acadiana HAD A VERY STRONG PRESENCE OF CITY POLICE VEHICLES PATROLLING AND I DID FEEL VERY SAFE ABOUT THAT !!! Thank you officers and Chief for the very obvious presence there this past holiday shopping weekend.
... written by Sensical , December 01, 2009 - 04:25 pm
if the guy's problem is litter and people pissing on his building, that's fine and should be addressed. But violent crime should not be used as an excuse to punish the victims, just becasue they belong to a class that does something to otherwise bother you.
... written by gofergreen , December 01, 2009 - 07:55 pm
Good idea Jefferson Street Market Man. Since I'm sure your used furniture store is the driving force of the downtown economy. Let's take all those people off of Jefferson Street and instead of having them walk from bar to bar.... they will be DRIVING from bar to bar - all over Lafayette and I-10. Really good idea. I'm sure Mother's Against Drunk Driving would love that..... and instead of 20 police officers to cover the confined downtown district, we will need 80 to cover where all the patrons spread out....
All of this lash from you because 2 guys (who were both over the age of 21) were rough-playing and broke one of your "used furniture shop" windows 5 years ago. I wonder how protected your precious windows will be if there is no one downtown to watch them while the bums take over.... you should be thanking the vibrant nightlife that the bars helped to create..... Wow. Let me also say what a hypocrite you are for acting like you are responsible for downtown's success while discounting what all of those peoples' $$$$$$ have done for your sales and even YOUR PROPERTY VALUE. Why not run for City-Parish President with all of those great ideas. Maybe you could make some even worse decisions AND PUBLIC COMMENTS than the one we have now.
Hey, MAYBE YOU COULD GET WITH OUR FEARLESS LEADER AND GET SAFESPEED TO INSTALL JAYWALKING CAMERAS DOWNTOWN TO HELP PAY FOR YOUR BROKEN WINDOW 5 YEARS AGO !!! Everyone can be mandated to pin their driver's license on their shirts!!! Picture tickets in the mail!!! More government control!!! Yay!!!!!!!
EDUCATED SOLDIER YOU ARE SPOT ON!!!! and let me say thank you for your service to our country, if your name relates to our beloved military!
Oh, and to you Mr. City-Parish President, the last thing that should come out of your corrupt mouth, in this economy, is the slightest hint of wanting to see ANY business close. What is wrong with you? Those people work just as hard as YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE IN THEIR SHOES with your pet store. How would you have liked for the ASPCA to publicly threaten your livelihood for profiting from the sale of puppies in tiny confined cages... You know to some, THAT IS VIEWED AS ABUSE AND IS WORSE THAN OWNING A TAVERN - BUT THIS IS AMERICA AND THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES, GAVE YOU THAT OPPORTUNITY ! THE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN YOUR PET SHOP WITHOUT BEING HARRASSED BY YOUR GOVERNMENT! MAYBE YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT THAT AS YOU FORCE YOUR WILL ON OTHERS.. But as with most, we gave you a little power, and you forgot where you came from. You obviously have no clue or appreciation what those people have done for downtown, either... You have any idea how many people have jobs because of them? How many restaurants would close without THEIR PORTION of the downtown attraction? I mean really, who was going down there before the vibrant nightlife was added? You think those nice brick pavers (that we tax payers footed the bill on) did it all by themselves? Point your finger in your mirror. If you would waste less $$$$ on ridiculousness and campaign to allocate those WASTED $$$$ to our Lafayette Police Department to hire..... Then, how about issuing a {"no standing around looking at girls all night" order to the downtown police officers} because everything said above BY THE PEOPLE WHO SEE IT AT NIGHT is true....
Then, just maybe you could please your long time pal, Mr. Robison. You know, for many years I have respected you, but not now. Very disappointing.
... written by Michelle G. , December 01, 2009 - 08:31 pm
This is rediculous. I have worked downtown for three years now, and I can tell you a lot about the "police" that work there. They refuse to be paid via check, they all want cash. Why??? So they don't have to pay taxes on it. Hmm, isn't that funny... Then, they get paid hundreds of dollars to stand against the wall at Dwyers and watch people pass. THAT is what Is rediculous. As a bartender, we know if we need a cop for a fight, they let the guys go because they don't feel like doing te paperwork, I have seen it several times.. Maybe if they'd do some paperwork those same people would have already been arrested that night. Just sayin'.
... written by robiwonkenobi , December 01, 2009 - 09:11 pm
A simple solution to a simple problem: Every Friday and Saturday night between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., about 6-10 policeman stand on the corner in front of Dwyer's Cafe just hanging out and bullshitting with one another. Some of these officers simply need to be patrolling the perimeter of the downtown area on all the side streets and alleyways. The rest of the officers just need to stay within close proximity of the most crowded bars/clubs, most of which are all close to one another (Legends,Marleys/CityBar/Karma/Office/Greenroom). It's that simple. The cops aren't doing their job! They just sit there and chit chat. Changing curfews or banning 18-20 year olds would be the downfall of Lafayette.
... written by Nick C , December 01, 2009 - 09:36 pm
Anyone notice the advertisement at the top of the page to the right?
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN : , December 01, 2009 - 09:41 pm
AY,ONLY IN AMERICA, THE HOME OF THE FREE, THE BRAVE, AND THE HOMELESS! Psssst, ya got ah Dime for sum Joe, MISTAH ?
... written by Jessie , December 01, 2009 - 09:42 pm
So, the 18-20 yos aren't one of the main problems downtown? Wow. Then you aren't downtown enough to know what's going on. Stan's, City Bar, Marley's, Nitetown, Karma would lose 90% of their business if the not so ready to drink 18-20 yos weren't allowed to drink. The wristband concept is a joke. There isn't even a challenge in getting a drink downtown or anywhere else except maybe restaurants if you are 18-20 yo. The bar owners try and play it up that they have an older clientele but again, if you've spent anytime downtown you would already know that's a big fib. Bar owners if you really care, stop letting the 18-20yos in your establishments. Why are they there anyway? Don't tell us most of them aren't drinking. Get them out of downtown and a majority of the criminal element will leave. The attacks of the police are typical and pretty self serving. The bar owners don't want to pay for security. I get it. The price of security may be going up and that sucks. Get rid of the liability aka the 18-20yos and I'll bet a months worth of police security your rate you pay will drop. As far as McKinnley street. Does anyone want to guess what the average age of a drinking customer at the Keg is? Bet you it's not 23. Subtract four or five years.
... written by Random Key Stroke , December 01, 2009 - 10:13 pm
Until they create an “omnipresent†police. I would stop pointing fingers Mr. Robison.
... written by Straight Shooter , December 01, 2009 - 10:35 pm
Here is where it needs to start, Police the streets adjacent to Jefferson. There are plenty of Police Officers on Jefferson, yet they are too entertained to stray off of Jefferson. Shouldn't LPD be securing the property and patrons on roads other than JUST Jefferson St.?? Crime happens on the side roads or back roads of Downtown, not on Jefferson where there is most traffic. If LPD would quit trying to intimidate the innocent and worry about the criminals, we wouldn't be having this discussion. Further, why does LPD allow some in the Downtown area to panhandle? Is there not an ordinance aganist this? It is these type people robbing and harassing!! Basically it comes down to this, and I don't mean to be harsh here, but LPD is dropping the ball here. When the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office was removed from these establishments, crime went up. And lastly, aren't the bar/club owners now paying for additinoal security now? Come On LPD, do your job and duty!!!!!!!!
... written by northsidian , December 02, 2009 - 12:17 am
Jo-Du you and your warrior buddies from the chamber of commerce do not want 18-20 year olds downtown. But, I have never heard any of you complaining about them going to Iraq and Afganistan to give their life for this country. But how would I expect ya'll to have the balls to speak up against the oil wars. Also how many of your children or your padnu's in the chamber have childred in the military!! We live in a phony world and ya'll are a big part of it. If they can't go downtown or to a bar because they are in the 18-20 age group then they shouldn't have to Give their life for big-oil in far away lands. You politicians and b.s. do gooders never can see the forest for the trees!! As I have said before, you dumb asses need to arrest the crimanals and leave us alone!!
... written by AgeisAnumber... , December 02, 2009 - 12:18 am
To think that it's 18-20 year old bar patrons breaking into cars and robbing people at gunpoint is absurd, and I'm older! The people who are needing to steal obviously do not have the money to pay a $5-$10 cover drinks to get into Stan's, NiteTown, Karma, etc...The downtown bars and restaurants are the ones keeping downtown Lafayette alive! And to blame them for what is a blatant lack of security is absurd as well, every bar downtown pays a lot of money for those cops to stand around on the corner, or at busy well-lit intersections looking for reasons to write tickets to the "vagrants" looking to park their cars....just because your establishment isn't what anyone would call "successful", don't look for others to blame your shortcomings. You're blaming the bars and their patrons, yet they are the ones being robbed that you're reading about in the paper! Maybe you should pay a visit to a downtown bar and calm YOUR nerves...
... written by johnny skagnetty , December 02, 2009 - 12:39 am
i agree with a majority of the people that say its not the 18's to 20's that are the problem. Id also like to add that everything happens off of jefferson street. how about putting up more lights in dark parking lots and insteed of 10 cops sitting on the corner in front of city bar talking about how they tagged the wrong person with a tazer and SPLIT UP and patrol those parking lots and dark allies! chances are the people are the uneducatied and unemployed that are doing the robbing and stealing (go figure right). so why dont kick this problem in the balls and let the cops do their jobs
... written by DreDay , December 02, 2009 - 01:39 am
To the owner of Jefferson Street Market: "this community has tacitly condoned the prolifieration of a criminal enterprise (bars, who by and large flaunt the laws — sneer at them — while stuffing their pockets at the expense of law abiding citizens and taxpayers) which has erupted into a contagion of lawlessness." Are you referring to the chucklehead who was running Karma and Marleys? The law definitely caught up with him. If you're alluding to all of downtown being some sort of Wild West scenario then it sounds more like you're trying to turn this into a moral issue. These bars are privately owned, government regulated LEGAL business, not some Mafia fronted Speakeasies.
"This last hold up occurred in the parking lot of the public library. Why not close it? Why should the taxpayers provide parking for the bar owner’s patrons?" What? So the people who park at the library don't pay taxes too? Isn't the library a public service funded by taxpayer dollars? They have every right to park there!
To all those who are pointing fingers at the homeless: Weren't the young ladies who were robbed at gunpoint in the library parking lot last week set upon by someone who pulled up in a vehicle? I'm downtown fairly often and I'm pretty sure none of those vagrants drive. There is certainly a problem with bums downtown but honestly they aren't the ones who are robbing and mugging people. I'm out there fairly often and I usually see the same scraggly dudes panhandling and busking. If any of them tried that they're be pretty easy to spot.
None of these proposed "solutions" are addressing the actual problem of crime in the downtown area. No one is going to get mugged on Jefferson Street, certainly not in the immediate vicinity of the bars or around large crowds. This stuff happens on the side streets and in the unwatched parking lots. There needs to be more police presence not ON Jefferson street but in the outlying areas where crimes are more likely to occur.
... written by bar owner NOT IN LAFAYETTE PARISH THANK GOD , December 02, 2009 - 02:20 am
I THOUGHT THE MAFIA WAS GONE BUT HERE IN LAFAYETTE THE MAFIA IS PARISH GOVERNMENT. 15 YEARS AGO DOWNTOWN WAS A GHOST TOWN NOW BARS AND RESTURANTS BRING PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE THE WORLD. DOWNTOWN ALIVE IS A HIT, BARS AND RESTURANTS HAVE GREAT BUSINESS AND BRING IN GREAT TAX REVENUE. CITY GOVERNMENT WANTS TO HURT PEOPLE WHO HAVE PUT THIER LIFE SAVINGS IN A BUSINESS AND EMPLOYE MORE STUDENTS AND PEOPLE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS [BARS] PAY DEARLY TO HAVE COPS DOWNTOWN WHEN DRUG SELLERS ON THE NORTH SIDE PAY NOTHING TO OPERATE. YOU IN LAFAYETTE NOT ONLY NEED NEW LEADERSHIP IN THE POLICE DEPT BUT IN CITY HALL. CLOSE THE BARS EARLY BECAUSE THEY ROB, MURDER, SELL DRUGS AND PAY NO TAXES--- BUT THE BARS EMPLOY, PAY TAXES AND BUY A PERMIT TO OPERATE AND YOU THE PARISH PRESIDENT WANT TO CLOSE THEM DOWN. IWONDER IF THEY CLOSED ALL PET SHOPS WHEN YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS IF YOU WOULD HAVE HAD A FIT. WE NOW HAVE TO HAVE A DOG POND TO PICK UP ALL THE DOGS YOU SOLD THAT PEOPLE DID NOT WANT. IT IS A CRYING SHAME THAT EVERYONE LOOKS AT THE BARS WHEN THINGS GO WRONG. THE BARS PAY EXTRA FOR SECURITY AND GET NOTHING IN RETURN.RAPES HAPPEN AT THE MALL AND WE DO NOT SHUT THEM DOWN. THE CITY GETS SUED FOR BEATING UP BUSINESS PEOPLE AND NO COP GOES TO JAIL.WAKE UP WHO IS THE PROBLEM THE BUSINESS OR GOVERNMENT?????????????????? WAKE UP LAFAYETTE TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE THAT PAY TAXES NOT THE DRUG DEALERS AND DEAD BEATS DOWNTOWN.......WHY MINORS ARE BEING SERVED AT BARS NOT DOWNTOWN AND NOTHING BEING DONE. WHY IS CAJUNDOME STILL OPEN AND DOES NOT PAY SALES TAX...... OPEN YOUR EYES LAFAYETTE..............
... written by realitychecks , December 02, 2009 - 02:40 am
Why does the Diner think their clients can park at the library? This is a dangerous pedestrian pathway with the high speed of Congress and the curve in the road. Doesn't the Diner have to provide parking like any other business? Why is the library bathroom so used and abused by the homeless clients of Mr. Robison's AOC? Maybe if a board member wasn't being paid $1100 to rent his bldg, there could be $$ for port o lets? Maybe if it didn't cost $1Million across two years to run "Tossed and Found" (which merely takes in donations and sells items with all volunteer effort) there could be money for round the clock security? How can that operation cost so much? Maybe if the people at the very well funded, INCLUDING MY TAX MONEY, nonprofit (what a misnomer!!) "church" didn't take a cut of the very expensive party, money could be found for security?! $35,000 in "staff development" could have developed some policing opertunities! (did that about cover an Oxford degree?) Get your NGO to straighten up OR CLOSE DOWN COMPLETELY!!!
... written by Infuriated With An Inside Perspective , December 02, 2009 - 03:25 am
I have to say...that after reading this article, I am infuriated....as someone who has a vested interest in Downtown, and as a citizen of Lafayette! Many of my friends and family work Downtown........and own bars Downtown. This does not make them bad people! This does not mean that their work should be belittled by a fellow Downtown Business Owner, much less the City Parish President! Not once, has a bar owner EVER stated that another business Downtown should close or move because they are essentially 'bringing down property value and causing more trouble than they're worth.' Bars/Nightclubs have just as much right to be Downtown as any other Tax Paying Establishment. And honestly, those Bars/Nightclubs probably pay more Taxes and bring in more Revenue to the Downtown area than ANY of the current establishments on a given week. The Bars and Nightclubs have not only given Downtown life again, but they have provided income for unemployed persons, activity between the hours of 10p and 2a, and provide Sales (and yes, Sales Taxes) to the Lafayette area.
In today's economy, I find it astonishing that anyone would be making it more difficult to make money and establish a business. Since when is it a bad thing to want to be a successful entrepreneur?! The rest of the country is in a Recession...yet...Joey Durel is trying to close down thriving businesses in the Downtown Area?! Really? I must have been sleeping during that lesson in Economics Class! Let's think about this........if we remove the Bars/Nightclubs from Downtown, not only will we have empty buildings, which DROPS Property Values for the area, but it will affect the businesses that thrive on sales from those bars. So the employees of Crescent Crown, Republic, Schilling, Regent Broadcasting, Citadel Broadcasting, Bar Needs Companies, and so many more, would suffer as well. It will also only take money from Lafayette, and relocate it to Baton Rouge, New Orleans and other surrounding areas. With the Bars/Nightclubs Downtown, there are people coming to Lafayette from those very cities, spending their money in Lafayette, supporting the Lafayette economy!
There is nothing wrong with having Bars/Nightclubs Downtown. What is wrong, is blaming them for something they truly have no control over. Bars/Nightclubs are the reason there is extra security Downtown.....Security that they pay for! The restaurants that are open until 2a benefit 100% because they don't have to pay for the 'Downtown Detail', and yet they get increased security, plus no one blames them for crime in the area. Bars and Nightclubs don't mind paying for security to keep their customers safe. Since the "new" Downtown Detail was implemented earlier this year, the increased security has done little to keep the area any safer. When a fight breaks out and officers are needed, Bar/Nightclub Managers literally have to chase down an officer. Seriously, I've seen it done. Now I understand that the costs of this Detail are going up. Really?!? And how is the Durel Administration/Chief of Police justifying this price increase? They are legitimizing their presence Downtown by writing more tickets for Window Tint, Seat Belts and expired Inspection Stickers. So when it goes up for review again next year, they can show how many tickets they've written, and how important their presence is. Is this really what the LPD/Detail is being paid for?? I thought it was for "security" purposes!
As for the 18-20 year olds being banned......that is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard of. How are you going to enforce that?! John Milton, mentioned that barring the 18-20 year olds would be a huge first step. HOW?! Is he saying that the majority of the criminals are 18-20 year old bar patrons? That's a pretty bold statement! And a very inaccurate one. And, 18-20 year olds are not the only people that the criminals prey on. So eliminating them from the area will make little to no difference in the criminal activity.
Joey Durel mentions that he doesn't have any support from the Council. Probably because the Council knows that making the Bars/Nightclubs leave Downtown is NOT the answer. He wants people to take a stand. Well...we need to be the ones to do it! Take a stand to KEEP the Bars/Nightclubs Downtown. Take a stand to keep businesses alive in Lafayette & people employed. ALL BUSINESSES! Maybe we should review the 'Justice' that Joey Durel has done for Lafayette...and take a stand to remove him......
... written by Marty C. , December 02, 2009 - 04:48 am
When Festival International rolls around you'll have to limit that to 21 and over too using that flawed logic in the article. Boycott the Jefferson St. Market and Rob Robinson. Something smells rotten with that article and we're not in Denmark.
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN : , December 02, 2009 - 09:36 pm
O.M.G. Dah police confront ah real-life robber ? Dey back-up ta git their paycheck, dere like lil school girls at recess at de downtown scene ogling da lil girls lak sum, PEDies!!!!! There hasn't been ah real COP in lafayette since "CARLO LISTI" !
Ya'll being too hard on JOEY, he's outta hiss environment!!!!!!! HE wanted ta go ta HEAVEN, but he don't know how ta pray!!! SENTENTIOUS SAUNTER, can't give no mo free passes!!!!!!!!!!!
... written by northsidian , December 02, 2009 - 11:45 pm
Jo-Du wouldn't last a week on the Northside. Jo-Du is a member of the LSC(lucky sperm club)who inherited his Daddy's Business!! What say you boy!! P.S. I am so glad that the people realize the Jo-Du is being pimped by the used furniture dude!!
... written by Julie Calzone , December 03, 2009 - 06:38 pm
I have only one question to ask? Of everyone who is commenting on this article, who lives, works or owns a business in the downtown district? Do you experience the impact of the bars on your daily life?
We love being an entertainment district, but want what everyone else wants - safety, security and peace. The bars don't care - honestly.
... written by Scott R , December 03, 2009 - 06:49 pm
I have been working in a bar for ten years now can agree that some of the blame is bars, but not the biggest. Don't the bars downtown pay lots of money for "security." It's the police's job to take of vagrants and such. They don't. They stand around and watch all the pretty girls walk by. Downtown bars bring more money than do problems. Every festival, holiday, or special event is amplified by the presence of the bars. Our city is growing n with that comes problems. Our parish president promised more security downtown and never delivered it. You shut down downtown n the strip guess what? It's just going to move somewhere else. The bars helped make downtown beautiful. Some people in this world wake pissed off because there old n grumpy. Get over yourself. You shut us down you will have the biggest shit storm this town has every seen!!!!
... written by Layla R. , December 03, 2009 - 08:45 pm
Jessie - (who commented above) Let me educate you a little on THE STATE OF LOUISIANA. The drinking age here used to be 18. It was changed to 21 when our UNITED STATES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT threatened to pull Louisiana's highway money if the state did not raise the drinking age. In true Louisiana tradition, the Louisiana lawmakers found a loophole. Louisiana did not want to lose the highway money, but also did not want to lose the tax money from the 18-20 yr olds WHO PARTY IN BARS. So LOUISIANA, dude, (let me highlight it) LOUISIANA LOUISIANA LOUISIANA made the "18 to party 21 to drink law." How can you sit there and blame the bar owners for a problem LOUISIANA Legislature's greed created? 18-20 yr olds have been partying since before the Civi War...........
Say Downtown Lafayette raised the admittance age to 21.... what do you think every bar in the city of Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, etc, and all Johnston Street bars and all other bars in south Lafayette and surrounding towns would do ??? - You think they would raise to 21 also? No !!! they wouldn't... They would scratch their heads and laugh at how stupid of a solution that would be..... They would actually laugh... So if you were a bar owner, what would you do? Honestly?
And you wanna call out bars that SERVE to minors? Do your homework moron... 2 of the 4 bars you named HAVE NEVER EVEN RECEIVED ONE CITATION FOR SERVING TO A MINOR!
Karma HAS NEVER BEEN ISSUED A CITATION FOR SERVING TO A MINOR! City Bar HAS NEVER BEEN CITED FOR SERVING TO A MINOR! Marley's had 1 citation in 8 frickin years... Stan's... 2 citations in 5 yrs... Nitetown... same thing
IT'S PUBLIC RECORD... GO CHECK IT !!!
Am I saying that it hasn't ever or doesn't ever happen??? Of course not - I am realistic! BUT IF IT WAS AS WIDESPREAD AS YOU MAKE IT SEEM IN YOUR RIDICULOUS 90% CALCULATION, DON'T YOU THINK THERE WOULD BE MORE CITATIONS TO THOSE BARS??? Believe me, there are hundreds of regularly occurring state, as well as, city undercover operations in bars - the police are not that stupid, man. That's also the purpose of having bar cards and required responsible server training... If no responsibility was given to the bartender, there would be absolute NO NEED for them to have PERMITS... and of those bar owner's that I know that have been cited, those employees that broke the law were FIRED ON THE SPOT !!!
The point is ANYONE THAT POINTS THE FINGER AT DOWNTOWN FOR THESE PROBLEMS IS IGNORANT. YOU WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM-CHANGE THE ENTIRE STATE TO "21 TO ENTER EXCEPT IF YOU ARE IN THE MILITARY..." IF YOU CAN DIE FOR YOUR COUNTRYMEN, YOU CAN PARTY WITH THEM. GO PREACH THAT TO OUR LEGISLATURE, JESSIE... stop being IGNORANT.
Oh, and another thing Jessie - Lafayette, Louisiana is THE ONLY PLACE IN THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES that is requiring it's citizens to PAY EXTRA TAXES for police security... Do you know the last time business owners were REQUIRED TO PAY FOR SECURITY? - THE MOB, New York genius... that's how the mob started... extorting money.... Why don't you go onto google, type in the first city (not in Louisiana) that comes into your mind... Call their city hall and ask if they require their business owners IN A CERTAIN PART OF TOWN to pay additional taxes FOR POLICE? Time them on how long it takes for them to start laughing or be dumbfounded at your question... I want to know... My money is on less than a 2 seconds. The fact is, you have no idea how much those guys and gals paid (OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKETS AND OUT OF GOODWILL) in 2009. It is over $200,000.00 my man... Over $200 k of UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ADDITIONAL TAXES spread over 17 barowners' shoulders, MY MAN... I'm not really trying to hate on you, but you need to research before you rant....
Oh, and another thing Jessie - Lafayette, Louisiana is THE ONLY PLACE IN THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES that is requiring it's citizens to PAY EXTRA TAXES for police security... Do you know the last time business owners were REQUIRED TO PAY FOR SECURITY? - THE MOB, New York genius... that's how the mob started... extorting money.... Why don't you go onto google, type in the first city (not in Louisiana) that comes into your mind... Call their city hall and ask if they require their business owners IN A CERTAIN PART OF TOWN to pay additional taxes FOR POLICE? Time them on how long it takes for them to start laughing or be dumbfounded at your question... I want to know... My money is on less than a 2 seconds. The fact is, you have no idea how much those guys and gals paid (OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKETS AND OUT OF GOODWILL) in 2009. It is over $200,000.00 my man... Over $200 k of UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ADDITIONAL TAXES spread over 17 barowners' shoulders, MY MAN... I'm not really trying to hate on you, but you need to research before you rant....
... written by Jim R. , December 03, 2009 - 08:54 pm
Why is no one looking at the biggest picture? Anytime you have a growing city, you need to hire additional police officers. Hello CITY/PARISH GOVERNMENT ????? HELLLLOOOOOOO???????? You're telling me of the 70 million dollars Lafayette takes in annually just on sales tax, more officers cannot be hired? Maybe if millions were not spent on projects like museums (that no one visits) that cannot even financially sustain themselves when comelete, there would be more money for officers! How can you expect certain citizens to be taxed more than they already are for police??? So what if a new "bar strip" opens somewhere ??? You'll have the same problem if you do not hire more police. More businesses pay more taxes therefore the city should hire more police officers. Stop breaking the police department's back. Give them more officers! You cannot tell me that Lafayette doesn't have the money. Lafayette is one of the strongest, most progressive cities in the nation !
... written by downtownmanager , December 03, 2009 - 11:38 pm
I feel there is enough police presence downtown. Only if they would spread out more instead of wasting 10 to 15 minutes per ticket for windown tint, seat belts and head light violations they would be able to patrol the side streets...
... written by Unempirical Observer , December 04, 2009 - 01:12 am
Layla R elicits a few other thoughts from me. She makes a good point about the federal actions to raise the drinking age and about the bar situation.
1st: Good point on the drinking age. While we suffer from a culture of personal irresponsibility with respect to alcohol consumption, the federal mandates were well meaning, to cut down on the number of alcohol related driving fatalities. America is a car-dependent culture. We neglect public transporation and traditional city building, which are the background variables which factor in to this issue. Our brothers and sisters up in Canada as in France, and many other non-American locales, maintain an 18 or younger alcohol possession, consumption, and purchasing minimum. One would be hard pressed to say they are more fatally burdened than we are now. So, others deal with their issues differently than we do. The Feds aren't going to change the highway incentive anytime soon, and Louisiana is not going to be the darling to lead the nation in that fight.
2nd: One problem with the bars and the city agreement with them to pay for extra security is that to some extent, a captive audience exists downtown. Several years ago when the bars were proliferating, the council and mayor imposed a restriction, capping the number of bars downtown. Properties could not become a bar thereafter unless they already were a bar. This has meant many establishments have had to diversify their activities into restauranteuring. The point is, with this captive audience, the commercial operating environment downtown is less free and thus, slightly more captive, to any demands by the city for extra police pay.
TO close again, really, let's get rid of the "Go-Cups" and let's stagger the operating schedule at the bars. Why should we allow alcohol sales right up until the hour of closure, (where the police hastily summon all remaining persons to move on out, to their cars one would imagine, where they await DUI charges.) Alcohol sales should cut off 30-60 minutes before bar closure. The closure time need not be 2am as it is now. Even 30 minutes would allow for drinkers to complete their drinks, and eliminating go-cups would take away the last call drink to go.
Has anyone else researched this, or are there mostly emotional appeals, rants, and threats on these boards?
P.S. Any entry standard to the bars would probably have to be city-wide. It would be surprising to see the LCG, acting on behalf of the City of Lafayette, enact an age increase limited to only the Downtown Development Authority political sub-district. But then again, who knows what is legally possible.
But then, we'll probably send all the kids back to Maurice or god knows where.
... written by A.C. , December 04, 2009 - 04:02 am
Unempirical Observer,
You make an excellent point at the end. That is exactly what will happen... Instead of being within a five to eight mile radius of their homes, the (kids) will begin driving to Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and any parish below,above, or inbetween where they can go out! Now you will have all of these eighteen to twenty yr olds (that MIND YOU usually only have only "2-3" years of driving experience,) drinking and driving to these far away places. CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS? TRAFFIC FATALITIES WILL SKYROCKET ! Ask the people from North Louisiana (who have enacted 21 and over laws in a couple cities there) with a neighboring parish of an eighteen admittance age. THEY WILL TELL YOU ! Those kids will hop in a car and drive for hours (and usually drink on the way) to go and party in their neighboring parish! Not hard to motivate them into doing so. I mean, what's the alternative? To just stay home?
People, for this 21 thing to work, and to make a real change in an irresponsible culture, WE HAVE GOT TO DO IT STATE WIDE !! Any other attempt is going to create "pockets" of bars everywhere and traffic fatalities will skyrocket!
... written by downtownmanager , December 04, 2009 - 08:28 am
to Mrs CALZONE i live downtown and am totally aware of the problems downtown. The problem isnt the 18 to 20 year olds its the bums that ask you for $$ every two seconds and the slap on the wrist they recieve when cops are called out. I am on the buchanan end of downtown and im sure im not in the "higher end of downtown" you live in. Im sure the live music and major crowds that gather at the Filling station are to much for you to handle.
... written by downtownmanager , December 04, 2009 - 11:32 am
also to mrs calzone, for you to say the bars dont care is as stupid as saying elvis is alive! Our main concern is the safety of our customers. If i know someone has been kicked out for causing a disturbance we do not let that person back to our place at all. You are starting to sound like all these other people that go to bed at 9pm by saying that none of the bars care about security/safety of downtown
... written by northsidian , December 04, 2009 - 09:20 pm
Listen folks, banning 18-20 year old from downtown is about as smart as the dumb asses who voted out video poker in Lafayette Parish. That is why 75% of the folks in the casinos are from Lafayette. We have no video poker and the outlining areas that do get all the tax revenue. Why do you think Evangline Downs is now in St. Landry Parish? It was the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the local church leaders who were against this. The taxes alone could have payed many more police and provided more lighted streets. The same folks who were against this are now wanting the bars to pay for security. (which is bulls*** anyway and probably unconstitional) Death to all additional taxes, rate increases and political bullshit!! What say you boy!!
... written by Another Downtown PROPERTY Owner , December 05, 2009 - 06:32 am
Julie Calzone: Let me first say that if the bar owners did not care about security, I hardly think that THEY WOULD HAVE COME TOGETHER WITH THE CITY in less than 6 months formulate and implement a plan to pay for police protection, something every other bar owner in every other city (no matter how populated their street is with bars) is entitled to and pays nothing for. 6th street in Austin has over 140 bars on one street - they pay 0.00 for their police. I'm pretty sure rather than being cooperative like the bar owners here were, many others would have revolted until Kingdom come. I would, however, be very interested in knowing when (exactly) you purchased property Downtown, Julie? I know I purchased mine AFTER the revitalization project was complete and people started "noticing" downtown, WHICH THE BARS HAPPENED A BIG PART OF. Had someone said in 1985 "Hey, you want to invest in some property downtown... I would have given them directions to the nearest psychiatric hospital and then recommend they get their head examined" Julie, what made you decide to reside downtown? Was it the empty buildings of the 1980's??? Vagrants on every corner walking the desolate streets all night? I don't think so. Just the mere fact that they bent over and took the 'unconstitutional levy' like champs shows that patron security is a priority. What good would it do them to not be? Think about it!
... written by Matt Roberts , February 02, 2010 - 03:59 pm
Is the government prepared to compensate bar owners for interfering with business?
... written by Lafayette resident , February 02, 2010 - 05:18 pm
Crime downtown is an issue, but how much of it are the bars responsible for? It seems like the city should address the issues causing criminality instead of blaming the bars. Downtown is an older and rougher area, but the people committing crimes don't care why someone is downtown. The issue bars create is that people are downtown at night. If you have any business that brings people downtown at night should you require them to pay police? Should restaurants open after certain times have police protection?
I am quite disgruntled about most of what has been suggested to address this issue, but I will say that I am tired of the trash downtown. The reason glass bottles are outlawed is because people are too stupid to throw away their own crap. People are still too stupid to throw away plastic cups, but at least they don't cause flat tires. Until people can throw away their own stuff, I think to go cups should not be allowed.
I am 20 and have gone to bars downtown since I was 18. I have no urge to drink but I pay a cover to watch bands or hang out with my friends. I have not committed any crimes in those two years and no crimes have been committed against me downtown. The reason downtown has been revitalized is because of the bars. If you target them you will lose a vital part of the Lafayette economy.
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