Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, the agency that oversees development in the downtown district, has released a response following numerous media reports of crime in the area over the last week. An INDsider report Monday detailing proposals to target bars in the area, meanwhile, continues to generate heated debate in the comment section, most of it in favor of the bar owners.
DLU released the statement Monday afternoon:
We would like to respond to the recent reports concerning public safety in the Downtown District. The Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited are continually and actively working with the city administration and the police department to address public safety needs Downtown, and they have our complete support and cooperation. We would like to commend Police Chief, Jim Craft and his department in apprehending criminals causing many of the Downtown issues.
As late night activities and crowds have grown, discussions have been ongoing as to what measures can help manage the environment to continue its safety and enjoyment. These discussions have included reconciling the drinking age of 21 with the entry age of 18, regulating open alcohol containers, and revisions to alcohol regulations as may be recommended by the police department. We are meeting with the administration and police department to evaluate these and other courses of action. We, of course, are not a regulatory agency and recognize that this is a process involving government, business and individuals.
Recent measures taken include: supplemental patrols, increased security on the weekends, the institution of a Downtown public awareness campaign, and efforts are underway to secure a space for a Downtown reporting station for the police department.
Downtown Lafayette is fortunate to be a bustling arts and entertainment district, which hosts thousands of attendees weekly. Everyone must do their part to ensure that Lafayette is setting the highest standards and utilizing resources in the most effective manner. We are pleased to have the support of Lafayette Consolidated Government and Lafayette Police Department in continuing to make Downtown a safe place to be.
... written by citygirl , December 01, 2009 - 06:48 pm
"Downtown Lafayette is fortunate to be a bustling arts and entertainment district, which hosts thousands of attendees weekly. "
.......& it's slowly becoming a mecca for drunks....too many bars downtown and it's attracting a crimminal element. If people wouldn't get sh*tfaced, they might remember where they parked....just sayin
... written by JP , December 01, 2009 - 07:34 pm
I think that's a reasonable response by DLU. Their efforts to improve safety are appreciated.
More armed robberies would logically dictate more police presence. It's pretty ridiculous to blame 18-20 year olds and bar owners for the armed robberies. Some people, including Joey Durel, seem to want to take this opportunity to go after people they don't like. However, it's not unreasonable to take a look at the entire situation. No one believes that 18-20 year olds are going inside bars and not finding some way to drink. Also, the "go cup" is reprehensible and encourages drunk driving.
Mobile, AL is a great example of a fun yet civilized downtown environment. Maybe Lafayette regulators could take a trip there for some tips.
... written by Cajunrunner , December 01, 2009 - 09:26 pm
At least Downtown Lafayette Unlimited hasn't come out blaming the private businesses who had the biggest hand in downtown's re-juvination (bars & nightclubs). The Downtown-4 Corners-Buchanan street area had a crime problem before the bars brought back downtown's popularity. Downtown Lafayette used to be a place almost exclusively for vagrants and druggies after 9pm up until about 2001.
... written by BE REASONABLE , December 01, 2009 - 10:27 pm
Robberies are being perpetrated by criminals who are preying upon people who go to bars and other activities in the downtown area. The criminals (and the causes) are not the bars, the bar owners, nor the patrons of those bars. To be clear, I am at home at night, some times sleeping in my recliner during the first half of a football game. Enhanced security in the downtown area is the solution, not blaming the downtown entertainment district.
... written by realitychecks , December 01, 2009 - 11:03 pm
"Soft policing" tactics of chronically homeless and repeat offenders is a problem. The myth that such persons are getting help at area agencies is used as an excuse for the police to go easy on them. If the police do not practice full criminal procedures with them, under the premise that some agency is handling it, such agencies should provide serious policing and supervision in return, particularly relative to the adjoining neighborhoods. Half way and three quarter houses should all have live in counselors; particularly, when financials show salaries paid at each facility, there should be persons working there!! (Robison, look into it!) Supposed "self monitoring" as a part of the recovery process is a joke, only the neighbors are not laughing!
... written by yomamaspajamas , December 02, 2009 - 05:17 am
Everyone should just carry a gun, problem solved. FTFY
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.......& it's slowly becoming a mecca for drunks....too many bars downtown and it's attracting a crimminal element. If people wouldn't get sh*tfaced, they might remember where they parked....just sayin