a “Share the Streets” group for downtown?
Posted: January 23, 2012 Filed under: Politics 5 Comments »I just came in from the Lowell Downtown Neighborhood Group meeting. Towards the end there was a poignant discussion regarding the need for more protocol, or a mutual respect for all who share our downtown. Somehow, that spirit has been lost as hordes of partiers come to lowell to cut loose on weekend nights … the numbers seem to keep growing.
I don’t criticize the emerging dance culture … “Lowell is a City” as was said, and people like to go out, drink, dance and have fun. But the problem is that there are people who aren’t interested in that kind of lifestyle, who still wish to be out and about on a weekend night without intoxicated free spirits knocking them over and taking their belongings. Or they may want to stay home and read a book or be with someone special and not have music booming or other forms of crude noise and actions.
The problems have grown recently, and people have had just about enough. Efforts have also escalated by the police and the establishment owners who are trying to keep order. So what can we do as residents?
Admittedly, there are so many revelers in the general party group that frequent the constantly growing scene, that its difficult to manage them so that others who do not partake can also enjoy a relatively peaceful and joyous lifestyle in the way that they like to live. Happiness is not a one way street.
Yes Lowell is a City, but instead of resigning ourselves to that fact and doing nothing, downtown residents can consider starting other informal groups or subgroups. A seed for an idea was planted, like a “Share the Streets” group that advocates for protocol in the streets so that all can safely and peacefully enjoy the amenities of downtown 24/7.
For example, if Downtown is now a major draw for young partiers from all over region each weekend, they need to be held accountable for wreaking havoc fueled by demon alcohol. A group could form to study the issues and come up with some ideas for enhancing their own lifestyles while countering irresponsibility. Several examples immediately came to mind and were discussed (and it felt good).
Food for thought. It’s a start …
George DeLuca, ComeToLowell.com
That Demon Alcohol…
Not sure which I prefer: The original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv4N5g2GYMA
Or the remake:
The “Rat Pack” version is a classic! Thanks Thomas.
In the past there has been discussion about closing the bars earlier because of the out-of-towners that come pouring in due to earlier closing times in the areas around us. Perhaps it would work if the bars simply barred their doors to newcomers at 1 AM. I wonder if a few weekends of serious police presence and a no- tolerance policy would help as well. Those were probably brought up last night – but just thought I would offer them up.
I think Kad Barma has been working this issue and his call for the license commission to do more is the way to go at this time.
Just a thought. Oh, and can we get print preview, to prevent chaos on the blogs?
Regards — Cliff
This from LDNA this morning Feb. 4 about an incident last night around 2am:
“I just recieved this information. There was no stabbing however a young man was severely beaten on Middle St. after leaving the Village Smokehouse. He was med-flighted to Boston and is in critical condition but expected to live.”