Post by newsfeeder on Jul 5, 2006 7:47:48 GMT -5
COUNCILORS CONSIDER CHARGING FOR WATER STREET CELEBRATIONS
Concern over the rowdy behavior that ensues on Water Street during Harborfest celebrations continued Monday when councilors discussed a possible entry fee onto the bar-lined alley.
After the regular committee meetings had adjourned, the topic was brought up in discussion by Councilor Edward Harrington, D-3rd Ward, who suggested a $5 cover charge for all those who want to patronize the Water Street bars and linger in the general vicinity.
Harrington said the money earned would be used to help pay the overtime hours that local authorities will be putting in as extra security for the street.
“There will probably be 1,000 people entering (Water Street) on Friday and Saturday,” said Harrington. “If we charge $5 a head, that equals $5,000 to put forth to overtime.”
Harrington also noted that there should be no re-entries under his proposed plan, meaning people will be charged every time they try to enter.
Other councilors voiced concern that the cover charge would promote more of a party atmosphere, thereby creating more potential disturbances throughout the city.
“On appearances, if we charge money to go into the ‘cage'... it's as if we're sanctioning an event and saying, ‘go at it and party,'” said Councilor Timothy Rice, D-6th Ward.
Acting Mayor Randy Bateman also noted that the fee may drive people away from Water Street.
“What if people don't want to pay?” Bateman asked the councilors. “Will people go elsewhere to have their party?”
If so, this would negate the effort to contain the rowdiness to one area.
No action has been made to send this proposal up to the Common Council. For now it will remain a thought to be discussed at a later date.
www.pall-times.com/articles/2006/07/05/news/news2.txt
Concern over the rowdy behavior that ensues on Water Street during Harborfest celebrations continued Monday when councilors discussed a possible entry fee onto the bar-lined alley.
After the regular committee meetings had adjourned, the topic was brought up in discussion by Councilor Edward Harrington, D-3rd Ward, who suggested a $5 cover charge for all those who want to patronize the Water Street bars and linger in the general vicinity.
Harrington said the money earned would be used to help pay the overtime hours that local authorities will be putting in as extra security for the street.
“There will probably be 1,000 people entering (Water Street) on Friday and Saturday,” said Harrington. “If we charge $5 a head, that equals $5,000 to put forth to overtime.”
Harrington also noted that there should be no re-entries under his proposed plan, meaning people will be charged every time they try to enter.
Other councilors voiced concern that the cover charge would promote more of a party atmosphere, thereby creating more potential disturbances throughout the city.
“On appearances, if we charge money to go into the ‘cage'... it's as if we're sanctioning an event and saying, ‘go at it and party,'” said Councilor Timothy Rice, D-6th Ward.
Acting Mayor Randy Bateman also noted that the fee may drive people away from Water Street.
“What if people don't want to pay?” Bateman asked the councilors. “Will people go elsewhere to have their party?”
If so, this would negate the effort to contain the rowdiness to one area.
No action has been made to send this proposal up to the Common Council. For now it will remain a thought to be discussed at a later date.
www.pall-times.com/articles/2006/07/05/news/news2.txt