DISQUS

Rich · 1 year ago

I'm wondering if the hoopla over disruptive teens at 8 Great Tuesday's is really as big of a deal as the Erie Port Authority claims it to be. There are a number of comments from people to suggest that there hasn't been any real problems.

Of course fighting is a problem, but the reported problems of littering and loitering seem petty. It's a park, there's going to be loitering. And with the amount of food and drink being sold, littering is inevitable consequence (maybe charge a clean-up fee to the vendors since they're obviously reaping the benefits).

Is security that lacking that the problematic teens feel free to engage in violent behavior? How many security personnel are there and what are they doing to minimize problems (e.g., actual patrol the park instead of being stationary, hiring a few off-duty cops, etc.). With 800+ teens attending the event or even 800+ adults, there needs to be extra security.

Regardless, without the number of teens there along with their disposable income, I'm wondering what kind of impact the vendors will see.

My impression so far is that the Port Authority had it out to get teens from the beginning.

moski · 1 year ago

The problem is nobody is providing any hard statistics. You can't tell me that with 800+ teenagers down there not one video has serviced of any impropriety. None of these 800 teens has a cell phone camera? Not one adult has brought a video camera? No news stations capturing any footage? No YouTube?

Who is actually complaining? Is it the same elitists that didn't like the idea of "Beer on the Bay" but just love "Wine on the Bay"?

Blondie · 1 year ago

I was kinda thinking the same thing when I read that they went back to the rule about teens admitted only with an adult. There are a limited number of things to do for teens in this town, things they would be interested in at least, and this is one of them. Also, they have disposable income to spend at such events. I think back to my teen years and the time spent at the Millcreek Mall, loitering and hanging near the pay phones. Then they began to have security move us along even though we were just sitting and talking, not causing trouble. If we were two adults sitting and talking, it wouldn't have happened. I think the same happens here. If it's a teen standing and talking it's called loitering. If it's an adult then it's called socializing. Seems to me most people aren't moving while they are trying to listen to a band play. Give them a break already.

bojosmom · 1 year ago

Can't wait to attend Dan Rice Days! Thanks for the information. Especially will want to see the Amish bake sale, the civil war re-enactors, the parade, and the arts and crafts show. Another weekend, another fun event!

bojosmom · 1 year ago

This may be off topic but just read the story about CiCi's Pizza coming to Harborcreek [taking advantage of the LERTA]. Having been to a CiCi's in Wichita,Kansas many times, let me tell y'all that they are very active in the communities in which they build. They donate money and time to community causes, host field trips[very popular with pre-schoolers;-) ], hand out free balloons to every child who walks through the doors, have greeters when you enter their establishment and a trademark yell when the pizzas are done cooking, offer a great variety of pizzas, and~ Welcome To Erie, CiCi's. Cannot wait to visit if you are anything like your franchisers in Kansas! Not to worry, Papa Joe's I still love your turkey bacon swiss salads and your proximity to my home!!!

Jenson · 1 year ago

Bojosmom-- how reliable is your source on CiCi's? I'm not questioning it at all, but was just curious if it will really happen. I've been saying that Erie has needed a CiCi's for years. It's a perfect place for Erie-- lots of food at cheap prices. If it's going in Harborcreek, there will be an influx of GE people during lunch which should be great for business.

Jenson · 1 year ago

FYI-- found the article you must have read at GoErie. They say, "It's not a done deal yet, but it's about as close as you can get," Baldauf said. "We're excited to have them coming in."

Sounds like it could really come to fruition.

moski · 1 year ago

I used to eat at a CiCi's in Dallas Texas. It will be nice to seem them come into Erie.

Also about the 8 Great Tuesdays situation. Should the solution to be rename the park from Liberty Park to something else?

I say this because the irony of what is transpiring and by definition Webster's dictionary lists the following for the word "Liberty"

A: the quality or state of being free: B: the power to do as one pleases C: freedom from physical restraint D: freedom from arbitrary or despotic control E: the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges F: the power of choice

bojosmom · 1 year ago

Hmmm...With freedom in our society there are rights and responsiblities. Having attended three of the Tuesday night concerts in Liberty Park let me just say that it was clear to my husband and myself that there was a problem last Tuesday night. The concert itself was great but some of the crowds of teens seemed intent on creating some discontent. As we were walking back through the crowd just before the last song was playing, two young ladies were behind us and speaking in voices loud enough for us to not help overhearing~ about how often they were offered alcohol and/or other substances by other teens in attendance. We, personally, observed two discussions almost result in physicality[fistfights] over typical teen angst [girls,boys,boyfriends,school rivalries,etc] It is, IMHO,the Port Authority instituting regulations brought on by those teens in attendance who choose to not act in the best interest of the group and cause problems. Sad, but true. sorry for the length of this post. apologies.

MIchael Cortes · 1 year ago

Go Bojosmom! Why is it so hard to see the obvious?

It's obvious that teens will be teens. It's obvious that "loitering" will occur at an outdoor concert. It's obvious that teenage angst occurs in all generations.

It is also obvious that teens will be better behaved teens with their parents around. It is also obvious that loitering need not be rude, obstructing, or a hindrance to those who are trying to get by on a side walk or through way. It is also obvious that teenage angst doesn't need to ruin it for everyone.

Why isn't anyone angry at the teens who caused this problem? Why isn't anyone "loitering" on the grassy area designed for people to gather and enjoy the concert? Why isn't 2 adults loitering? Because 2 teens isn't either. But 25 teens obstructing the walk way and concession stand is.