YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – City officials outlined steps they will take to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors to downtown, including targeting two establishments that are focal points for fights and underage drinking.
Mayor Jamael Tito Brown was joined by city department heads and civic leaders at the Phelps Street Gateway for a Wednesday morning news conference to announce the new Downtown Safety Action Plan.
Downtown is seeing increased activity, including the reopening of Octave, investment by Varsity Club and the return of Prima Cucina, the mayor said. The plan announced Wednesday follows discussions city officials have had with downtown restaurant operators, patrons and building owners.
“Today, we put all on notice that our office will use all legal resources that we have to ensure that we protect the safety of all who come downtown and all who have invested in our community. We will protect our downtown,” he said.
There will be a “heavy and strong police presence downtown” moving forward, police Chief Carl Davis said. Hookah Bar and Lounge and The Social bar have been identified as “focal points for disruptive gatherings, characterized by unruly conduct that includes fights, underage drinking and many other unlawful activities.” Repeated incidents at the two locations have placed “a serious strain” on departmental resources, and the unruly behavior there hinders the ability to maintain optimal police coverage in other parts of the city, he said.
“With that being said, we are implementing a zero-tolerance policy to address these issues effectively and decisively,” he continued. The owners and operators of both establishments and those engaging in disorderly behavior were put on notice the activity will no longer be tolerated, and the city police department is fully prepared to use all available legal means to ensure compliance and to maintain order, he said.
“We are confident that these measures will restore peace and security to our downtown, fostering a welcoming environment for all,” he said.
“We are here prepared to act with swiftness once [the mayor and police department] approach us about what we need to do about these nuisances,” Law Director Lori Shells Simmons said.
Fire Chief Barry Finley reminded establishment owners and operators that there are occupancy codes that they have to adhere to, and that inspectors will be checking to ensure they are in compliance.
“If your bar or establishment is over occupancy, make no mistake about it, and hear me good, we will empty your bar out,” he said. “And if it continues, whatever the law says we can do, up to shutting you down, that is what we can do.”
Youngstown Police Lt. Gerald Slattery said there has been a “slight uptick” in violations related to individuals not understanding the rules of the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area, which allows patrons to drink alcoholic beverages outside in designated areas using specific cups. “They feel like they can walk around with open containers wherever they want, which isn’t the case,” he said.
Similarly, there has been an increase in underage drinking that officers will address, as well as loitering and panhandling.
“We want people to come down here. We want them to have a great time. It’s a beautiful area, but we need you to abide by the rules. And if you abide by the rules, we won’t have a problem,” he continued.
Brown, who is running for a third term as mayor this year, deflected the suggestions that Wednesday’s announcement was motivated by politics. Several downtown business owners, frustrated by city policies, have come out in support of his opponent, Youngstown Flea owner Derrick McDowell.
“I’m still a mayor. I have a job to do,” Brown said. “It just happens to be this is election season.”
Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson addressed the relationship between downtown and the campus. Students come from around the country to attend YSU, and top of mind for most parents is whether their kids are going to be safe, Johnson said. He also reminded students that any of them who can’t act responsibly downtown would face “a student conduct issue” on campus.
“We have so much optimism around what’s happening to improve downtown Youngstown and bring the community downtown. That’s what we’re all about – the seamless integration between the campus and downtown,” he said. “If we want people to … come downtown and to visit the campus and feel that seamless integration between the two, then it’s got to be a safe and secure place for people to come with their families.”
Barry Hammond, co-owner of Octave, a live music café and event center on Phelps Street, said he appreciates what the city is doing to address downtown issues. Business owners “invest a lot of money down here” and “expect to get a return on our investment,” he said. He acknowledged there are issues related to crowds running down the alley from Hookah and Social late at night because something has happened at one of the establishments. He also said patrons occasionally are approached by panhandlers.
“There’s nothing you’re going to be able to do to stop that completely,” he said. “But my patrons feel safe.”
Pictured at top: Mayor Jamael Tito Brown speaks during Wednesday’s news conference. At left is YSU President Bill Johnson.