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August 24, 2007

California consultant addresses Center City issues

Expert urges collaboration

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG

PLATTSBURGH -- Jim Peters thinks close collaboration between city officials, downtown business owners, police and college representatives can combat some of the problematic behaviors often found in college towns.

"What we found is there are often issues with the night life," said Peters, president of the Responsible Hospitality Institute.

Peters has traveled from California to numerous cities across the United States to meet with officials as they work to revitalize downtowns while trying to prevent negative behaviors that may be associated with night-life entertainment.

"You want to get the most perspectives possible, and the goal is really to get some kind of consensus on what you want to do," Peters said during a meeting in Plattsburgh. "Begin with the end in mind."

He said the social gaps between different generations of city residents often pose unique problems for downtown development.

"We're experiencing a new generation that's more social," said Peters, adding that many young adults born after 1980 gravitate toward a more social, downtown lifestyle.

"So you have to have a night-time environment that is strategic."

"Many late-night economies tend to be more youth- and alcohol-directed. We need to work more with those businesses to get them better aligned with the community's needs as a whole.

"There's a natural social control when you mix ages and genders. The more you try to segregate ages and genders, the more likely you will have abusive behaviors.

"The more eyes and ears you have on the street, the safer it is."

VARIED CLOSING TIMES

Peters's suggestions, which are already being discussed among the City-College Committee, elicited discussion among local residents, city councilors and downtown-business representatives in attendance.

Peters said a lot of cities have a common closing time, which puts people onto the streets and sidewalks at the same time. He said that can create problems.

He suggested that some businesses could offer juice bars after serving alcohol to help create a social environment that allows patrons to sober up while reducing downtown congestion.

"They (varying closing times) have actually decreased the crime in the area and complaints from neighbors. And the cabs were able to make multiple trips for more people. Why would you want all of these people going out at once?"

CAMERAS

Peters said that strategically placed, fixed surveillance cameras and posted warnings signs could be useful in deterring problematic downtown behavior.

"It's less the cameras than it is the signs that say you're under surveillance," he said.

Having more available public rest rooms could help reduce incidents of public urination, Peters said.

EDUCATION

Improved training for bartenders and bouncers to recognize intoxication could also help, he said, though STOP-DWI officials said a local training program is already available. However, business owners and employees cannot be forced to attend.

Some people suggested that students attend a seminar about appropriate community behavior before being permitted to reside off campus, while others said maximum court fines and stricter college penalties could help deter repeated problematic behaviors.

"Many of you see the glass half empty; I see a glass half full," Peters said. "You have some interesting evolution already in the downtown. I think there are creative ways to maximize what you already have."

avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com

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