By Courtney Gousman
University City, MO (KSDK) - A controversial bill that could have meant big penalties for those found loitering the streets of The Delmar Loop was voted down Monday night.
The proposal was initiated weeks after problem-teens started to create drama in the business district.
We're talking about groups blocking the sidewalks and even causing fights. Police have stepped-up their presence, and a curfew has been enacted to help curb the problems.
On Monday night, both council members and those who work in The Loop businesses, agree the changes have been working and there's no need to create another rule to follow.
"It was really hard to get around people. Sometimes fights would start out. There were occasions there were group fights," says Bevin Blake, an Assistant Manager at Avalon Exchange.
Roderic Kerner, a sales clerk with Hats-N-Stuff says, "Sometimes they'll be a large number of teenagers, young people. It's bad for business."
Those are some of the problems that plagued businesses in the Delmar Loop. In April, police started to step-up their presence, and a 9 p.m. curfew was put in place for those under 17 to help curb some of these issues.
"I think they're getting better. There's been more police presence at nighttime especially. I think that's been helping out," says Kerner.
"Since the police force has been out on the street it's been a lot more calm on the weekend," says Blake.
As an added protection, University City council members considered enacting a bill that would create penalties--even fines--for anyone found loitering or blocking streets and sidewalks in this area. The bill was brought up for consideration at Monday night's special meeting, which attracted a number of special interest groups hoping to take on the proposed bill. They wouldn't get the chance.
"I would like to see this bill killed not postponed indefinitely," says University City Councilman Byron Price.
Council members decided to kill the bill-echoing the positive results seen since stepping-up police presence and adding a curfew. It was a relief for residents.
"It made me feel like I'm not the only one that cares. It was kind of a collective effort and it was a win for everybody," says resident and activist Rikki Byrd.
The vote to kill that bill was unanimous. Council members say they still have the right to reintroduce it later, if necessary.
NewsChannel 5 also talked to a teen who says she's planning to put together a rally to combat the violence in the Delmar Loop area, for later in this summer.
KSDK