PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – If you visited South Street after certain hours on weekends last summer or last week, you may have noticed barricades blocking South Street, as well as a heavy police presence.
It’s a beautiful late May evening on South Street.
“I like to sit here, have a bite to eat, shop…smoke a cigar and people watch,” said Tony Crudup of Mount Airy, who was riding a beautiful candy apple red Victory Motorcycle.
But Crudup and people like him are not the problem.
According to Lt. Steven Ricci of the Philadelphia Police Department, “It’s definitely a noise problem…a lot of dirt bikers and drag racers like to rev their bikes and blast loud music. But it’s also a safety problem.”
That’s why on weekends this summer, Philadelphia Police will erect barriers to close South Street to vehicles from 5th Street to 2nd Street, if necessary.
“It’s also a quality of life issue … which became a nuisance for businesses and residents,” Ricci said.
Eric Carabelli is one such resident. He said there was “a lot of noise and pain”.
That’s how it was before the closures.
Carabelli said, “This year the police have been much more involved.”
Ricci told CBS News Philadelphia that business owners have had mixed reactions to the closures. Some are concerned that this will have a negative impact on business, while others welcome it.
Ricci simply wants to find a healthy balance between the needs of residents, business owners and shoppers.
“Our goal is not to close the street, but safety is our main concern,” he said.
Siafa Lewis
