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Don't rush BayWalk decisions
A Times Editorial
Published August 25, 2005
The worst thing the St. Petersburg City Council could do today to address the conflict between police and protesters at BayWalk is to act hastily. There is no emergency, and the two measures council members are considering - removing temporary barricades and closing Second Avenue N to traffic - could cause more problems than they solve.
Police have arrested or ticketed several antiwar protesters in the past couple of weeks, and the controversy has drawn larger crowds. On Friday and Saturday nights, the south entrance to the entertainment complex is crowded with patrons, protesters and curious spectators. The scene is often noisy and confused, but here is an important fact: No one has been hurt and both business and protest go on.
Contrary to accusations over a few arrests for ordinance violations, the police have shown restraint. Officers are videotaped by protesters and often heckled, yet there is no evidence they have responded unprofessionally. And despite complaints about the barricades, protesters have gotten their message across with little inconvenience.
Some council members want the barricades removed immediately and the mayor to determine how Second Avenue N can be closed to traffic on weekend nights. The council's interest in resolving differences between free-speech advocates and police is understandable, but council members should give great weight to the advice of police Chief Chuck Harmon. It is his duty, after all, to keep the peace while protecting everyone's rights - an unenviable task.
Harmon said he would "have some reservations to pull the barricades out without coming up with an alternative." As for closing the avenue, he explained, "you would take the courtyard from BayWalk and expand it into the street." The potential for large, unruly crowds and physical confrontations would require more officers, which could leave other police duties uncovered.
So there is a lot for the council to consider, and little reason to make a hasty decision.
[Last modified August 25, 2005, 00:52:33]
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