PITTSBURGH \u2014 Since mid-June, six blocks of East Carson Street have been blocked off each Friday and Saturday night for South Side Street Fest with private security monitoring entrances, equipped with metal detectors. Only people 21 and older are allowed in the space. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s the new late-night strategy designed to make the South Side a safer place in the summertime.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of improvement. We aren\u2019t seeing as many fights out on the streets. We aren\u2019t seeing officers running from one intersection to the next,\u201d Sargent Andrew Robinson told Channel 11. <\/p>\n
Pittsburgh Police Sargent Andrew Robinson has seen it firsthand when he works the weekend festivals. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo far it\u2019s been a success. There has not been a lot of violent incidents. There have been very few fights. A lot of happy people are out on the street enjoying the street fest and happy they can walk down the street with an open container from our vendors,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The statistics back up his claims.<\/p>\n
According to Pittsburgh police, from June 20 to August 2 this summer, South Side Entertainment Patrol has only made 17 arrests, compared to last year\u2019s 44.<\/p>\n
Plus, officers recovered just one weapon during that time frame, which is a big contrast to 21 weapons from this time last summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have security at the gates; they\u2019re patting people down, private security. They have to walk through the metal detectors. There are no weapons, no knives, no guns, no mace,\u201d Sgt. Robinson said.<\/p>\n
However, since the start of the festivals, some South Side residents tell Channel 11 that bars and restaurants have felt empty.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe street fest has taken business away from a lot of people and a lot of the bars. A lot of my friends have lost money from bartending,\u201d South Side resident Bunni Blue told Channel 11.<\/p>\n
On Friday nights, Sgt. Robinson says the festivals average around 1,600 people, and on Saturdays, 2,200.<\/p>\n
\u201cA vibrant business district is not going to survive if it\u2019s not safe. I\u2019ve worked here for the last 15 years. Ebbs and flows have come down here. For a long time it was not safe, and it had that reputation. We\u2019re making it a lot safer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The festivals go until Sept. 12, and the plan is to host another street fest on Halloween weekend.<\/p>\n
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