The mobs of kids on the Plaza (Center, Nelson: movies, middle school)

[TabulaRasa]

Until six months ago, I lived right on the Plaza (46th Terr. and Pennsylvania, right by McCormick & Schmick), and if there were mobs of kids storming the Plaza every weekend, I somehow missed it. Maybe I just happened to be on the opposite end of the Plaza every time it happened or something.

[MUTGR]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Does KC play the ads before the news that say "It's 10 o'clock, do you know here your kids are?" They do here all the time. Don't recall KC stations doing that, but I guess it's pretty common.

I'm sure that would solve the problem. A few more public service announcements.

As the article says, it's their city too - what's the problem?

[MOKAN]

Originally Posted by luzianne

....But also what I have heard is that these groups of 150 will "storm" a store on the Plaza and then move on to another store. Can you imagine 150 kids descending on your store at one time? I mean, it's not like they are shopping. Apparently the Apple Store is one of the places they like to go.

It seems like we would hear about that on the news. I guess they didn't steal anything?

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

Until six months ago, I lived right on the Plaza (46th Terr. and Pennsylvania, right by McCormick & Schmick), and if there were mobs of kids storming the Plaza every weekend, I somehow missed it. Maybe I just happened to be on the opposite end of the Plaza every time it happened or something.

I know people who live in Dunleith and other places north (and south) of the Plaza who rarely actually go to the Plaza and who avoid even driving through, especially at peak times such as on Friday and Saturday nights. I don't know why people are like that, but that's beside the point. Do you actually go to the Plaza? Did you observe 47th, Nichols Rd, and the JC Nichols fountain area regularly on weekend nights? Did you actually go to the Plaza on weekend nights? Movies, dinner?

[Bluefox]

Originally Posted by MOKAN

Well, this problem has been going on for years now, so we shall see. The city and police seem to be getting serious about the problem judging from their latest statements and plans. They should have been at this point over 2-3 years ago when Mayor James had to duck for cover from nearby gunshots while showing around out-of-town guests. I saw on the new the other day a local pastor calling for plans and stating that something has to be done or these incidents will "destroy the city".

But I wonder how Westport is doing. I have heard it's calmed down, but am not sure. Last time I was down there on Friday or Saturday nights on a regular basis was 2010 and shootings and mobs were still a problem then. Back then I remember police used to literally herd the black youth/young adults like cattle.

I've lived in Westport for the past 5 months or so and haven't personally witnessed anything like this. I'm about 1.5 blocks away from the center of the neighborhood. I did see a larger group of about 15-20 teenagers when I was doing some holiday shopping at the Plaza in December but it was more of an annoyance because they were walking slowly and like 6-7 abreast and being rowdy and it was just impossible to pass them. I literally could not wait to get to the intersection to cross the street because it was just too much.

[joshmvf]

I heard that a few stores have started closing earlier to avoid the trouble which is a shame.

The police chief said they'll be watching the movie schedules closely so they can station more officers around there when the popular movies get out.

[MOKAN]

Originally Posted by Bluefox

I've lived in Westport for the past 5 months or so and haven't personally witnessed anything like this. I'm about 1.5 blocks away from the center of the neighborhood. I did see a larger group of about 15-20 teenagers when I was doing some holiday shopping at the Plaza in December but it was more of an annoyance because they were walking slowly and like 6-7 abreast and being rowdy and it was just impossible to pass them. I literally could not wait to get to the intersection to cross the street because it was just too much.

^Well that's good to hear. Like I said, the last incident in Westport I knew of was in 2010 and I've heard Westport has calmed down. Didn't a troublesome place close? What was it called?

Come to think of it, I searched around at that time (2010) and found no indication of what I witnessed in the media. 3 black guys chased 2 black girls into the parking garage on Mill St and the shots came after they were in the garage and out of my sight, but it was very close by. Before the gun shots I thought they were playing or messing around. Two of the cops herding people on Westport Rd ran the same direction the 5 people had before the shots occured. That makes me wonder how many other similar incidents go unreported.

[joshmvf]

Originally Posted by MOKAN

^Well that's good to hear. Like I said, the last incident in Westport I knew of was in 2010 and I've heard Westport has calmed down. Didn't a troublesome place close? What was it called?

Come to think of it, I searched around at that time (2010) and found no indication of what I witnessed in the media. 3 black guys chased 2 black girls into the parking garage on Mill St and the shots came after they were in the garage and out of my sight, but it was very close by. Before the gun shots I thought they were playing or messing around. Two of the cops herding people on Westport Rd ran the same direction the 5 people had before the shots occured. That makes me wonder how many other similar incidents go unreported.

America's Pub was a trouble spot and it closed down last year I think.

Westport itself always seemed ok as long as you stayed within the confines. I've had two different friends get into trouble once they ventured too far, but that's why I take taxis.

[luzianne]

Apparently they congregate in Mill Creek Park before/after going to the Plaza.

[MOKAN]

Originally Posted by joshmvf

America's Pub was a trouble spot and it closed down last year I think.

Westport itself always seemed ok as long as you stayed within the confines. I've had two different friends get into trouble once they ventured too far, but that's why I take taxis.

You could certainly get robbed walking outside of Westport, especially in a north/northeastern direction (39th between Main and Broadway can be very sketchy), but the actual shootings, fights and herds tended to be in the very center of Westport in the middle of it all on Friday and Saturday nights, especially in the summer.

[PVPete]

Westport is changing pretty quickly from a rowdy bar area to a more mature restaurant scene. There's a freaking frozen yogurt place there now! There were a couple isolated crime incidents just north of Westport, but its a much safer area than it used to be.