Station Street Curfew Lifted as Safety Plan Announced
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The city of Chattanooga unveiled a new safety plan today for Station Street.
Two weeks ago, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly instituted a curfew on Station Street businesses.
He ordered businesses to have their last call for alcohol at 12:30 and to close their doors at 1 a.m.
Now this new safety plan, although temporary, is looking to fix that.
The Senior Legislative Assistant for the Mayor, Chris Anderson, said, “We all have a shared responsibility and interest in having a safe and fun entertainment district.”
The temporary safety plan announced today will be in effect for 30 days starting on Friday night.
With this plan in place, Mayor Kelly has elected to lift his curfew of these businesses as they will be allowed to remain open until 3 a.m.
However, as part of the safety plan, seven off duty CPD officers will be added to the street between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.
They will have the authority to make arrests or issue citations if necessary.
Two additional on duty CPD officers will be added between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
A ban on open alcohol containers outside of businesses will remain in effect.
Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy said, “In recent months there have been far too many incidents on Station Street, but even one is too many.”
Six businesses have agreed to help fund security during weekend nights.
These are Regan’s Retro’s Bar, West Bound Honky Tonk, Boneyard Bar, the Comedy Catch, Stir, and Tailgate Brewery.
They will pay on a sliding scale based on how late they operate, and with a small match from the city.
Not every business on Station Street has signed on and will be providing that funding.
One such business is The Blue Light.
In a statement to News 12, their owner said quote, “As of this morning, we had been told less than 1/2 the business owners on Station Street had agreed to the plan. We had not agreed yet either, as of this morning.”.
The city plans on a more permanent solution through an ordinance.
Anderson said, “After the 30-day period we envision a permanent plan that involves a legal entity like a business improvement district in which every property owner will be compelled to be a part of.”
Those plans are still taking shape.
The City believes they are on the right track with this issue.
Anderson said, “With this plan in place, the mayor is satisfied that we are making concrete progress to a safer, healthier, Station Street. I would encourage all guests to thank these businesses for taking the issue seriously by coming down in the evening for a visit. See for yourself that it is possible to be safe while having fun.”
One addition to the street is retractable bollards that will cost the city $40,000.
They will block off traffic during weekends to provide room for pedestrians.
City officials say they don’t believe any are installed in the city at this time.
(From Google Maps)
