Lt. Steven Ricci of the Philadelphia police is working to balance the needs of residents, businesses, and shoppers while prioritizing safety in the city. On South Street, there have been barricades blocking the street during weekends and late hours, with a heavy police presence. However, Tony Crudup from Mount Airy enjoys spending time on South Street, eating, shopping, smoking a cigar, and people-watching. The issue isn’t with people like Crudup but with noise from dirt bikes, drag racers, and loud music, which is also a safety concern.
Residents like Eric Carabelli have complained about the noise and disturbances before the closures but have noticed an improvement this year with more police engagement. Some business owners have mixed feelings about the closures, concerned about the impact on their businesses. However, Lt. Ricci is committed to addressing the noise and safety issues that have been affecting the area without shutting down the street entirely.
This summer, police will be closing off South Street to vehicles on weekends as needed to address the noise and safety problems. While some may see this as a restriction on their freedom, Lt. Ricci believes that it is necessary to ensure that everyone in the area can enjoy their time safely. By balancing the needs of different groups, Lt. Ricci hopes to create a more enjoyable experience for everyone on South Street.
