BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo city officials emphasized that it is trying to keep costs for keeping the Chippewa Entertainment District safe to a minimum, as the debate over making part of Chippewa Street a 21+ only zone rages on.
The debate comes as the district has seen increased violence this summer that has raised safety concerns. The city has increased police patrols in the area but at a high cost — city Mayor Sean Ryan said that the city spends roughly $20,000 every weekend for security on Chippewa — about half the cost of the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
City lawmakers are currently considering a proposal from Fillmore District councilmember Mitch Nowakowski that would create a 21+ only zone on Chippewa from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Current city code only specifies that patrons under 21 are not allowed to be in bars themselves beginning at 10 p.m., something that the Chippewa Alliance, a council of around 20 business owners, voted unanimously to adopt…