Bar Owners chipping in for extra safety on Saranac Thursdays
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: April 10, 2012
Those who have been to a Saranac Thursday know that the even can often times carry on into the night with people bar hopping and enjoying themselves on Varick St.
In the past, The Utica Police Department has had grant money to pay overtime for officers to be there for extra safety with the large number of people out in public.
But this year, not so much.
"It's time we all have to chip in," said Celtic Harp owner, Tom Powers.
Powers says his number one priority as a business owner is keeping his customers safe but the city's money problems came as a hurdle for Tom when he found out there was no funding for extra police officers to keep an eye on things during after hours.
And that's when the brainstorming began.
"We as business people have come together and decided to chip in to keep the police presence here. We don't really have a choice. We can't run the event without the police. We have to chip in and that's what we have to do," he said.
With the large amount of people, and mixing in the alcohol factor, Sgt. Steve Hauck with the UPD says over the past few years, Varick Street after dark has been well maintained.
"It's been very good down there. For the amount of people that go through there on a Thursday night, it's a safe area, and I think a lot of that has to do with police presence," said Sgt. Hauck.
Keeping the famous Saranac Thursday's a safe and fun night for the community is something Tom Powers says he wants do do, even if it means reaching into his own pocket.
"There's not really much of a choice," he said. "We all feel that it's important for us to do our part to keep Thursday nights alive and vibrant."
Saranac Thursday will be in full force on May 24th.
In the past, The Utica Police Department has had grant money to pay overtime for officers to be there for extra safety with the large number of people out in public.
But this year, not so much.
"It's time we all have to chip in," said Celtic Harp owner, Tom Powers.
Powers says his number one priority as a business owner is keeping his customers safe but the city's money problems came as a hurdle for Tom when he found out there was no funding for extra police officers to keep an eye on things during after hours.
And that's when the brainstorming began.
"We as business people have come together and decided to chip in to keep the police presence here. We don't really have a choice. We can't run the event without the police. We have to chip in and that's what we have to do," he said.
With the large amount of people, and mixing in the alcohol factor, Sgt. Steve Hauck with the UPD says over the past few years, Varick Street after dark has been well maintained.
"It's been very good down there. For the amount of people that go through there on a Thursday night, it's a safe area, and I think a lot of that has to do with police presence," said Sgt. Hauck.
Keeping the famous Saranac Thursday's a safe and fun night for the community is something Tom Powers says he wants do do, even if it means reaching into his own pocket.
"There's not really much of a choice," he said. "We all feel that it's important for us to do our part to keep Thursday nights alive and vibrant."
Saranac Thursday will be in full force on May 24th.
