As a popular destination for Albany’s nightlife scene, Pearl
Street is a place for fun and wild times at its many restaurants and bars. Sometimes, the place is a little too much fun, and the area has caught a negative reputation for disorder. After a recent brawl in its streets, Albany is taking proactive steps toward making Pearl Street a more responsible hangout with a positive image.
On Friday, July 15, Mayor Jerry Jennings announced a set of initiatives which he and the participating businesses hope will improve the atmosphere on Albany’s main street.
The campaign, called “Pearl Street, It’s Your Street”, will include the efforts of Bayou Cafe, Blue 82, and several other businesses in the residence.
Components of this new initiative include:
- TIPS training for all employees who serve alcohol at the participating venues. Training for Intervention Purposes certification is designed to teach staff how to keep from over-serving customers and to handle patrons who are intoxicated. This certification will have to be renewed every three years.
- A marketing campaign including a TV commercial, paid for by the businesses
- Identifiable uniforms for security staff
- Cheap Nighttime Parking. The Columbia Street Parking Garage is open for parking after 5pm for $2, without charging an extra fee to cars left overnight and picked up before 8am. Crowne Plaza charges $3 for parking with a ticket validated by a Pearl Street bar or restaurant. Street parking at metered spaces is free after 6pm.
With these goals in mind, Pearl Street is moving towards a better image.
Do you think these measures will make any changes? Can you suggest any improvements Pearl Street could make? Please share with us!
