Residents and shop owners in Syracuse’s Westcott Neighborhood are concerned that the recent troubles with the Westcott Theater might have an impact on business. They’re still reeling from a series of break-ins last fall.
Most people visit the Westcott neighborhood for its funky shops and unique restaurants. But Co-director of the neighborhood association Sam Gruber is worried a few bad incidents might tarnish the area’s cool vibe and keep people away.
“It's very safe. The stores are great, the restaurants are great, the bars are great, people are well behaved," Gruber said. "But we have to be careful that we don't slide down the slope into a situation that that we can't climb out of.”
Gruber says the neighborhood has had its ups and downs over the past few decades, but he says for the most part things are going well.
“We have almost 100% occupancy of the retail establishments, but the margins for these small business owners are very small," Gruber said. "So a dip in business can affect their survival.”
Gruber adds that’s especially the case when they have to pay for repairs caused by vandals. Mayor Ben Walsh said the city remains committed to preventing future problems.
“We've had additional special police details patrolling the neighborhood. We've been able to significantly decline those types of incidents," Walsh said. "But the most recent one which did involve gunshots was a reminder that there's still work to be done there. It's a gem in the city, it's a vibrant neighborhood, it's mixed-use. We want to preserve all of that and ultimately make it better.”
Walsh and Gruber hope increased enforcement of theater events will keep rowdy patrons under control.
