A shamrock celebration is the inspiration for a proposal to address an ongoing problem in Manhattan, overcrowding.
Manhattan City Commissioner Rich Jankovich says "It definitely has evolved out of Fake Patty's Day ....The over crowding is an ongoing process."
Jankovich says the proposed ordinance would set restrictions on business occupancy and extend responsibility of enforcement to the Riley County Police department. currently it is just the fire department. Violators of the class A misdemeanor would face fines up to $2,500 dollars.
He says "this is not necessarily a cure or a problem solution to fake St. Patty's day it's just something that may need to be addressed a little differently throughout the year."
Tuttle says "Aggieville Business Association Executive Director Evan Tuttle says overcrowding doesn't just take place at bars or shops. He says "problems right now are in the areas surrounding Aggieville. In the neighborhoods. People don't feel safe in their homes and yards, the whole day. On a positive note RCPD and business owners, especially bar owners have been meeting and communicating better to improve our relationship together."
Jankovich says "It happens in the neighborhoods around, we have significant increase in the number of people coming in to for that party day."
This ordinance is proposed to add an extra layer of protections already in place.
Jankovich "it's about the safety of the citizens and whether or not this problem is significant enough to make a fundamental change."
Tuttle says "we want you to have fun but your safety is paramount."
