Video: Princess Theater Patrons and Staff meet with City Leaders and Southside Neighbors
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus’ Princess Theater drew an early crowd Tuesday night, just not to the usual location.
A large crowd of Downtown residents and Princess supporters met with Columbus city leaders at the YMCA to discuss the future of the nightspot and the issue of safety in the city..
A shooting near the theater March 19th has focused attention on the area, and had the Mayor and City Council considering drastic action.
A compromise plan put in place by the owner has potentially cut crowds to a quarter of what they were by closing the theater portion of the business, and temporarily self-imposed a 10:00 P.M. closing time.
Princess patrons say the problem has been more about crowds than hours, and would like to see a gradual return to a later closing time.
On the city’s side, new streetlights have been installed, and more are planned. And Police Chief Oscar Lewis says they are planning more patrols around so-called hot spots in the city.
Community Organizer Julie Parker is glad the safety issue is getting the city’s attention.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to continue this conversation to collaborate together and really strategize about what we can do collectively to make a difference for our city that is very positive.”
Princess regulars like Tyler King want their favorite nightspot to get a fair hearing.
“I appreciate the fact the city gave Mr Lawrence a chance to meet with community members and other downtown business owners to come up with a solution other than putting a moratorium on the business itself or just shutting it down altogether.”
Princess owner Bart Lawrence is expected to present a new safety plan at the next Columbus City Council meeting.
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