The conduct in question was clearly illegal and isolated to a specific group of frequent users of the plaza. The Town could have developed a long list of new restrictions in the park that would have punished all users for the illegal conduct of a few. The other option was to enforce current laws and hold the offenders responsible for their conduct. Obviously, the Town chose the latter. The response crafted by the police department was aggressive it has also been effective.
Violations are down even though vandalism has continued.
Complaints from the area have plummeted and business has improved for shops in the area. But the response is not without criticism. Much has been said both pro and con about the Town s response to the violators on Riverside Plaza. The bottom line is that the rights of one individual end where they violate the rights of another. Accountability can be uncomfortable for those who violate the law and harm or offend others.