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Residents want no harm, no fouls By Tony Boom For The Tidings Revelers looking for a good time on Bridge Street July 4 will encounter neighbors promoting a safe Independence Day celebration, plus a greater police presence this year. Residents complained last year that legal and illegal fireworks, trespassing, underage drinking and traffic were out of control. Since the early 1990's the street has been known as a Fourth of July gathering spot. Police and about 20 residents met on the street June 10 to brainstorm ways to prevent a reoccurrence. "We just want to get the word out to people that it's not the happening place that's going to be a big party," said 12-year resident Jerry Bryan, who attended the meeting. Problems arose last year after the Chamber of Commerce fireworks ended at nearby Southern Oregon University fields, Bryan said. The crowd usually thins after the fireworks, but last year saw an increase. People threw beer bottles, shouted obscenities and threw fireworks under residents' vehicles. "There were a whole bunch of people who showed up on the street," said Bryan. "They weren't invited." This year a detail of six police officers will move to the area after the display ends. The officers provide security at the fireworks launch site at SOU a little more than a block away. "This way we'll have some eyes and ears there right away," Ashland Police Chief Scott Fleuter said. Officers will travel to the site on foot due to traffic gridlock in the area following the display. The gridlock has slowed arrival of police cars on Bridge Street in previous years, Fleuter said. The officers could call for additional assistance, if needed. "We'll try to have some officers pass through before the fireworks, when little kids are out there doing the safe and sane fireworks," said Fleuter. Most years officers have gone down the street. Fire trucks have also patrolled it. However, several residents said it appeared that the city condoned the actions, noting police cars did not cruise the street until 11 p.m. last year. Overall, residents and police say outsiders are the cause of the problems. Many neighbors host family parties. "A lot of them enjoy it. They really like to have the celebration," said Fleuter. Residents discussed strategies and learned what the department will do differently. Suggestions included shutting down parties or moving them to the backyard when fireworks start to take away the "Mardi Gras" feeling. A resident who voiced concerns to the city council in August 2002 is glad that neighbors and the city have worked together. "Perfect, great, wonderful. It's a great beginning," said Kasey Asker, who hosted the residents' meeting in her yard. Stepped up patrols please Mayor Alan DeBoer, who expressed a desire for more control after last year's events. In addition to Bridge Street patrols, DeBoer said he'd like to see fireworks users in the area leave other sites near the university cleaner. "Hunter Park, Ashland Middle School's parking lot, they are just being trashed," said DeBoer. He also fears fires started by legal and illegal fireworks. "We are concerned about the entire town," said DeBoer. "I've had a lot of people want to talk about banning fireworks in Ashland." LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -