You Said It: Cleveland Heights Curfew

Our stories about the arrests and fights after the and the in Cleveland Heights have received quite a reaction from readers.

People posted nearly 50 comments during the past few days. Some applaud the ordinance that prohibits anyone under 18 from being out alone past 6 p.m. in certain areas, and others think it's too extreme. Below are a few excerpts from readers' comments about the new 6 p.m. curfew for everyone under 18. What do you think? 

And thank you for starting and continuing such a lively discussion. We will keep updating our articles. 

Linda Jenkins

"This decision is very good for our young people. I remember my children early teen years they had a curfew that was part of our household rule if it was broken Their dad and myself would call for police intervevtion,this problem with our kids is not a new problem,it's more a behavior issue that young people need to have monitored and managed until they are mature enough to make decisions based on what is right and what is wrong,not based on peer pressure and being part of the group."

Aurora Martinez

"Groups, not individuals, have been the problem on Coventry and elsewhere in Cleveland Heights. Many teens behave very differently in a large group of peers than they would if they were alone or with just one or two others. This new curfew would be much more effective and respectful of individual civil liberties if it were aimed at groups - of any age - instead of at individuals and specifically those under 18. It was reported that several of those arrested after the Coventry Street Fair were 18 years old; how does this curfew address that?"

Anastasia Pantsios 

"What happens to younger-oriented shows at the Grog Shop? They have quite a few shows — often earlier shows with a start time of 5 or 6 — aimed at high-school age kids. This would destroy their business at those shows. I also agree that the law should target groups, not individuals or a couple of kids. I just don't think it's fair to prevent kids on a beautiful summer evening from walking up to Coventry to get a sandwich or a snack unless their parent can go. When I was 15 or 16, I would have considered that absurd, and today parents are much less available to constantly escort their kids on local errands."

Julie Loveforthehomies Zarin

"Anyone's who's a REGULAR to Coventry and actually DESERVE the decision-making rights to the curfew time for Coventry would KNOW that USUALLY, Coventry is a peaceful, clean environment for the locals and their friends to chill. NOTE: CHILL! Not RIOT or whatever … If you've grown-up going to Coventry like I have, or been there a few times on a regular day, you'd understand. Growing up in a bad home, being able to walk to the peaceful, inviting Coventry was always a relief. Especially on the late nights. This curfew will not only be TERRIBLE for business (especially the Grog Shop and Coventry Mart,) but it will also effect a lot of youth who use Coventry as a safe escape from an over-stressful home environment."

jeriw

"This is not just a once a year problem during the fair. My son (who is 20) was with a group of teens 'hanging out' when another group of boys came up & threatened them & stole one of the boys bikes. Things like this scare people away from patronizing the area & may even prompt them to move out of the area. I agree, the problem does seem to be with groups, and I think that a 9pm time would be more appropriate instead of 6pm. That is just too early. I'm 55 years old, but I still remember hanging out at Coventry."

Jeff Hirst

"I would like to hear what other cities or neighborhoods have done done to combat unruliness like what happened at the street fair. What, if anything, has worked for them? Such a study could be part of a rational, deliberate, non-panicky response to behaviors that we cannot accept if we want to live in a peaceful and vibrant community."

Scott

"I think a 6 pm curfew is too early. After watching what happened here in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago, I agree that it's usually a group mentality that's gone awry, with the suddenly empowered losers able to justify themselves by identifying with a larger crowd, but by enacting a "blanket" ban on any and all is counterproductive. This is where community policing can come in, with the local police keeping an eye on the people they know that don't belong."

Colleen

"It seems to be happening because people are arranging these meet ups and planning things through social media. It is something to do. Teens like to be with groups of teens. Unfortunately mob mentality takes over and behavior seems to be reduced to the lowest common denominator. So even though only a few kids are fighting, the others swarm to see what is happening and then to get away if they become frightened. 
It is NOT only happening on Coventry."

Glinda

"The curfew gives police a reason to kick out and/or arrest kids who simply come to hang out and cause trouble - before they cause trouble. I'm not sure if it would've helped Sunday unless there is a provision that the curfew applies to any hour that an event like the Coventry fair is open. Since news of the fair was spread by Twitter I would suggest the police, or a representative of the police dept., get on Twitter and spread the news of the curfew and tell the kids not to bother showing up without a parent/guardian on the day of the fair, the next time. If there is a next time, that is."