Within the last few years, the area between Univeristy and 30th street in North Park has started to boom. New bars are opening, and the "old" ones are keeping the business flowing. However, not all residents in the area are pleased with this occurrence.
Since this area has started to gentrify, more and more patrons are flocking to the area. However, with increased traffic comes increased crime - or so it may seem. To date, North Park has reported more DUI, drunk in public, and vandalism charges. In fact, some home owners have started what is now called the "North Park Residential Improvement District" to restrict the number of alcohol licenses being handed out in their city.
The idea would be to limit the number of bars coming into the city so as to slow down the increase in visitors, and hopefully decrease the preceived increased rate of crime.
However, if you remember what North Park use to be like back in the 1990's, I would say the new bars are doing nothing but good for that city. The hospitality industry is unbelievable at generating safer, cleaner, and better environments. I think time will tell, but for now, I love going to North Park for a night out, and I think most people agree.
