Gates installed at downtown Bradenton alley to prevent 'unsavory' nighttime activities

BRADENTON -- The long effort to install gates at the alley in the 400 block of Old Main Street concluded Tuesday with Sarasota-based Tri-Tek Rails installing two steel decorative gates that will close the alley to pedestrian traffic at night.

The $11,000 Bradenton Downtown Development Authority project began more than a year ago with a request from the Downtown Merchants Association to stop what DDA board member Mike Carter called "unsavory" activities related to the homeless and the downtown late night bar crowds.

"The problem has been is this is a bit off the beaten path," said B Towne Coffee Company owner Mike Gold.

The alley runs between his business and the law offices of Layon Robinson. The DDA approved the funding in June 2015 after a long debate. The Downtown Merchants Association settled on Gold being the primary key holder with the understanding that the Downtown Merchants Association is ultimately responsible for the gates, according to Carter.

Gold said the gates will remain open during his business hours, which are from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. during the week and from 7 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

"I'm just excited to see

them going up," said Gold. "It's been used in an unfortunate manner."

The lone dissenter through the entire process was Jayne Kocher, DDA vice chairwoman. Kocher expressed concerns that many people use the 13th Street West parking lot behind the alley and forcing them to go around could create a dangerous situation. But with the support of the Bradenton Police Department and merchants, the vote to approve the funding was 6-1 in June.

Gold acknowledged that there has been some resistance to the idea, but that it will benefit Old Main Street as people become accustomed to the change.

"Generally, the after-midnight crowd is a different crowd," he said. "Right now, people have not felt comfortable using the alley seating at night, but I think this will create a sense of security and we'll improve the ambiance and I'll probably be able to replace the outside furniture now."

Gold has had to drag outside tables and chairs inside every night, which has caused wear and tear to the furniture and the front door. He said he can now buy more stable furniture and it can remain outside within the locked gates.

"I think what you will see is a lot more people enjoying the alley at night while the alley is open for its intended use," he said.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041

This story was originally published February 23, 2016 at 11:57 PM with the headline "Gates installed at downtown Bradenton alley to prevent 'unsavory' nighttime activities ."