Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMaking noise: Residents reflect on neighborhood tensions over Mayfest
By Julia Terruso
Posted: 4/20/09, 2:46 AM EST Section: News
But block parties haven't always gone off so smoothly. Livingstock, a 1999 block party turned riot on the 700 block of Livingston Avenue, is fresh in the mind of Lewis and others who watched bonfires blaze late into the night and saw glass and plastic bottles flung at police officers who tried to break up the crowd.
Thirty-nine people were arrested that night, including 10 on felony charges of first-degree rioting. The Post-Standard described the scene as an "alcohol-fueled riot," with several bonfires set by intoxicated students rising 30 feet into the air.
"By the grace of God we escaped deaths and serious injury, it became an ugly, ugly scene very, very quickly," Syracuse Mayor Roy Bernaldi told The Post-Standard the night of the incident.
The morning after the riot, Lewis drove around his neighborhood. He saw chairs in trees, charred furniture and blackened pavement. Complete destruction made starkly visible by daylight.
"It's the destruction that's the worst part," Lewis said, shaking his head.
Opposition to MayFest from the community stems largely from the fear of another Livingstock, but it's not the only concern. There's neighborhood worry over local-area high school students getting mixed up in the festivities and illegal drinking.
"If it's illegal the rest of the year, why's it legal on this day?" Lewis asked. "But you know, it would take a myriad of police to make all those arrests."
Kerry Fiesinger, program coordinator at SU's Office of Orientation and Off Campus Programs, said members of the Department of Public Safety and the Student Association went around Sunday to student houses, giving out literature and explaining what the city ordinances are and how to stay safe.
Many neighbors tend to keep to themselves on MayFest, holing away in their houses or getting out of the neighborhood completely. Not Lewis. Last year he drove around video taping the masses of students.
"I like to see the circus," he said.
Thirty-nine people were arrested that night, including 10 on felony charges of first-degree rioting. The Post-Standard described the scene as an "alcohol-fueled riot," with several bonfires set by intoxicated students rising 30 feet into the air.
"By the grace of God we escaped deaths and serious injury, it became an ugly, ugly scene very, very quickly," Syracuse Mayor Roy Bernaldi told The Post-Standard the night of the incident.
The morning after the riot, Lewis drove around his neighborhood. He saw chairs in trees, charred furniture and blackened pavement. Complete destruction made starkly visible by daylight.
"It's the destruction that's the worst part," Lewis said, shaking his head.
Opposition to MayFest from the community stems largely from the fear of another Livingstock, but it's not the only concern. There's neighborhood worry over local-area high school students getting mixed up in the festivities and illegal drinking.
"If it's illegal the rest of the year, why's it legal on this day?" Lewis asked. "But you know, it would take a myriad of police to make all those arrests."
Kerry Fiesinger, program coordinator at SU's Office of Orientation and Off Campus Programs, said members of the Department of Public Safety and the Student Association went around Sunday to student houses, giving out literature and explaining what the city ordinances are and how to stay safe.
Many neighbors tend to keep to themselves on MayFest, holing away in their houses or getting out of the neighborhood completely. Not Lewis. Last year he drove around video taping the masses of students.
"I like to see the circus," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Jack
posted 4/20/09 @ 11:22 AM EST
"SEUNA receives $250,000 a year from SU, and much of this money goes toward attracting more families to the neighborhood"
wow... what the hell are they thinking. (Continued…)
Layla
posted 4/20/09 @ 2:28 PM EST
I live in the Westcott area with my husband and baby, and don't hesitate to call the police when students get out of hand. A few months ago, we woke up and found several cars parked crazily on lawns and sidewalks in front of the house next-door. (Continued…)
Neal
posted 4/20/09 @ 3:17 PM EST
Layla, I don't necessarily agree with what you're presenting here. How about students and members of the off-campus community engaging with each other in a community instead of just keeping to themselves? Granted, students are lacking in respect for non-university residents but maybe there's something to be said for "you get in return what you give. (Continued…)
Kaylen Thorpe
posted 4/20/09 @ 5:37 PM EST
Face it, the opportunities to build such a sense of community are few and far between. The weather sucks most of the year and we hide inside...and during the summer when folks are out, most students aren't here. (Continued…)
Retrovirus
posted 4/21/09 @ 11:32 AM EST
I'm 47 years old and have been a resident of the Westcott Nation for five years. I like living among students -- they're fun, interesting, and give the neighborhood some color. (Continued…)
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