Mixed reactions among residents, business owners on barricades blocking South Street in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — If you visited South Street during the weekends last summer or last week after certain hours, you may have noticed barricades blocking South Street as well as a heavy police presence.

It is a gorgeous late May night down on South Street.

“I like sitting here, going to get a bite to eat, shopping…smoking a cigar and people watching,” said Tony Crudup of Mount Airy who was driving a gorgeous candy apple red Victory Motorcycle.

But, Crudup and those like him aren’t the issue.

According to Lt. Steven Ricci of Philadelphia police, “It’s definitely a noise issue…a lot of the dirt bikes, drag racers like to rev their bikes and blast loud music. But it’s also a safety issue.”

That’s why on weekends this summer, Philadelphia police will erect barriers to close South Street to vehicles from 5th Street to 2nd Street on an as-needed basis.

“It’s also a quality of life issue…that became a nuisance that affects businesses and the residents,” Ricci said.

Eric Carabelli is one such resident. He said there was a “ton of noise and a pain.”

That’s what it was like before the closures.

Carabelli said, “This year the police has been a lot more engaged.”

Ricci told CBS News Philadelphia that business owners have had a mixed reaction to the closures. Some are concerned that it negatively impacts business, while others welcome them. 

Ricci is just looking to strike a healthy balance between the needs of residents, business owners and shoppers.

“Our goal is not to shut down the street, but, safety is our number one concern,” he said.

Siafa Lewis

Siafa Lewis anchors CBS3 Eyewitness News at 4 p.m.