Lancaster business owner closes due to potential local law

LANCASTER- A topic that has sparked in the Village of Lancaster over the last few weeks has created interesting discussions at village meetings and on social media outlets a topic that has its pros and cons to each side, but really has gotten out of control.

I am referring to the skateboarders and bicyclists, who ride on the sidewalks down Central Avenue, and who loiter in the area causing some business owners to say it is not only unsafe for them, but for those who patronize the businesses.

At the last village meeting, numerous business owners came forward to paint a picture for the board as to what is occurring in the Central Avenue Business District. Many of them shared experiences with the board and the public which involved one business owner being sworn at when the kids were asked to move elsewhere, personal property being damaged, patrons being hit and even threaten. I think overall we can agree that this kind of behavior isn’t right.

But it is not all the kids hanging out in the district that are causing trouble and I don’t believe because of a few rotten eggs that all these kids should get a bad reputation. I think it is only normal to have kids hanging out in a village. Kids are a big part of what makes a community and maybe it is just a matter of being respectful to others around you, a quality that lacks for some kids because obviously the parents don’t have it either. I hate to say it, but it is true.

So, right now I just want to make it clear that I am neither for nor against the business owners or the skateboarders. Should skateboarding be banned on sidewalks? From reading numerous comments on Facebook, I think the skateboarders make some good points, as well as the business owners. I haven’t reached a stance yet.

However, the issue I really want to focus on as a result of this is the possibly that the village board could pass a local law banning skateboarding on sidewalks, and the apparent effect it is having on one business owner, who recently announced he is closing down.

The owner of Sirens Skateshop, Dan Prichard said in a recent Buffalo News article, “"I fought the village for a year and now I'm done. How much do you take before you know you're not wanted?"

He also said by closing he is making a statement that will “rally opposition to the ban. He said he won't reopen elsewhere.” Does that raise questions to anyone?

Don’t get me wrong, I know Prichard has been a positive influence on these kids in the community, but I feel like he is taking the easy way out. The ban hasn’t even passed and instead of fighting it, he is just giving up. Let me repeat this “there is no local law, it does not exist, and there is still the chance that it won’t even be adopted.”

I just feel like he is jumping the gun a bit here. I agree that a person can only take so much, but I also think Prichard is not out of options. He has every right to be there as does the next person. No profitable business is just going to give up and close its doors without a fight.

And if I am wrong, then I am wrong, but I just don’t think someone who is often referred to be a positive role model in community should give up that easily. Its people like this that need to stay.