Downtown residents weigh in on entertainment district ordinance

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile Police Department said it will need more money to enforce a proposed entertainment district, if it is approved Tuesday. Some people told FOX10 News they are not convinced they need extra protection and they hope they don’t have to foot the bill.

William and Charlotte Snook own a home in downtown Mobile. They said they like the idea of an entertainment district in their neighborhood.

"We came here for the urban life, and we love it,” said Charlotte Snook.

They said, however, they don't feel additional security is necessary for an entertainment district, even if it allows open container drinking on city streets and sidewalks in some areas. 

"I was just in New Orleans this weekend. Our protection here was far better than there. I don't see any reason to spend more money on it," said William Snook.

Chief Micheal T. Williams' initial estimate for enforcement was an additional $1.6 million. That figure was based on a ordinance that allowed open containers without time restraints. 

Since the proposal is for the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. that figure could be less.

The Snooks said they hope the additional money, won't come from tax-payers.

"I think that your taxes are one of the reasons we are here. Increase taxes would drive away development,” said William Snook.

Charlotte Snook said she thinks someone else should pick up the tab.

"I think that people who have the bars down here, maybe they should be the ones that are going to foot the money for it. But to ask the regular tax payers to pay for it, I don't see that that is a win-win situation for Mobile,” said Charlotte Snook.