'First Fridays' in Doylestown Boro Will Go On, Despite Disturbances
By Brad Segall
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- "First Friday" celebrations will continue this year in Doylestown (Bucks County), Pa., despite requests from some residents who wanted borough officials to suspend the monthly event.
A coalition of residents, concerned about the safety of their properties as well as parking and noise issues, wanted the borough to end the celebrations.
But supporters say the borough needs the "First Fridays" as a vehicle to showcase the merchants who are battling a tough economy.
First Friday volunteer Jill Kahlenberg says business owners support the event.
"One retailer even stated that the First Friday can actually pay the rent -- that that's the best grossing day for them," she tells KYW Newsradio.
The root of the problem may be teenagers congregating around town, screaming and cursing throughout the night, but those are ongoing issues the town has been dealing with which may be exacerbated during a First Friday event.
All sides say they will continue to meet throughout the year in an effort to find a solution.
