Birmingham -- a Teen Hangout?

Apparently, downtown Birmingham has become a popular weekend hangout spot for unsupervised teenagers. The count has gotten into the hundreds, all packed into a couple of blocks, over the last few months. To some it's a huge nuisance and a sign of future crime and other problems. To others, it's no big deal and even good for their business.

Birmingham Police have speculated that the draw has to do with the Palladium movie theatre in close proximity to ice cream, cupcake, and candy stores. There is also a Panera Bread nearby. The owner of the candy shop told reporters that she doesn't mind the teens as far as her business goes; they come in, buy something, and generally go on their way. However, she does find them a little irritating after she leaves her shop since they seem to block the sidewalks and streets.

One resident, who wrote a letter to the local newspaper along with a picture of the congregated teens, believes that if the teens are allowed to keep hanging around, serious crime will eventually follow.

Sources:

http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20100725/NEWS02/7250371/1019/Crowd+%28un%29control++Downtown+streets+overflowing+with+teens+raise+concerns

http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2010/07-28-10/Birmingham-teens-downtown.asp