3rd Street Market Hall tightens rules after teen takeover concerns
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A downtown Milwaukee business is taking new steps to prevent problems after a string of "teen takeovers" across the city.
Third Street Market Hall became a focus Tuesday after a planned teen meetup circulated online, coming on the heels of incidents at Bayshore Mall and Moody Park.
“In light of the recent news throughout the city, we have to take it serious,” Omar Shaikh, co-owner of 3rd Street Market Hall, said.
He said the changes are meant to keep everyone safe. “You have to take it seriously. This is a place that has been a cultural melting pot for everyone to come and enjoy themselves, so we wanted to make sure everyone is safe and secure,” he said.
Sunday, at Bayshore Mall, fights broke out and 14 teens were arrested. Monday, at Moody Park, another "teen takeover" led to gunfire.
CBS 58 saw extra officers at 3rd Street Market Hall Tuesday night, but security reported no incidents.
Still, Shaikh said the business is adjusting its rules.
Anyone under 18, now must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or school teacher, and after 8 p.m., the space is 21 and older.
“Kids and teens have to be with a parent, guardian, or school teacher because we get a lot of families in here,” he said.
Michael Longmeyer, a high school teacher in Manitowoc, said one of the most important things teens can do is speak up.
“One of the biggest things I would see with kids is being proactive. If they see something, you have to say something, whether it’s to a trusted adult, administrator, teacher, friend, coach. The more they can get the word out there about some of the negative things that are going to be happening, the easier it’s going to prevent that and be proactive in preventing it,” he said.
Shaikh said the business is prepared if problems arise again. “If it happens again, we’ll have law enforcement here and have people that keep people safe and secure,” he said.
