During a recent city council meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding safety and the impact of unruly crowds on local businesses in Carbondale. Business owner Taylor Vaughan, representing Trace Ombres, highlighted escalating issues over the past few years, particularly in the Town Square area, where gatherings have led to vandalism, blocked entrances, and a general decline in customer safety.

Vaughan noted that the situation has worsened significantly in 2023, with private and public spaces being overtaken by large crowds, resulting in littering and disturbances that deter patrons from visiting local establishments. He expressed frustration over previous attempts to mitigate the problem, such as closing the Washington Jackson parking lot, which only shifted the gatherings to other areas, exacerbating the situation.

The entertainment district ordinance, enacted in late 2021, was also criticized for contributing to the chaos by allowing open containers of alcohol in public spaces, complicating enforcement efforts. Vaughan called for a revision of this ordinance to limit open containers to special events rather than everyday occurrences, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to address both the challenges posed by unruly crowds and the growing homeless population in the area.

The meeting underscored a pressing need for city officials to engage with local business owners and develop effective strategies to enhance safety and support downtown revitalization efforts. Vaughan concluded by expressing his willingness to collaborate with city staff and council members to find solutions that would benefit both businesses and the community at large.