Motorcycles threaten downtown renaissance with noise, traffic danger
The mid-to-late 1990s are considered by many to be the “Renaissance Period” for center city Springfield. Led by arguably the finest city manager in Springfield’s history, Tom Finnie, the downtown area experienced incredible revitalization through new investment. Finnie based practically his entire tenure on it. He was instrumental in the formation of two large-scale, and very successful industrial parks, the implementation of Vision 20/20, opening Jordan Valley Park, Hammons Field and the Springfield Expo Center as well.
Listening to Mr. Finnie sell his vision to the public, to various partner member leaders at the Chamber, City Utilities, Missouri State University, Drury, OTC and countless others, the first thing he always mentioned was the need to attract people to downtown. He couldn’t have been more correct. What was once a virtual ghost town with boarded-up storefronts and little, if any, energy or livelihood created by people — during the day or throughout the evening — became a new, vibrant center of activity where it belongs. Finnie would often proclaim that “a thriving community requires a busy, thriving downtown.”
Under his watchful eye, and through firm and unapologetic leadership, downtown Springfield witnessed the development and redevelopment of hundreds of lofts, investment in student housing, new restaurants and clubs, business and professional offices, coffee shops and boutique retailers. Many celebrated and thanked Tom Finnie for his role in redefining and re-energizing the area.
Today, nearly 20 years after Mr. Finnie left his position as City Manager, the energy continues. And that’s, no doubt, a positive. But with growth through new investment and the injection of new people in a city’s downtown area, there’s often a price to pay. Springfield isn’t any different than any other mid-size metropolitan area across the country facing unforeseen challenges as a result of business and population growth. And the primary concern among business owners and residents throughout downtown is noise. And often incredible speed. Often ignored even by those who are paid to protect the interests of all, the Springfield Police Department, it’s unwelcome, ear-piercing noise. Motorcycles and companion “hot rods” ridden and driven by those who clearly enjoy the echoes of their loud machines are, simply put, breaking laws. And they know better than most that there will be no adverse consequences to their behavior, based on current Springfield Police (and City Council policy).
On any given night, groups of motorcycles barrel through the streets of downtown on their back tire, run stop signs and exceed posted speed limits, placing innocent people in danger. It’s only a matter of time before an unsuspecting walker decides to cross a downtown street, one that will be his or her last. Perhaps then, current leadership at City Hall will take notice.
Many in the city were grateful to hear Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams announce, in early 2023, that it was “high time to strictly enforce the City’s current noise ordinance.” Chief Williams was congratulated for his long-awaited proclamation! And then nothing.
It’s disappointing that the police department, City Council and staff leadership in Springfield have turned a blind eye to a problem anyone with eyes and ears has known has existed for years. And, unless and until an innocent victim of the “policy of the unenforced” lies injured (or worse) on a downtown street, nothing’s going to change. At least that’s the general assumption of those of us who call center city “home” in 2024.
Greg Williams lives in downtown Springfield.
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