Nightlife Safety Report
In December, the Nightlife Safety Report was presented to City Council after discussions and input from numerous stakeholders. The report addresses these challenges: downtown security issues, nuisance crimes, quality of life issues, and business attraction deterrents. The report notes that nightlife requires a different planning and management strategy than daytime.

The overriding goal of the report is: to create a Hospitality Zone by reversing the perception that downtown is not a safe place to visit while creating an enjoyable, friendly atmosphere.

The report outlines recommendations from IPC International, best practices from other nightlife districts, recommendations for downtown establishments, and considerations for moving forward which include:   

• Identify sustainable funding source.
• Revisit public/private ambassador program after funding is addressed. 
• Nightlife police officer, single point of contact.
• Registered security staff requirement in establishments. 
• Security training for establishments.
• Redevelopment of underutilized properties.
• Continued support of increased police response to violent offenses. 
• Address loitering. 
• Ordinance changes. 
• Increase monitoring of security cameras. 
• Ongoing implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan.

To download a copy of the Nightlife Safety Report presentation click here.

24-Hour Economy Plan
In June 2009, a draft of a new 24-Hour Economy Plan was created with the goal to lay the groundwork for the development of a vibrant downtown environment that combines the reality of what our downtown is with the dreams of what we want it to be. The plan is split into two dayparts that represent the distinct differences of our downtown. A daytime and nighttime strategy must be considered, since management of each daypart is drastically different.

The District is a unique destination and requires a unique plan to operate efficiently. Though in the two-block plaza the majority of the businesses are bars/nightclubs, this part of the plan will focus on the entire mix of downtown businesses serving the evening span of 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., not just confined to the two-block Great River Plaza.

The Nighttime Economy Plan is targeted to the Three Acts of the nighttime. Act I = 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Act II = 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Act III = 12 a.m. - 3 a.m. Each Act will require a slightly different method of operation and management to produce a successful outcome. Currently the bulk of our audience is present during Act III, though through targeted audience attraction efforts the goal is to increase traffic during the first two acts.

Goals:  

• Increase audience during Act I & II.
• Decrease closing time issues.
• Define The District as the place to go for entertainment, dining, and the arts.

Priorities:  

• Define closing time issues and how to measure success.
• Identify retail options for nighttime.
• Measure perception of downtown with empirical data.

To download a draft of the 24-Hour Economy Plan click here.

Responsible Hospitality Institute
Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) assisted Rock Island with an assessment of our hospitality sector. RHI is a non-profit organization that helps communities create downtowns that are safe and vibrant place to socialize. Following are the core elements RHI has identified for planning, managing, and policing hospitality zones.  

• Music & Entertainment - Progressive cities nurture the development of music and entertainment opportunities for diverse ages, lifestyles, and cultures.
• Multi-Use Sidewalks - Planning for outdoor dining, street entertainment, and vendor shopping while managing panhandling and complying with ADA restrictions is essential to success.
• Security, Service & Safety - As a cafe society grows, so too will the need to prevent service to underage drinkers, over-service of alcohol, and intoxication, while serving the needs of various demographic segments through provision of safe sociability options for all.
• Community Policing - Reducing risk, increasing safety, and ensuring a high quality of life requires new collaborations among police, businesses, residents, and community.
• Late-Night Integrated Transportation - Planning for a comprehensive network of transportation services, such as “safe ride” programs, taxi stands, and extended public transportation hours can help cities ensure safer and more efficient access.
• Quality of Life - Mixed-use development places residents and commercial businesses in close proximity, often resulting in conflicts involving noise, litter, and other problems that need to be collaboratively managed.

To download RHI's final report click here. For more information on RHI visit www.rhiweb.org.