Concerns about noise and "jaywalking" were the main points raised at the Albert Park Advisory Committee's mid-season review of the Pacifics baseball agreement with the city.
Approximately 30 people gathered in the on Monday to discuss any issues that neighbors have experienced with the new minor league baseball team's games at Albert Field. The main complaints mentioned were noise from the PA system and fans illegally crossing Andersen Drive on foot when leaving a game.
Although the Pacifics use 's PA system, the equipment is old and can distort sound. The team has been instructed to use the system at approved volumes during the game, except when singers perform the national anthem where they use their own equipment that is better suited for vocals, according to Community Services Director Carlene McCart.
Fans have also been encouraged to use the crosswalk instead of "jaywalking," but enforcement is limited because budget constraints do not pay for a police officer to direct traffic, according to Tom Obletz, chair of the committee.
"We are encouraging the team to step up and possibly train a security gaurd for this," he said after the meeting. "They seem very supportive of the idea."
Despite concerns about "jaywalking" and the noise of the public announcement system, most neighbors seemed supportive of the games, McCart said after the meeting.
"There still are a few who disagree philosophically with the use of the park," she said. "But many believe it's a postive thing."
Several residents brought letters of support with signatures from neighbors and local business owners. Charlie Garfink, former owner of ice cream parlor on Fourth Street, collected 15 signatures from downtown businesses who said that evening events like the baseball games give a boost in foot traffic to their restaurants and shops.
The Albert Park Advisory Committee is a seven-member advisory committee, which includes three members from the adjacent neighborhood, a downtown business owner, two members of Centerfield Partners and someone from the Park and Recreation Commission. They will present an evaluation of teh season at the end of the year.
