With the crowds of A-Day weekend now more than two weeks in the past, a cooler approach is being taken toward ways of minimizing violence while keeping bar businesses alive.
From City Hall to barkeeps, almost all have said recently that productive discussions are taking place that would lead to appropriate solutions for mitigating crime while maintaining thriving entertainment areas.
Where to go from here, though, remains unknown.
“If y’all have got good ideas, get them to us,” said District 4 Councilman Lee Busby to local bar and business owners last week. “I lay awake at night over this and I don’t know the answer.
Arrival of Tuska
The biggest change is 7 tons: Tuska, a life-sized bronze elephant statue, has been installed outside Bryant-Denny Stadium s north side. Tuska was a popular site for selfies with A-Day game fans and no doubt will be a sought-out site for graduation photos this weekend.
Longtime favorites gone.for now
Two longtime 15th Street restaurants have closed in the shopping center that once housed the old AMF Bama Lanes bowling alley. Ichiban Japanese Grill and Sitar Indian Cuisine announced they would be shutting their doors in March. While you can t go to those restaurants this weekend, the good news is Ichiban plans to reopen soon at 2128 University Blvd., the former site of Real and Rosemary, and Sitar plans to reopen at 220 15th St. E., next to the Wendy’s.