I don't know if anyone's written about this, and I am not going to search for it because it needs to be said again. We are very lucky to have the Barnes & Nobel parking lot to goto. Let me take a second to thank the landlord and most importantly the Mongomery County Police Department. So far neither have interfered with these gathering more then a ticket here or there for, from what I have seen "the deserving". What we have in this lot is pretty cool, this is about keeping the privilege. Many towns had one and lost it.
What I am suggesting to the members of this board is to help keep everything cool. If enough people spread the word this lot will be open and available to us for years to come. Talk to people, the offenders, the gathered, your friends, that the wrecklessness is not alright. Sure burnouts are cool, sure speed is cool, fishtailing it cool, but not in the lot.
For me there is nothing cooler then having an old couple on their way too, or comming back from dinner stop and ask if there is a car show going on. It is usually followed by more questions about "sport compact" or customizing. These people are actually interested! What usually happens next is some idiot come screaming past 2 feet from these people. The nice couple then runs back to their car in fear.
Remind people that there are kids in the lot. Not only can they get hurt but they imitate. If people are drinking tell them to leave or put it away. If people are selling or doing drugs tell them to leave. Please back someone up in a calm cool way. No fights are necessary, if they dont listen maybe their freinds will. Lets keep the lot open and safe for all ages.
Sebring 02 with the 3 sticker if you need help or have a problem.

 

I totally agree. Even though I do not go to B&N for these gatherings, I am suprised its still allowed. I hope nobody does anything stupid and ruin everyone elses fun there. Trying to be 'cool' might end up hurting yourself or others. If you want to race or do burnouts take it to the track. Take it to somewhere safe. Don't do it in a public lot where you can endanger someones lives.

 

A most appropriate post 333. I have re-posted your comments to a thread some of our members are posting to related to meeting up there this Saturday evening. Although I have not been to this parking lot to date, but will do so for the first time this Saturday evening, I can only agree that folks must take the utmost care in public areas to ensure the safety of all. Such opportunities to meet should always be filled with socializing and viewing of others rides, etc. It would be terrible to have an evening...or a driver's license...or a life...ruined for something as foolish as a burnout or a high speed romp across the lot.

Like other fine cultural opportunities, these things must be fostered and protected to ensure that they are here for everyone to enjoy.

- Dave

 

Here here

 

I couldn't agree more 333. Unfortunately I do see very little that we can do about the situation. I think that by posting to this forum you may be "preaching to the chior." It is *probably* true that many owners of some of the more expensive cars that appear there share your concern. It may be stereotypical and there may be the occasional exception "16 year old rich kid" (no offense meant guys you're not all wreckless), but in general to have the money to throw down on an S2000 usually came from some kind of discipline or hard work and brings with it (in alot of cases) more of a sense of responsibility.

I have been there often. I have seen the wreckless behavior you speak of. I have never personally seen an S2000, IS300, or other similarly or higher priced cars participating in these types of antics. *In my personal experience* it is usually the younger folks with civics and the like trying to somehow show that they are "fast" or "cool." I have also noticed quite a few domestics trying to somehow prove something by participating in this type of activity.

Unfortunately going up to some redneck fool in a mustang and asking him to leave or stop doing burnouts, or approaching some "thug" drinking standing next to his mitsubishi galant and telling him to loose the booze or get lost just isnt going to provide any positive results. The reaction will probably range from some immature insult to a physical attack.

I agree that we need to find a way of solving the problem before we loose a great opportunity, but I think that perhaps some discussion about how to handle the situation might be appropriate (and what better place to do it then here on the board).

Perhaps contacting the local police and discussing it with them may be appropriate? Its not a secret, the cops know about it and occasionally patrol the lot. If there was a car there almost all the time aprehending law breakers (making DUI arrests, handing out tickets for "displays of speed", and pulling people over for being idiots) it would be of some benefit?

Just a few ideas and my own opinion. I don't think there is much we can do about it without help. Most of the people stupid enough to do that crap won't listen and trying to impress upon them how immature they are will only cause conflict and make our cars targets for vandalism.

Anyway what are the rest of your folks' thoughts???


-Jeff

(by the way in my descriptions I dont mean to exploit any stereo types, just trying to "paint a picture" )

 

By the way to add to what I had to say above, I would think it would be in the Police's best interests to work with us on this one and help out. After all, every import that its parked in that lot with its owner chillin with friends is one less import out there street racing, speeding, etc.... Plus its easier for them to keep an eye on...

-Jeff

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 1AP12NV
[B]... After all, every import that its parked in that lot with its owner chillin with friends is one less import out there street racing, speeding, etc....

 

Yea w1ngman, I agree about just calling the police, I think its a great idea.

My only concern in this particular instance would be that from the Police's point of view, maybe if they recieved a ton of calls might they just shut the whole thing down to save them the hassle?

I also hadn't thought of the containment being a benefit that comes from not patrolling the lot constantly, good point.

Its also not as bad as we all make it out to be, I would venture to say that a good 75% of the people get there, park, and just hang out. If you are commin over after the After-BBQ Hooters meet then you'll see what I mean. Damn saturday is gonna be a long day! But a long day surrounded by cars is never a bad thing

-Jeff

 

Thanks for the positive reaction guy. Majorities rule, its a fact if you have enough people frowning upon a behavior the message will get across. We will not have an instant effect but with enough hassle place on these "thugs" or "kids" they will take heed or they will tire and move on. Sitting back is not an option. My intent is to rally people, and let them know that if they speak up they will not be alone(start looking for a fight and your on your own). Police move people out based on the number of incident reports or call outs. Start calling the police and the chief will put pressure on the beat cops to put an end to the fun. Imagine the number of calls you would place in one night if you just sat back and made phone calls. Not knocking your idea just saying it may end the gatherings in one weekend.

 

Not a problem. I'm just a guest visiting for one night. I'm not out to have folks lose their social spot by no means .

- Dave