SOUTH BOSTON --- Despite monthly meetings of city officials and law enforcement agencies, coupled with outreach to area schools and colleges about "zero tolerance" for disorderly behavior and public drinking, last Sunday's (March 15) St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston unfortunately fell far short of its goal of being a "family friendly" event.
Information provided to the Irish Echo shows that there were more arrests this year than last, with a total of 17 persons charged with various crimes, including affray (public fighting while instilling terror), disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, public drinking, and drug possession with intent to distribute.
In addition, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Police arrested seven people during the parade, one for domestic battery and six for unarmed robbery. They also confiscated from youthful revelers dozens of jugs of an alcoholic concoction known as BORGs ( Blackout Rage Gallons) during the first half hour of the parade.
Calls from concerned and angry residents of the neighborhood to police included complaints about urination on lawns and private property, raucous rooftop parties, and illegal parking, the latter of which resulted in the towing of 127 cars from neighborhood streets.
Even Boston Celtics basketball star Jaylen Brown, who rode in one of the floats, told reporters after the parade that while the event was very enjoyable and boisterous "it felt like the whole city was drunk."
After the parade City Councilor Ed Flynn, who has been at the forefront of implementing public safety measures, expressed frustration and disappointment about the recurring disrespect shown to residents, veterans, and families along the parade route.
While saying that the status quo is no longer acceptable, he is calling for a formal City Council meeting to address the issues. In the past he has suggested that moving the parade out of Southie may be the only option.
