Reader: Who'd Want to Go to a Haven for Drugs Like the 16th Street Mall?

Dozens of readers shared their thoughts about our update about a brawl on the 16th Street Mall. News that a couple visiting from California was badly beaten by a group of teens after complaining about littering prompted plenty of discussion about whether the mall qualifies as family friendly. This reader definitely...

By Michael Roberts

August 18, 2015

Audio By Carbonatix

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Dozens of readers shared their thoughts about our update about a brawl on the 16th Street Mall.

News that a couple visiting from California was badly beaten by a group of teens after complaining about littering prompted plenty of discussion about whether the mall qualifies as family-friendly.

This reader definitely feels that it's not.

Here's what he had to say.

David Doyle writes:

16th Street Mall is a haven for drugs and pan-handling and makes for a place no one wants to visit. I hate going there now because people yell things and try to start trouble, you see people do drugs in broad daylight on the street, and I can't do anything without being hassled. Why do that if I can shop on the internet?

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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