BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Wrier

Last Thursday’s City Council meeting addressed a lot of issues, one of them being making sure the city is prepared for the Republican National Convention in 9 days.

Among the items discussed as points of concern were prostitution and drug sales. Also discussed were the aesthetic problems that exist in certain parts of the city.

Councilwoman Yolie Capin pointed out what she thought were problems in West Tampa, especially along Main Street. She addressed the streets being crowded with people late at night, and vendors along the side of the street selling food and other items.

One business owner, Bernard Jordan, addressed the Council and first pointed out that he does not oppose the Occupy Tampa group being at Voice Of Freedom Park.

“I’ve never had any problems with anyone connected with that movement. I find them to be cordial, and I have allowed them to use my restroom and property for some of their events. There are people who don’t spend a dime in my businesses or any other business on Main Street. They just show up and loiter in the parking areas and in the street. That hurts my business, because they don’t patronize anything.”

Councilwoman Capin felt a stronger police presence was needed on Main Street, and Code Enforcement should examine if any ordinances are being violated.

On Friday, two businesses felt the immediate impact of the suggestion of Councilwoman Capin.

Huey Johnson, who has been operating a vending business on Main Street for years, was told he had to shut down.

Jeff Hilaire, who operates a restaurant on Main Street, was told he couldn’t have speakers outside the door playing music for the customers who sit at the outdoor tables.

Councilman Frank Reddick, who was upset at his colleagues for their opinions of West Tampa, was particularly upset at Councilwoman Capin’s comments, and her statement that she has driven through the area at night and observed what’s going on.

West Tampa activist, Dwight Bolden, has been trying to draw the Black business owners in West Tampa together to form an alliance. He says this appears to be a planned strategy to shut down the Black businesses in West Tampa to make way for the redevelopment plan for the area that apparently doesn’t include Black owned businesses.

“I think the city is trying to shut us down. I think they are using every trick they have to come into our community, and tell us where we’re going to spend our money, and it won’t be with Black owned businesses.

“We must unite now to stop this, and I’d like a meeting with the Mayor and the Black business owners to be scheduled so some assurances can be made to the Black business owners.”

Johnson said he intends on meeting with the city’s Code Enforcement Inspectors to find out exactly what he did wrong, and how he can get things right and continue vending.

Councilman Reddick said the business owners called him over the weekend, and they were upset about Councilwoman Capin’s comments, and want him to meet with them.

“One of the business owners coordinated this effort by getting in touch with the others. All of them, including some patrons, are upset, and want something done about it.

“I think Capin intentionally exaggerated one of her points by saying there were thousands of young people in the streets. That’s not close to being accurate. “

Councilman Reddick said eventually, the business owners will bring their concerns before the Council, and drop them right on Capin.

“As far as the increased police presence in the area is concerned, they will be focusing most of their attention to the Occupy Tampa group.”