Bayshore Policy, Curfew for Teens

On December 26, Bayshore Town Center had a major problem.

I wasn't there, but I know two adults who were there -- big, strong males.

They were uncomfortable with the mobs of teens that had taken over the place. They found the atmosphere intimidating, and they didn't want to be in the middle of it in the event the mob turned unruly and violence broke out.

Remember, these are guys, not little old ladies or suburban moms with young children in tow. Nonetheless, they were uncomfortable. It seemed like a potentially explosive situation.

They told me that they had never seen Bayshore like that. They estimated that about 100 kids were gathered around a bus stop. They said that there were at least six or seven police squads on the scene.

Given that it was the day after Christmas and I wasn't exactly spending my time monitoring the media, I can't say that the disturbance received no coverage. But because of what I had been told about the situation, I did expect to see some reporting on the matter. I found nothing.

It wasn't until New Year's Day that I saw a TMJ 4 report on the new rules in place at Bayshore.

Today, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has finally decided to cover the story.

A Dec. 26 incident involving more than 100 teens in the food court pushed Bayshore Town Center to adopt a curfew similar to Mayfair's, mall manager Christian Jaeger said Monday.

"There was some disorderly conduct," Jaeger said. "It was a trend we'd been monitoring for some time."

Bayshore announced the new rules on New Year's Eve. The rules, which will be in force for a month, ban people under 18 from the center after 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The first weekend with the rules in place was calm, according to Jaeger and several merchants.

"It was well-received this weekend," Jaeger said. The policy will be reviewed with Glendale police and community leaders in a few weeks to determine if it will continue, he said.

Teens commenting on Bayshore's Facebook fan page said they were upset about the rules.

"Do you guys not like us or something?" a girl wrote. "Dont become a Mayfair. I know kids from around WFB will probably not come anymore. Bayshore will not have as many customers as you guys did when kids were allowed. We LIKE to spend money. Why not let us?"

"Bayshore on that now?! Teenagers be the one bringin the cash in," wrote a girl from North Division High School. She said she would shop at Brookfield Square in the future.

Several teens and adults wrote that it was a shame that all teens will be punished for the actions of a few.

Yeah, it's a shame.

Deal with it.

All blame lies with the members of the mobs bent on intimidation and driving out customers.

It's precisely because Bayshore doesn't want the problems that plagued Mayfair that this action was taken.

It's smart. It's good business. And it's overdue.

The two males who told me about the December 26 mob scene were at Bayshore shopping for a computer and other items. They intended to go to the Apple Store. They changed their plans.

They did purchase a computer on December 26, but not from the Bayshore location. They decided to go to Best Buy instead because of the disturbance.

Yes, Bayshore lost money that night.

Without the rules, stores would stand to lose more.

Here's Bayshore's "New Parent Escort Policy":

NEW PARENT ESCORT POLICY

Please Remember - 3 pm Means 3 pm

Youth 17 and under may not remain in public spaces of Bayshore Town Center after 3:00 pm Friday and Saturday, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 or older.