First Friday In Lancaster City Draws Thousands To Downtown For Food, Music and Shopping

Another great First Friday in Lancaster City.  The day appeared to possibly be “iffy” weather wise but despite some ominous looking clouds at one point in the afternoon, the sky cleared in the early evening and the sun came back out.

There were a bevy of food trucks on the plaza next to the Hotel Lancaster. Musicians lined the streets. The pianos are back and we didn’t pass one that somebody was playing.  We even heard some very good jazz being played in Lancaster Square.  People from many cultures mingled and enjoyed the entertainment, shopping, eating and warmer weather.  The Lancaster Police Department was present along with the Ambassadors ensuring everyone behaved themselves.  There was even a break dancing competition going on next to the food trucks that drew a very large crowd.

We also checked out the new pop up pocket park on Prince Street before the First Friday throng arrived. What a nice thing for tourists and city residents, alike.  A coffee company and an ice cream vendor (selling Carmen & David’s ice cream) have set up shop here.  The park makes use of a parking lot which eventually will be a boutique hotel.  The asphalt was been painted, trees and flowers and seating were added.  There was even a television crew there from Blue Ridge Cable TV who were filming and interviewing the vendors.  Many people were checking this out.  When we went by much later in the day it was very full!  People were really liking the space!

Lancaster is such a great example of what revitalization can do for a downtown.  Up until the 90’s there was no reason go to downtown (other than Central Market).  Now, it’s full of shops and restaurants. There are always people on the streets taking advantage of all downtown has to offer.  There is nothing better than spending time in a vibrant city!

To check out Passenger Coffee Roasters, click on

http://www.passengercoffee.com/

Young Gang Busted: Thieves Sentenced For Targeting Homes With Sleeping Occupants

More than a dozen young males and females have been sentenced for their roles in a spree of Lancaster home burglaries and thefts in 2013.

The group, 14 people in all, targeted city homes with residents asleep inside during the three-month spree.

They stole cash, credit cards, and cars.

Their ages, roles and sentences varied, with the youngest being a 15-year-old girl and the oldest a 20-year-old man.

Read more:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/young-gang-busted-thieves-sentenced-for-targeting-homes-with-sleeping/article_7f7c0aae-df9e-11e4-9ef5-b3bd03210add.html

16-Year-Old Charged In Homicide Of Sixth Grade Teacher; Watch Press Conference Replay

Lancaster City police are still investigating the possibility that Marcus Anthony Rutter, 16, had an accomplice in the robbery and killing of Nicole Mathewson.

As of 2 p.m., police had not announced the arrest of a second person in connection with Mathewson’s death, which was discovered Monday morning in her home in the 700 block of North Franklin Street.

Lt. Todd Umstead would not confirm or deny whether police are looking for a second person.

He would only refer to a police news release, which indicated officers were investigating the possibility that Rutter had an accomplice.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/year-old-charged-in-homicide-of-sixth-grade-teacher-watch/article_41fc7300-8524-11e4-9b7e-5f5dc7dd1e76.html

Two Arrested After Stabbing At Park City

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A male shoplifting suspect took off running through the Boscov’s department store at Park City Center Friday afternoon after cutting a loss-prevention officer on the hand, Lancaster city police said.

His female accomplice bolted as well, city police Officer Marc Shaffer said.

Police have charged Noel H. Israel-Negron, 35, of the 600 block of Columbia Avenue, with retail theft, robbery, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and criminal conspiracy.

Kriste L. McManus, 40, of the 600 block of Market Street, Marietta, was charged with retail theft, robbery and criminal conspiracy.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/two-arrested-after-stabbing-at-park-city/article_1927c53c-c1a3-11e3-9783-001a4bcf6878.html

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Lancaster Police Shoot, Kill Homeless Man On North Queen Street

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lancaster city police said an officer shot and killed a homeless man who lunged at an officer Monday morning with a knife after they questioned him about urinating and exposing himself in public.

Police said they attempted to stun the man, who has not been identified, with a Taser but the charge had no effect on him.  After the man refused to drop his knife, an officer fired three shots at him and struck him once.

The man died a couple of hours later at Lancaster General Hospital.

District Attorney Craig Stedman, who reviewed video footage of the incident, said the shooting appeared to be “entirely justified” but that he had not reached a final conclusion.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/859735_Lancaster-police-shoot–kill-homeless-man-on-North-Queen-Street.html#ixzz2Vpd3pBUx

To Stay Open, Hotel Brunswick Must Meet 21 Conditions

2114_57086842791_2010_nIt’s time for the Hotel Brunswick in downtown Lancaster to clean up its act, according to a judge’s order signed this morning.

Lancaster County Judge Jeffery Wright approved a series of agreements between the city and hotel owners that would essentially clean up numerous ongoing issues at 151 N. Queen St.

Wright ordered that 21 specific improvements be made or ownership risks a future court hearing that could shutter the hotel, deemed a “nuisance” last year.

The city and district attorney’s office each filed complaints last year alleging the hotel as a site of drug use, brawls and underage drinking.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/845230_To-stay-open–Hotel-Brunswick-must-meet-21-conditions.html#ixzz2SFCC9hVP