Zeneta Everhart announces proposal to improve safety at city festivals

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Masten District Buffalo Common Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart announced on Wednesday her proposal calling for an age restriction for unaccompanied teens at city festivals. 

The plan would prohibit those 17 years old and under from attending festivals in Buffalo unless they’re with a parent or guardian, or those in that age range would have to register with a community organization. 

Everhart is also looking to prohibit all face coverings at festivals in Buffalo, unless worn for medical or religious purposes. 

The proposal comes after Everhart raised concerns about fighting during the Juneteenth Festival last weekend. 

Earlier this week, Buffalo police said there were several juvenile fights that officers broke up quickly. 

Police said after the planned events, a juvenile was arrested with a knife. There were no reports of serious injuries.

Everhart is also proposing what she’s calling the “Juneteenth Nextgen Legacy Lab” to create programming specifically designed for children to engage with. It would include a special events advisory board made up of community members, block club members, business leaders and young people to develop the programming.

She said meetings are set up to speak with Juneteenth organizers soon. 

Buffalo isn’t the only community contending with youth fights at events. Multiple fights recently broke out at Kenmore Days in the Village of Kenmore’s Mang Park.