Dan Frankel, House Democratic caucus chairman representing Allegheny County, announced yesterday that state-issued grants have been awarded to two groups targeting underage drinking in the Oakland neighborhood.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has awarded the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation and Carnegie Mellon University’s Police Department $40,000 and $30,000 in funding, respectively. The initiative is part of a bigger move by the Liquor Control Board to combat underage drinking: In this month, 61 awards — totalling $2.14 million — have been issued thus far.

The board’s mission, as stated by Frankel, “Isn’t just in the business of selling alcohol — its job is also to promote responsible alcohol use for those 21 and older.” This is a great move for the Oakland community, which houses a significant part of the Pitt student body, along with families and the other non-students. Promoting safe drinking practices in a community that encompasses such a diverse community of residents is a move that will improve the neighborhood’s safety and standard of living.

The Oakland Planning and Development Corporation’s proposed uses of their share of the funds are especially commendable.

With their grant, the corporation will hire off-duty police officers and increase the enforcement of criminal and liquor code violations in North, South, Central and West Oakland. They hope to combat the lingering problem of individuals consuming alcohol irresponsibly, whether it be underage or excessively. 

Moreover, they plan to employ a part-time coordinator to develop a relationship with landlords and students to notify both of the corporation’s new initiatives to educate and provide resources to residents about safe drinking practices. The coordinator will also be tasked with researching how underage drinking correlates to an increased nuisance for properties in the neighborhood, a relationship that requires further examination.

The Oakland Planning and Development Corporation will partner with Oakland’s community code enforcement group, Oakwatch, to both raise awareness and provide added resources to see this process through.

The funding comes at an opportune time for the neighborhood of Oakland. With a new school year underway, new programs to enforce safe drinking practices should be welcomed. The risks associated with underage consumption of alcohol are numerous, and the chances for devastating consequences are extremely prevalent.

Frankel’s announcement is not attempting to suppress individuals, especially students, from having a great time in their respective residences in Oakland. He’s trying to ensure that the neighborhood of Oakland is safe for every resident while promoting an environment of peace and tranquility in an increasingly diverse neighborhood.