Block Party Planners to Use City Equipment

Despite one council member’s concerns about setting a precedent, the City Council has approved the loan of some recreation equipment for a neighborhood block party on Dec. 21.

The council voted 4 to 0, with Councilwoman Eva Miner Bradford abstaining, to allow the loan of city-owned chairs, tables and a Santa suit. Bradford said she abstained from voting because she feared the loan might trigger many further such requests.

The sponsor of the party, to be held in the Yorkshire Circle area, is the Valuing Diversity Committee of the city’s Youth 20/20 program. That program was launched earlier this year by the City Council and is designed to stress positive values among young people in the city.

Karla Dennis, speaking for the Valuing Diversity Committee, said the block party would enhance the goals of the youth program. She told the council that the gathering would allow neighbors to get to know each other and learn something about ethnic differences by bringing various ethnic foods to share.

“I don’t think this [request] is out of the ordinary,” Mayor Kenneth Blake said. Councilwoman Charlene Hatakeyama also applauded the block party idea.

But Bradford and Councilwoman Alta E. Duke said there could be problems. “I’d like to see a plan for the year--how many activities like this we’re talking about,” Duke said. Nonetheless, she voted for the request.

City staff estimated that the cost of delivering and picking up the loaned equipment and cleaning the Santa suit would total $75.