New Curbs Expected on Street Closings

Promoters of special events that require closing streets around the Old Towne Plaza may have to file early for their permits and jostle with competing events for the privilege.

The City Council is expected to approve a new policy today that defines the criteria by which permits for such festivities are granted.

If the policy passes muster, it will end a dispute that has pitted downtown merchants against promoters for years.

While many city boosters consider any event, such as a classic car show or an art festival, to be priceless advertising for Old Towne, merchants have said that just the opposite is true.

Out-of-town visitors attend the shows but fail to buy much in the city’s antique shops, shopkeepers have argued. Meanwhile, they say, the closed streets are an inconvenience to regular customers.

Under the new policy, which the council started debating six months ago, promoters and other event participants must submit permit requests by Nov. 25. The council will then consider all of them at the same time in December or January.

Taken together, the events can close the streets around the plaza for only 12 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays per calendar year and no more than 20 days total, the policy states.

The criteria defining acceptable events notes that “a broad base of appeal is preferred.” Also, half of the events should be directed at a local audience and half should have a more regional attraction.

Council members will also consider revising a controversial ordinance that prohibits drinking on private front lawns.

Under the proposed revision, the front lawns of single-family homes would not be considered “public places” and would be excluded from the law.

The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, 300 E. Chapman St.

Information: (714) 744-5500.