A Somerset Street business owner told the City Council he had to close up for days while a July festival took place in a city parking lot and called such events "very dangerous."
In public comment, Arturo Torres said his workers at Acme Windows on Somerset Street had to deal with the aftermath, including human waste and food mess in Lot 8A. He deplored drunks "bothering other people" and questioned the safety of rides set up in the parking lot.
His concerns came as the governing body itself called for tighter controls on three-day fiestas that are proliferating downtown. Since nightclub owner Edison Garcia began the tradition five years ago with celebrations of American and Central American independence, another nightclub owner has begun rivaling them. Voluntad Productions held the most recent one this past weekend to celebrate El Salvadoran heritage and has council permission to hold its second annual Hispanic heritage festival in Municipal Lot 1 on Sept. 13, 14 and 15.
Garcia, who previously secured the second weekend in September for the Central American Independence celebration, is now seeking city permission to hold his event on Sept. 6, 7 and 8 this year in Lots 8 and 8A. See Plaintalker's earlier post here.
The city changed rules for carnivals and other events in 2012, increasing fees to $2,500 per day and imposing other requirements, but partially waived Garcia's fee in July. In a discussion before public comment Monday, Councilman William Reid said he opposed any future fee waivers and called for organizers to hire "proper police" for events.
Councilman Adrian Mapp said he supported events that bring "thousands of people" to Plainfield, but called for early permit applications. Councilwoman Rebecca Williams noted an event in July and said she didn't think it necessary to have events "every other weekend."
Besides Garcia's request for his event on Sept. 6, 7 and 8, there were several other requests for council approval Monday. Evangelical Mission of the Holy Spirit Inc. asked for closure of Central Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets on Sept. 15 for an outdoor religious celebration; First Presbyterian Church wants to use Municipal Lot 9 at Central Avenue and West Second Street for "religious praising activities" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 7; G-Wiz Auto Entertainment asks to close East Front Street between Park & Watchung on Sept. 22 for the 5th Annual Latin Rides Car, Truck & Bike Show; Prime Xample Motorcycle Club wants to close North Avenue between Berckman and Richmond streets for a grand opening celebration from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 15; and Council President Bridget Rivers and Councilwoman Vera Greaves want to close West Third Street between Plainfield Avenue and Liberty Street for a Community Appreciation Day on Aug. 24.
All these requests will be up for approval at the regular meeting at 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
--Bernice
I think the fees are too low and proper security is their responsibility. Why can't these events be in a county park? I, like many residents, avoid downtown during these events. Do we have figures that show these overly loud and crowded in fact benefit businesses downtown. I bet they don't. People come for the event and that's it. I'mm from Plainfield, NJ. Show the advantage of these downtown events.
ReplyDeleteBob Bolmer
I avoid downtown altogether. Soooo ghetto
ReplyDeleteA motorcycle club grand opening the only peace and comfort is in the comfort and security of their own home and to allow a motorcycle club to block off a city street to have their fun while disregarding the concerns of the home owners in that neighborhood is really shameful that club already have noise complaints by residents and to give them permission to ride up a closed city street is to sanction the disturbing of the peace that those homeowners currently enjoy.i believe the council will exercise wise judgement and protect the peace and solitude of the residents of that neighborhood. Mr norman x johnson. City organizer for peace and progress for all
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bob. And, by the way, when downtown Plainfield starts looking and acting like downtown Westfield, maybe people will consider coming to Plainfield to shop.
ReplyDeleteWhy not make a rule that only established community or business groups representing the entire town, or at least a large portion, can apply for street closures? The city should not be in the business of making everyone's dream of holding a street festival a reality. A successful application, submitted 60 days in advance, must include evidence of the org's tax-exempt status. Private businesses, regardless of their contributions to the local assemblyman, should not be given public assistance in making private profit.
ReplyDeleteThat would leave out block associations, which used to be the main groups asking for street closures. Block parties can be a great way to strengthen neighborhoods.
DeleteAlthough block organizations wouldn't have tax exempt status they certainly are established community groups and they could be accommodated under the rule.
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