A nightclub operator who promised to bring "a brand-new idea and concept to the city" asked the City Council Monday to vote next week on his application to hold a rodeo here, but the timing fell short of a new rule requiring submission 45 days in advance.
Jeffrey Maree spoke first of his recent festivals organized by Voluntad Productions, saying they were meant to provide a cultural experience, not just to make money. (Voluntad produced a festival in August for El Salvadoran heritage and another is scheduled for Sept. 13, 14 and 15 to celebrate Central American independence. With two other festivals backed by nightclub owner Edison Garcia, critics say the crowded schedule appears to be of a commercial nature.)
Regarding his new concept, Maree said the rodeo had its origins in Spain, then spread to Mexico and became part of American culture. But Council President Bridget Rivers asked Corporation Counsel David Minchello to review the application process. Minchello said applications need various reviews and he recommended letting it come to the council only after all "due diligence" by city agencies.
Maree spoke briefly with Rivers after the meeting, but left before Plaintalker could get more details on his plans, such as the proposed site.
The rodeo concept is well-known in the American West, but lately "Mexican rodeos" have attracted large crowds in New Jersey. Plaintalker found two news articles on the topic. Click here and here to read them.
The festivals have raised questions about noise levels and beer drinking around young children. A rodeo could bring further concerns about animal treatment.
The council meets at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept.9 to approve items moved to the agenda at Tuesday's meeting. The next agenda-fixing session is 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 and the regular meeting is 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, both in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
--Bernice
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How come Sharon does not have to get a permit. After all, she's running a circus.
ReplyDeleteGood One
DeleteWe could allow one rodeo a year on one weekend, planned a minimum 4 months in advance, at least 2 months apart from the one weekend, one location, one promoter Central American independence celebration. Add to those the Rhythm and Blues by the Brook party (if it still exists) and the Fourth of July parade and fireworks. We should host no more than that. That's plenty of circuses for one medium size semi-urban town.
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of rodeos, from an animal rights standpoint. However, they exist in spite of my feelings--that said, rodeos should take place in venues that make sense and that properly care for the animals--it should be entertainment in a large, open space. Having a rodeo in a stadium or a fairgrounds, or on a farm with stadium seating would perhaps be a more practical idea--having a rodeo in a small municipal asphalt-paved parking lot in the middle of downtown is ridiculous. How can the safety of the animals be ensured on asphalt, rather than on grass and dirt? My family members who live in Texas regularly go to rodeos--Texas is a big rodeo place--with rodeo-sized room for the horses, bulls, and other livestock to run. In addition, there are public safety aspects that go beyond what our police and fire should be expected to commit to. Insurance, I would imagine, would be extremely expensive as well. There are proper venues where livestock can be properly cared for, but our local parking lots don't fit the bill. Perhaps one of the county parks can be convinced to host a rodeo--and then have the lawns cleaned and seeded. That is what I would suggest to these entrepreneurs.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
So what you're saying Rebecca is that you're against it for all the right reasons and probably most of us agree but that one of your less esteemed colleagues will manage to get it put on the agenda repeatedly until it passes..
DeleteAnimal safety and proper venue are more than enough reasons..plus as you said.. The police and fire departments do a lot that they would never have said they'd sign up for without complaints... Give the rodeo to Westfield