Monday, August 12, 2013

Six Days of Fiesta?

Nightclub owner Edison Garcia is asking City Council approval for his 5th Annual Independence of Central America event on Sept. 6,7 and 8, while the council granted permission in June for a similar event on Sept. 13, 14 and 15.

Garcia held his events without conflict until another nightclub owner, Rodney Maree, beat him to the punch and secured the second weekend in September for his first fiesta last year. (See post here.) In a compromise, both events were permitted in city parking lots flanking Watchung Avenue, despite concerns about parking and crowd management.

Garcia received approval for a fiesta in July celebrating America's Independence Day, but once again found Maree had spoken for the favored weekend in September 2013 for the Central American Independence celebration.

Last year, the double event occupied both Lot 1 behind Chez Maree and the former Strand Theater as well as Lots 8 and 8A behind stores between Somerset Street and Watchung Avenue. This year, Maree's event will again be in Lot 1 on Sept. 13, 14 and 15 and Garcia's will precede it, if approved, on Sept. 6, 7 and 8 in Lots 8 and 8A. Both feature Latino food specialties, beer, music and entertainment.

Among the pros and cons, the events will garner new fees of $2,500 per day, but may displace shopper parking. They bring thousands of residents and visitors to downtown Plainfield, but also create noise that Councilman William Reid said was upsetting to neighbors of the sites last year. (Sounds of a festival downtown this past weekend could be heard seven blocks south to my back yard.)

Garcia's request will be considered at tonight's meeting, 7:30 p.m. in Municipal Court. If moved to the agenda, it will be up for a vote at the regular meeting, 8 p.m. Aug.19 in Municipal Court.

Also on Monday's agenda, George E. Withers of G-Wiz Auto Entertainment is asking permission to close East Front Street between Park and Watchung on Sept. 22 for the 5th Annual Latin Rides Car, Truck and Bike Show.

--Bernice

8 comments:

  1. These events are held by private business owners who use culture and heritage as a smokescreen to hide their real motive and that is to make money case and point. Request that they do not sell/serve beer at these events or that their be no after party at mr garcia nightclub and see how there love for culture and heritage change. The theme celebrate central american independence. Sound good to those who dont understand history independence from who spain,portugal,the british empire, i say to the governing body use wise judgement before you grant these request once again to the same parties. Who just change the name every three months to continue their money making party. If you grant these request will be prepared to grant other communitys the same opportunities to hold events in the same public space with beer,loud music,and public drunkenness in the name of culture and heritage. Yes plainfield is diverse but lets have unity in our diversity. Organizing for peace and progress as one community. Mr norman x johnson

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  2. I don't begrudge anyone a good party, even those that are pure money-makers for the organizers, but shouldn't we require more than 26 days notice to close off streets and parking lots? It says volumes about the administration that we would even consider such a late application.

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  3. I don't think the fees cover the cost to the city. I also believe that we're nearing overkill. I think a party is cool, but I also think we need to consider everyone in Plainfield. I'm glad its not by my home.

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  4. I agree with Mr. Johnson. Set aside one weekend for Hispanic/Latino etc, celebrations. Other communities do that. Why must we be bombarded with loud music, public drunkenness and noise. Let Mr. Garcia have one weekend, as I see it Mr. Maree saw a great way to make money off of the vendors and liquor sales and copied. Why we allow this in a city which, quite frankly, needs a better image is beyond me. Eat, Drink and be Merry, but please just for one weekend. Council needs to charge $10,000 for this type of activity. To bad we should have a folk music, open poetry, rap, reggae grand ole month of music. LOL

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  5. This evening, we heard from some other business owners, whose businesses have been severely affected by the closures as well as by the public urination, the drinking, the noise, an the garbage. I am chagrined by the fact that Mr. Garcia JUST had a 3-day festival in July, and now, with 3 weeks notice, wants to have another. It doesn't make sense, except for the fact that tens of thousands of dollars in profit are made (although I have nothing against profit) at the expense of the other business owners. I think that it would make more sense for Mr. Garcia and the others who want to hold these festivals to have them in one of our county parks, which would ensure that things go well. I think the county makes businesses post a significant bond. I think that closing our streets on so many weekends is problematic, in the long run. I will be voting against this event.

    Rebecca

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  6. Didn't the council vote to give Mr. Garcia a break in permit fees?

    Can someone tell me if Plainfield has any kind of strategy and vision in terms of what kind of city it wants to be? I always feel that Plainfield just goes along, takes what it is thrown, and it is OK. I never feel as though there is anyone in control with any kind of insight or plan.

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    1. Yes it did. Three days for the price of one. Garcia has friends in highish places: http://www.elec.state.nj.us/ELECReport/ContribByContributorsActiveXViewer.aspx?&Page=S&LastName=garcia&FirstName=edison

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    2. Ohhhh.................

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