Street closure fees

In an email read into the record, the longtime street-closure organizer supported the fee concept but asked whether first-time events could get fee assistance and proposed a quarterly street-closure working group.

A Porchfest organizer and Near East Side resident said any fee is a barrier to block parties and asked for guidelines on what makes an event approvable; he favored slowing down for broader discussion.

Questioned the definition of an 'OU event,' questioned why Ohio University gets a break, and asked that the fee table be reordered for clarity.

A Far East Side event organizer urged council to consult neighborhood associations before setting fees, since costs fall on the people holding the events.

A longtime festival advocate supported streamlining the closure process but urged council to take a deep breath and table for more input.

The Tavern Owner Association rep understands fees are needed but asks whether DORA or enrichment fund money could offset nonprofit costs, and pushes back on the perception that event organizers profit big.