Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Amy McWhorter, Downtown Development Coordinator
Contact Info
(830) 221-4057 - amcwhorter@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of temporary road closures for the fourth annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on October 26, 2019.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
In 2016, the New Braunfels Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) held the first Dia de los Muertos Festival at the Farmer’s Market on Castell Avenue. In 2017, the HBA moved the event to the public right-of-way in Downtown New Braunfels along San Antonio Street, Main Plaza, and Castell Avenue to better accommodate the popular event and enhance event programming. This year, the HBA wishes to once again host the event in the public right-of-way Downtown, using the same footprint as was approved by City Council for the 2017 and 2018 events.
The HBA is planning to host the event from 12:00 noon until 10:00 p.m. The HBA is requesting approval for the following road closures on October 26, 2019:
• West San Antonio Street, 100 to 200 blocks (Main Plaza to the Union Pacific railroad tracks), from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight.
• North Castell Avenue, 100 block (from Mill Street to West San Antonio Street), from 7:00 am until 12:00 midnight
• South Castell Avenue, portion of the 100 block (from West San Antonio Street to the alley behind the Downtown Antique Mall), from 7:00 am until 12:00 midnight
• Main Plaza, 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight
• North Seguin Avenue, 100 block (from Mill Street to Main Plaza), 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight
• South Seguin Avenue, 100 and 200 blocks (from Main Plaza to Coll Street), 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight
• East San Antonio Street, 100 block (Main Plaza to Comal Avenue), 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight
Chapter 126.41 of the City Code allows the Chief of Police the authority to close streets; however, traditionally this has been for public safety considerations or small events such as neighborhood block parties (as an example). Additionally, the “Street Closure Request” process outlined in Chapter 126.41 does not include requirements for City services such as trash clean up and street sweeping, or associated costs.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
|
City Plan/Council Priority: Envision New Braunfels |
Action 2.21: Support multicultural, diverse events on- and off-season and during the weekend/weekday. Action 2.24: Support new and evolving holiday installations/events. Action 8.4: Cultivate opportunities for growth in heritage tourism, including successful local tours. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
City services will be reimbursed by the HBA; thus, there should be no public costs.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval.