Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s):  New Year's Eve Safety Street Closure

Starting in 2009, the City initiated a safety street closure to ensure the safety of the public during New Year's Eve events.  The closure includes Aspen Avenue (between San Francisco Street and Beaver Street) and Leroux Street (between Route 66 and Birch Avenue) on December 31, 2018, from 8:00 PM to January 1, 2019, at 1:30 AM. The Police Department agrees it is important to close the street for safety reasons at 8:00 PM. In addition to traffic barricades, heavy equipment from the Streets Department and Fire Department will be parked to block vehicular access into the safety closure zone.  Barricades will be provided and placed by a licensed barricade company and the Flagstaff Police Department will begin to take down barricades at 1:30 AM.

Downtown business owners and residents are informed of the street closure in a monthly newsletter produced by the Office of Community Events. The newsletter also includes upcoming City Council meetings and events downtown and in Heritage Square.

Street closures change traffic patterns for local businesses and may have the potential to affect sales.

The cost of the traffic control barricades for the street closure is approximately $700 and is budgeted in account 001-06-156-0583-5-4290.

No policy impact.

Goal ED.6. Tourism will continue to provide a year-round revenue source for the community, while expanding specialized tourist resources and activities.
Goal ED.7. Continue to promote and enhance Flagstaff's unique sense of place as an economic development driver.

City Council has approved this request in previous years.

A) Approve as recommended.
B) Direct staff to address the New Year's Eve downtown celebration in a way other than a street closure.
C) Deny the request to close the proposed downtown streets.  While this would not impede traffic flow in the north downtown area, it would restrict pedestrian traffic to the sidewalks and Heritage Square. With a large number of participants expected, this may force participants onto unsecured streets.

New Year's Eve festivities have become increasingly popular, drawing thousands of people to the downtown area. Starting in 2009, the City initiated safety street closures to help ensure the safety of the public during New Year's Eve events. The Pinecone Drop and the fireworks display occur at both 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM. The Flagstaff Police Department agrees it is important to close the streets for safety reasons at 8:00 PM. Barricades will be provided and placed by a licensed barricade company and the Flagstaff Police Department will begin to take them down at 1:30 AM.

In 2016, Staff made the decision to use heavy equipment from the Streets Department and Fire Department to block the four access points into the closure zone. Heavy equipment placed at the access points decreases the risk of vehicular related accidents occurring within the closure zone.

Street closures on one-way streets in the north downtown area are only permitted by City Council action according to the City's special events rules and regulations. Leroux Street is a two-way street and its closure is allowable under the current special event permit guidelines.

Provide a safe space for families and participants to celebrate the new year.

Inform: The City Council meeting date and time will be included in the November issue of the Downtown newsletter.