Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s):  Ninth Annual Route 66 Days Charity Car Show. 

By allowing the 2013 Route 66 Days Charity Car Show as an exception to the Special Event Permit Regulations regarding the full closure of Aspen and Birch avenues, between Humphreys and San Francisco streets, the City is providing a safe alternative location for for an annual community event.

No Subsidiary Decisions Points.

Street closures have the potential to change traffic patterns for local businesses.

A sustainable community through economic vitality, environmental protection and social inclusion.
Diversity of arts, culture and educational opportunities.
Livability through good neighborhoods, affordable housing and varied recreational activities.

The Route 66 Charity Car Show has been granted this exception for the last eight years.

Deny the request to close the proposed downtown streets.

• Pro: Closure of streets in the north downtown area has the potential to negatively impact business in this area. By not allowing the closure, these north downtown businesses and residents could count on the ordinary flow of traffic and parking.
• Con: This is a well attended community event that brings visitors into Flagstaff and positively affects many areas of the local economy, including hotel and restaurant sales.

The 2013 Flagstaff Route 66 Days Charity Car Show is organized by the local Route 66 Car Club.  Now in its ninth year, the purpose of this event is to bring attention to the historic value of Route 66, bringing people to Flagstaff to celebrate its history through display of reconditioned and restored cars and other City attractions. The first event in 2005 started out in a short timeframe with 88 cars and provided the framework for future events.  The event has grown from 88 cars to 450 last year ----every year is sold out early.  The Route 66 Days Charity Car Show is the premiere car show event north of Phoenix and has become a destination event for entrants from around the United States.  Last year’s long distance award was from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The event has allowed the Route 66 Car Club to donate $165,000 to local charities over the last seven years.

The current special event permit regulations do not allow for the full closure of one-way downtown streets.  Deviations from the special event permit packet have been approved by City Council on a case-by-case basis.  The Route 66 Days Charity Car Show has been granted this exception for the last eight years.  Additional two-way street closures involved with this permit do not require City Council approval including Sitgreaves between Santa Fe and Birch; Aspen Avenue between Humphreys and Sitgreaves; Leroux Street between Route 66 and Birch Avenue.  The flow of traffic will continue as normal on San Francisco Street, Beaver Street and Humphreys Street.  The Flagstaff Fire Department requires that there be a fire lane and access to all hydrant and water hook-ups on the streets.

Street closures have the potential to change traffic patterns for local businesses.

The Route 66 Days Charity Car Show draws approximately 5000-10,000 residents and visitors to the historic downtown area and generates tourism and business for Flagstaff hotels and restaurants.  Downtown Flagstaff provides a significant draw for the event due to the ambience and historical nature of the downtown area.  Additionally,  the close proximity of restaurants and shops are enjoyed by both entrants showing their cars for the day and spectators.

Direct revenue from both entrants and vendors is significant as the event hosted 450 sold vehicle entries and 56 vendors in 2012.  Approximately 85 % of those entries were registered and in Flagstaff on Friday night in anticipation of Saturday’s car show.

Route 66 Days Charity Car Show has donated over $165,000 to local Flagstaff Charities in the past seven years.

The Public Participation Goal of Inform has been chosen: Numerous organizations and businesses participate in this event, including many of the downtown businesses.  The March 'Downtown Newsletter' informed residents and local downtown businesses of the date and time that this agenda item will be presented to City Council.