Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s):  Flagstaff Earth Day

Special events are important to our community.  They bring excitement to our City and enhance our quality of life.  If done with advanced preparation by addressing parking, trash, noise and congestion, a community event street closure has the potential to enhance business in the surrounding area.

The City of Flagstaff Office of Community Events brings forward requests for street closures on behalf of the applicant.  Staff encourages the event producer to conduct outreach and address any concerns that the community may have regarding this event.  As a courtesy, the Office of Community Events produces a monthly newsletter for downtown residents and business owners to inform them of upcoming City Council meetings, street closures and events at Heritage Square.

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

COUNCIL GOALS:
Does not meet a Council goal.

REGIONAL PLAN:
Transportation:
Goal T.1. Improve mobility access throughout the region.
Economic Development:
Goal ED.3. Regional economic development partners support the start-up, retention, and expansion of existing business enterprises.
Goal ED.6. Tourism will continue to provide a year-round 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.

The Sustainability Program received this exception in 2015.  Other events have received this exception in the past. 

Deny the request to close the proposed downtown streets.
• Pro: Closure of streets in the north downtown historic district have 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 has been a historically well-attended event when held on the front lawn of City Hall and when held in the downtown area.  This event has the potential to bring participants into the north downtown historic district and increase retail and restaurant sales.

After years of holding the annual Earth Day celebration on the City Hall lawn, community members and vendors requested the Sustainability Program move the event downtown to give it more of a community feel. As a result, the Sustainability Program and Sustainability Commission held a successful event in Heritage Square and on Aspen Ave (San Francisco Street to Leroux Street) last year. 

Staff from the Sustainability Program has conducted outreach with the downtown businesses affected by the closure and the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA). The event was well received in 2015 due in large part because of the passport program that drove participants into downtown businesses to purchase items on their passport.  Those participants could submit their completed passport to the DBA in order to be included in a raffle.  One business, Mountain Sports, reported a 40% increase in sales over the previous year.

By allowing the 2015 Earth Day event as an exception to the Special Event Permit Regulations regarding the full closure of Aspen Avenue (between San Francisco Street and Leroux Street), the City is providing a safe alternative location for a community event.

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 Flagstaff Fire Department requires that there be a fire land and access to all hydrant and water hook-ups on the streets.

The Flagstaff Earth Day celebration draws approximately 1,500 residents and visitors to the downtown area. It generates business for Flagstaff shops and restaurants. The event regularly draws from both private and public sector and provides activities. Earth Day provides a fun and exciting atmosphere where community members can learn about and participate in different environmentally focused workshops, tables and projects.
 

 

Involve: The Sustainability Program has conducted outreach with those businesses affected by the street closure and with the Downtown Business Alliance.

Inform: The Recreation Section produces a monthly newsletter for downtown businesses and residents. The newsletter contains event information regarding upcoming City Council meetings, Heritage Square activities and street closures.  Notice of the Council meeting has been included in the November newsletter.