Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s):  Flagstaff Earth Day 2017

In 2015 the Sustainability Program moved the annual Earth Day celebration from the City Hall lawn to Heritage Square and Aspen Avenue (between San Francisco to Leroux Street) at the request of community members and vendors. Earth Day is a popular event and has worked well the downtown businesses to involve them with the event. Special events, like Earth Day, are important to our community. They bring excitement to our City and enhance our quality of life. If done correctly by addressing parking, trash, noise and congestion, a community event street closure has the potential to enhance business in the surrounding area.

The current Special Event Permit Regulations do not allow for a 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 lane and access to all hydrant and water hook-ups on the streets

As a courtesy, the Office of Community Events produces a monthly newsletter for downtown residents and business owners to inform them of the upcoming City Council meetings, street closures and events at Heritage Square. The Sustainability Program will conduct outreach with businesses that will be affected by the street closure.

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

None

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.

City Council has approved this request in previous years.

A.) Approve the request as submitted.
B.) Deny the request to close the proposed downtown street.

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 have held a successful Earth Day celebration in Heritage Square and on Aspen Avenue (San Francisco Street to Leroux Street) since 2015.

By allowing the Earth Day event as an exception to the Special Event Permit Regulations regarding the full closure of Aspen Avenue (between San Francisco 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 a 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 lane and access to all hydrant and water hook-ups on the streets.

Inform: The Office of Community Events 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.

Involve: The Sustainability Program will conduct outreach with businesses that will be affected by the street closure.

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 the 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.