Concerts, amplified music, a carnival, crafts, merchandise sales, food and drink vendors were among the many plans. Wednesday night's debate focused on limiting the impact of Bike Week on residents. Froggy's plan stated that amplifiers would be pointed away from residential areas. City staff plan a new noise enforcement strategy. Requests for overnight camping on vacant lots near Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and George Engram boulevards divided the commission.
Camping is a first in the master plan, even though it has occurred unregulated for many years.
The camping, requested as part of street festivals by the Second Avenue Merchants Association, passed on two 4-3 votes. Commissioners Christina Travis, Darlene Yordon and Shallow unsuccessfully opposed the camping request that won backing from Mayor Bud Asher and Commissioners Yvonne Scarlett-Golden, Charles Cherry and George Burden. Camping belongs in campgrounds. Cherry responded that the camping sites are properties that have been vacant since urban renewal in the 1960s. Until something else comes along, we ought to allow this.