AGENDA #5f
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TO: |
Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager |
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FROM: |
Ray L. “Butch” Kisiah, Director of Parks & Recreation |
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SUBJECT: |
Response to Petition Regarding a Spring Event in Chapel Hill |
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DATE: |
September 10, 2007 |
This report provides information on the petition from Mr. Tom Jensen dated May 3, 2007, requesting a spring event in Chapel Hill to be offered by the Town.
In 2006 the Town discontinued the Apple-Chill Festival and created a series of summer concerts as substitute events. These concerts were very successful for the first year and staff is recommending that they be continued. As stated in the purpose, a petition has been received requesting a spring event in downtown Chapel Hill as a substitute for the Apple Chill Festival.
In discussions with downtown business leaders and other town staff, it is becoming apparent that the ability to close a street downtown is more and more difficult without substantial impact to the downtown business interests. The parks and recreation department is proposing that a new spring event be developed that would use the existing venue location on the top of the James C. Wallace parking deck. While small in size as compared to a street festival, we believe that the use of this space would allow for a creative and entertaining event focusing on environmental awareness and education in conjunction with the celebration of Earth Day. We also would want to coordinate our activities with other groups and organizations celebrating Earth Day in Chapel Hill.
Schedule: We will report back to the Council in January with an update on our progress in developing this event and providing cost information; including options for funding it.