A proposed special events ordinance in Fort Worth has some neighborhood associations concerned.
Under the ordinance, neighborhood associations would have to give notice of events like picnics or street dances 30 days ahead of time. Then, events would have to be approved by a calendar committee, and in some instances, the associations would be required to purchase liability insurance.
Residence in the historic Ryan Place neighborhood fear the ordinance could place undue financial burdens on neighborhood associations who simply want to create a sense of community for residents. But, the city said the ordinance is about creating and enforcing a set of consistent rules for all events.
"The city is growing and growing and growing and folks are wanting to have lots of events, especially in our entertainment and downtown business district, and we need to have some consistency about how the rules are applied and when people can have events," said Jason Lamers, Communications Director, Fort Worth. "We don't mind complying with risk management, but we don't want it too burdensome where we can't have the events anymore, whether that be through the regulations or the financial burden."
Public Hearings:
June 21 - Botanic Garden Center Lecture Hall, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd 6 p.m.
July 13 - City Council will conduct a public hearing at its regularly scheduled meeting to consider adoption of the ordinance
