Title
Resolution to Approve Street Closings for the UA Block Party and Plumbers & Pipefitters 5K - Monday, August 15, 2022
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration is a resolution to approve the closing of the following streets from 12:00 Noon. to 11:00 P.M. on Monday, August 15, 2022 to stage the UA (United Association) Block Party and the Plumbers & Pipefitters 5K:
• S. Main Street between William and Huron Streets
• Liberty between S. Ashley Street and S. Fourth Avenue
• Washington from S. Ashley Street to the alley between Main and S. Fourth
The actual event will take place from 6:30 P.M. until 10:00 P.M. with the additional time to be used for set-up and break-down of the event.
The Sponsor has requested the following streets be closed for the 5K from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.:
• Extend Liberty closure from S. Ashley to State Street
• Main Street from Liberty to Huron
The actual race will begin at 6:50 P.M. and end by 7:45 P.M. with the streets to open as soon as safely possible as the runners complete the course.
In 2016 there were concerns about the weekday timing of the 5K and traffic disruptions. As a result, the organizers met with City staff, including Police and Fire, as well as with the AAATA bus system. All agreed that the disruption is as minimal as is safely possible for the runners and the community. The benefactor of the race is the Semper Fi Fund. All proceeds raised are then matched by the UA and donated to the charity. This event has raised more than $250,000 over the last seven years due to the UA 5K Race. The opening ceremony includes an honoring a Veteran who will then start the race. Since 2016, there have been few, if any, complaints. And this event has not taken place since 2019 (pre-COVID).
This event, sponsored by the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (AAACVB), is also intended to attract people to the downtown area to enjoy the festivities. Classic and muscle cars will be the showcase of this event. Live entertainment will be provided from 6:30 P.M. and will conclude by 10:00 P.M.
The sponsor will submit an application for approval from the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission for temporary sales, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the defined areas pursuant to the M.L.C.C. regulations.
Notification of the street closings will be provided through the City’s website and GovDelivery. The Sponsor will also information to all UA members via the internet, AAACVB website, MLive.com, cards to residents in the impacted area as well as hotels, area churches and merchants no less than two weeks prior to the event.
Staff
Prepared by: Debra Williams, Office Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City has received a request from the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (AAACVB) to close the following streets from 12:00 Noon to 11:00 P.M. on Monday, August 15, 2022 to facilitate the staging of the UA Block Party and Plumbers & Pipefitters 5K;
• S. Main Street between William and Huron Streets
• Liberty between S. Ashley Street and S. Fourth Avenue
• Washington from S. Ashley Street to the alley between Main and S. Fourth
and for the 5K from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.:
• Extend Liberty closure from S. Ashley to State Street
• Main Street from Liberty to Huron
Whereas, The street closures will be signed, barricaded and properly supervised by staff provided by applicant;
Whereas, The sponsor requires the approval of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a special outdoor liquor license; and
Whereas, Notification of the street closings will be provided through the City’s website, Gov Delivery, sponsor information via the internet, the AAACVB website, MLive.com and postcards to hotels, impacted churches, area merchants and resident mailboxes no less than two weeks prior to the event;
RESOLVED, That a special liquor license for the event be approved contingent upon approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission; and
RESOLVED, That Council approve the closing of the following streets from 12:00 Noon to 11:00 P.M. on Monday, August 15, 2022:
• S. Main Street between William and Huron Streets
• Liberty between S. Ashley Street and S. Fourth Avenue
• Washington from S. Ashley Street to the alley between Main and S. Fourth
and for the 5K from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.:
• Extend Liberty closure from S. Ashley to State Street
• Main Street from Liberty to Huron