During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the upcoming McDougall Street block party, scheduled for Sunday from noon to 7 PM. The event, organized by local restaurants, aims to foster community engagement and features 15 vendors, live jazz music, and a performance by a Florentine flag-waving troop.

Max, the director of operations for one of the participating restaurants, outlined the event's logistics, including setup times and sanitation plans. He emphasized that the event is free to attend, although registration is encouraged for promotional purposes. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of communication with local residents about the street closure and event details. Committee members suggested that each restaurant should take responsibility for informing their building's residents to avoid surprises on the day of the event.

A significant point of contention was the handling of alcohol sales during the event. While three vendors plan to serve alcohol, the absence of a designated area for consumption raised questions about compliance with local regulations. The organizers are still awaiting final approvals from the State Liquor Authority (SLA), which could impact the availability of alcohol at the event.

Security measures were also discussed, with plans for two police officers and four licensed security guards to monitor the event. The organizers assured that they would adhere to safety protocols, including maintaining a 15-foot emergency lane as required by the fire department.

Overall, while the event promises to be a vibrant community gathering, the organizers face challenges in ensuring proper communication with residents and compliance with regulatory requirements. The meeting concluded with a call for better outreach to local residents and a commitment to address the concerns raised.