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Council approves Boniface Arts Center benefit block party; members raise traffic‑control concerns
Summary
The council approved a benefit block party at the Boniface Arts Center to raise funds after a spring fire, but several council members asked staff to work with organizers to limit street closures and traffic impacts.
The Escanaba City Council on Sept. 4 approved a special‑event application from the Boniface Arts Center for a ticketed benefit block party to raise funds for fire damages. The event will use the center’s parking lot and front green space, include a stage, vendors and a live band, and will serve alcohol under a separate liquor license pending final approval.
Why it matters: The event is intended to raise funds for rebuilding after a fire at the Boniface Arts Center and to allow the public to view progress on repairs. Council approval included direction that staff convey traffic and closure concerns to organizers and seek alternatives to closing First Avenue South if possible.
Event details and council concerns City staff read the applicant’s description that most activity will take place in the Boniface parking lot with a stage provided by the DDA, interactive stations inside the building, and activities on the front green. The event is planned to run with setup starting at 3:30 p.m. and teardown by 11 p.m.
Several council members urged staff to work with organizers to avoid closing First Avenue South because construction is already affecting that corridor; alternatives discussed included using the alley behind the building or extending the closure to a full block to keep First Avenue open. Council noted the event intends to have food vendors, raffle activities and a live band from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Council action and next steps Council approved the special‑event application and asked staff to relay traffic and neighbor‑impact concerns to the organizers and request adjustments if feasible. Staff said they would propose alternate closures for the applicant to consider, such as closing the alley or a different block segment rather than First Avenue South. The liquor license and any final closure permits remain subject to separate approvals.
— Sources: Escanaba City Council meeting transcript, Sept. 4, 2025; event application description read into the record.
