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Artists, organizers press council to allow Make It Main Street street closure; staff says final details still being worked out
Summary
Multiple speakers at public forum urged the council to permit the monthly Make It Main Street events to block Kelly Avenue and use McDutra Park; staff said final planning details and barricade logistics are still being finalized with the event organizer.
At the March 18 public forum, several local artists and event organizers urged the Half Moon Bay City Council to confirm a street closure and park use for Make It Main Street, the city's monthly arts and vendors evening. Speakers requested barricades on Kelly Avenue, banners on Main Street and continued access to McDutra Park for the first‑Thursday events from May through October.
Artist and event volunteer Linda B. Miller told the council that Make It Main Street is not seeking direct city funding for 2025 but sought the city's permission to block Kelly Avenue and provide barricades and banners. “Make It Main Street is not asking for direct monetary support for 2025. What we need is … support for the use of McDutra Park, Kelly Avenue, providing barricades,” she said.
Organizer Judy Shintani described last year's Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month program that used the Make It Main Street platform and said the event brought participants and visitors from across the Bay Area. Victoria Cormack, a gerontologist and longtime coast resident, asked the council to allow the barricade and to continue the children's art space that has been subsidized by grants: “Please allow the barrier to be put up on Kelly and allow people to walk on the first Thursday night of each month and enjoy Make It Main Street,” she said.
City staff told the council the event is likely to proceed but that final logistical details remain to be confirmed. When asked whether barriers would be a problem, staff said they are working with the event organizer, Aaron Tormey, to finalize planning and coordinate barricades and public‑safety logistics. Staff said they would continue to work with the organizer and that the city would provide the permitting and barricade support if the logistics are resolved.
Context: Make It Main Street is a monthly evening event (first Thursday, May–October) with vendor tables, performances and a children's arts area; organizers said the event receives a mix of vendor fees, grants and donations and has been recognized by the county for community arts services.
No formal council action was taken; staff said it will continue coordination with the organizer and return with details if needed.
