The Rome Common Council on May 14 unanimously approved Ordinance 9790 authorizing street closures for the Erie Canal Bike Tour and an associated block party on Thursday, July 17.

Bobby O'Brien, speaking for the Rome Waterways and Trails advocacy group, urged the council to approve the closure and to support the event run by Parks & Trails New York. "I would like to thank Councilor Fazio for sponsoring Ordinance 97 90 and ask for all of your support authorizing the closing of streets for the arrival of the cycle the Erie Canal tour," O'Brien said. He told the council the event will bring "500 plus cyclists" to Rome as part of an 8-day, 400-mile ride and will mark the Erie Canal bicentennial.

Councilors approved the ordinance by unanimous consent. Councilors noted the closures in the motion and during discussion: West Dominic Street will be closed between James and George streets from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 17; James Street from Erie Boulevard to West Liberty will be closed from 7 a.m. on July 17 until 7 a.m. on July 18 to accommodate overnight camping on the Great Lawn at Fort Stanwix.

The ordinance filing and the event description submitted with the request include a map of the proposed road closures, a schedule of activities and an outline of vendor and camping locations. City staff and the proponents said the block party is intended as a community event with food vendors, family activities and music from the city stage.

No public opposition to the closure was recorded during the meeting.

The council’s approval allows city staff to finalize operational details and permits consistent with the map and schedule submitted with Ordinance 9790.