Council Approves Juneteenth Special Event; Washington Square Closure Narrowed and Other Street-closure Requests Continued

The City Council approved a special-event license for a Juneteenth program in Eisenhower Park and endorsed a related Washington Square street closure for a limited period, while deferring some broader street-closure requests pending police review.

Organizers of the Juneteenth event described a reenactment and public program featuring fife-and-drum corps, vendors, and the temporary display of a painting. The City approved the special-event license; councilors emphasized coordination with state and local agencies to protect the painting and manage crowds.

Organizers asked for multiple street closures and parking reservations around Washington Square. After discussion about neighborhood parking and safety, the council amended the request and adopted a narrower closure: Washington Square closed on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A proposal to close additional streets (Duke Street, Charles Street, Park Place and others) was withdrawn and the council voted to continue those closure requests until organizers meet with the Police Department and provide a final plan; the council scheduled a follow-up for the May 14 meeting.

Separately, the council approved several other special event licenses and renewals during the meeting, including a special-event license for Toons and Tours at Belcourt Castle, a Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride (a motorcycle charity event), and additional outdoor café and entertainment licensure items.

Councilors asked organizers to avoid displacing regular parking without prior outreach to merchants and residents. Police and staff said they will work with organizers to minimize impacts and finalize traffic-control plans before the event.