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Queen Creek council weighs temporary activation of town-owned downtown land for events
Summary
Councilmembers and staff discussed a plan to allow temporary special events and public parking on town-owned land north of town hall, including a $75 hourly land license rate, special-event permit requirements and vendor responsibilities. The item was presented for discussion and no formal action was taken.
Jennifer Lindley, the town’s downtown development manager, updated the Queen Creek Town Council on plans to temporarily activate a town-owned parcel north of town hall for public parking and special events.
Lindley said the property, purchased by the town in 2016 and recently improved with new roadways and lighting, is striped to provide “just over 400 parking spaces” and could host things such as the Queen Creek Festival, a Saturday market, Vintage and Vino and other temporary events. "Space activation refers to the practice of intentionally utilizing an underused or empty space to create a new engaging experience for the community," Lindley said.
Council members and staff framed the discussion around three practical points: an hourly land license rate of $75, required special-event permits, and event producers’ responsibility for things such as porta-potties, equipment and, if needed, security or traffic control. Lindley said the rate is higher than what organizers currently pay at the community library site ($45 per hour) and that the town’s special-event permit review will determine whether additional services, such as security or road closures, are required for a given event.
Why it matters: Council members said activating the site could bring visitors and retail spending to nearby businesses, increase awareness of the town center and put otherwise idle town property to use, while cautioning that temporary uses should not unduly burden taxpayers or impede future development possibilities.
Council member Brown urged caution, saying temporary activation can create later public pressure to keep the space in event use rather than allow it to develop to its "highest and best use." He also asked staff to “keep track of any direct costs,” arguing that the $75 hourly fee could be offset by staff time and other town costs. Vice Mayor Martineau and Council member Benning said they expect temporary activation to drive foot traffic and sales at nearby restaurants and shops; Benning said he has heard interest from private developers for the parcel.
Lindley described additional safeguards that would be included in a land license agreement, such as blackout dates for town events and the town’s ability to reclaim the site as needed for longer-term planning. She emphasized that promoters would be required to follow the town’s special-event permit process and that vendors and promoters would be responsible for their own setup costs.
Questions and next steps: Council members asked staff to provide any prior study or survey on the economic impacts of festivals on surrounding businesses. Lindley said the Queen Creek Chamber and some local businesses, including Old Ellsworth Brewing, had previously reported positive business impacts when festivals were held in the area and that staff would pull the relevant survey data. Council members also asked staff to track direct town costs for events so the council can evaluate whether fees and permit conditions cover the town’s expense.
No vote was taken on the activation plan. Lindley said the presentation was for discussion and that staff will continue outreach with local event organizers and the Chamber as plans advance.
