Committee Endorses Encroachment Permit for Decorative Lighting Along Haverford Avenue

The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development voted to report bill 250916 with a favorable recommendation and to suspend the rules for first reading at the next council session. The bill would authorize the Haverford Business Association (and successors or assigned agents) to install and maintain decorative lighting encroachments attached to existing facilities in the public right‑of‑way along Haverford Avenue between Woodbine Avenue and City Avenue, subject to owner consent and City regulations.

Richard Montanez, First Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Streets, testified that the Department does not oppose the encroachments so long as they comply with City law and with review and approvals required by the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the Department of Streets, and the Art Commission. "No more than 14 decorative lights will be placed on the existing facilities in the right of way along the sidewalk frontage of Haverford Ave," Montanez said, and he offered to answer committee questions about maintenance and regulatory compliance.

Committee members approved the motion to report the bill from committee with a favorable recommendation and to suspend council rules to permit first reading at the next session. The committee recorded verbal "ayes"; the transcript includes the motion and verbal approval but does not show roll‑call counts in committee minutes.

Next steps: the bill will appear on the council docket for first reading. City departments identified in testimony — L&I, Streets and the Art Commission — will be the enforcement/review authorities for permits and compliance if the bill becomes law.