Downtown businesses press council for clearer road‑closure policy; study session set for Dec. 1

Trenton — Dozens of downtown proprietors and event organizers urged the City Council Monday to adopt and consistently enforce a special‑events and road‑closure policy after several recent event closures and last‑minute changes, and the council scheduled a study session to review the rules.

Christina McNally Stewart, owner of Freckles and Grit, told the council that planned street closures for events have been altered days before events because of complaints by a single business owner, forcing organizers to change plans, incur extra costs and reduce street activity. "These events that we hold in Downtown Trenton...are so important for downtown businesses," she said, and asked that the council "take into consideration allowing more road closures" so events can succeed.

Restaurateur Jeremy Saraki and other business owners described the revenue difference when events allowed street vending and walking traffic versus when barriers were removed or altered, saying the changes limit foot traffic that small businesses rely on. Saraki said one event in prior years generated an estimated $40,000–$50,000 more revenue when held down the middle of the street.

Councilwoman Hornbeck asked for a study session to review the downtown events policy; council scheduled a study session for 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, to discuss special events policy and possible changes to the approval and enforcement process. Mayor Rezeppa said staff would work with council and stakeholders.

The council’s action does not immediately change policy; the study session will give council members, staff and downtown stakeholders a dedicated opportunity to consider procedural and enforcement changes before any ordinance or policy changes are proposed.