Rules committee advances Fillmore Entertainment Zone to full board

Supervisor Magmood urged the Rules Committee on Nov. 17 to advance an ordinance creating a Fillmore Entertainment Zone, saying the measure will help local businesses and celebrate the corridor’s cultural history. "The entertainment zone legislation will allow alcohol serving establishments on the Fillmore Corridor to sell drinks to go during specified events," Magmood said, and cited community gatherings convened by the Planning Department, the Mayor’s Office, and his office.

Magmood framed the zone as an early action tied to a longer community action plan for the neighborhood, saying the focus initially would be larger events such as the annual Juneteenth celebration. He thanked local leaders and Office of Economic and Workforce Development staff for their assistance and said the city will work with neighbors and businesses on a management plan to ensure events are safe and enjoyable.

In public comment, an unidentified Fillmore resident asked the committee to amend the proposal to extend the zone "over to Webster Street to protect our Gene Settle Plaza," and urged restoring regular Fillmore events. Majid Crawford, executive director of the New Community Leadership Foundation, said businesses and the Fillmore Collaborative supported the initiative and that the collaborative has helped bring "millions of dollars into the corridor."

Chair Shamone Walton moved to forward the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation as a committee report. Vice Chair Steven Sherrill, Member Mandelmann and Chair Walton each voted "Aye," and the motion passed without objection. The committee did not adopt a boundary amendment on the floor; the ordinance will appear on the Board agenda for consideration at the next stage.

The committee’s action advances the ordinance but does not by itself adopt the zone; the measure will return to the full Board for formal consideration and any final boundary or management plan details.