Council tables proposed Bike Week over business outreach concerns; consent calendar events approved

Havre de Grace — The council on Feb. 17 tabled a proposal for Havre de Grace Bike Week (scheduled for Aug. 28–30) after members expressed concern that downtown businesses had not been consulted about street-use plans. The meeting also approved three smaller community events on the consent calendar and the administration previewed the upcoming Ice Festival.

City staff described Bike Week as an American Legion–sponsored event that would use David Craig Park for motorcycle parking and restrict a stretch of St. John Street to motorcycle parking only. Staff said the applicant intended to rely heavily on volunteers, would not create a beer garden in the street, and planned additional police presence. Staff also estimated the restricted stretch would directly affect roughly five nearby businesses (Cochley's, MacGregor's, Bella’s Tea Room, an antique shop and the city water plant), though council members questioned whether the number of impacted businesses might be larger.

Council members suggested seeking explicit support from downtown businesses before approving the street-use request. After one member asked for more outreach and another said details were vague about the full impacts, a motion to table the Bike Week proposal carried by voice vote (recorded in the transcript as carried 6-0).

On the consent calendar, the council approved three events by unanimous voice vote: the Havre de Grace Recreation Committee egg hunt (April 4), an Easter sunrise service (April 5) and First Fridays (seasonal downtown events). Council also heard a staff preview of the Havre de Grace Ice Festival, a free downtown event featuring more than 50 ice sculptures, ticketed activities at the Star Center and complementary shuttle service; staff provided ticket links and logistical notes for attendees.