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Jonesborough approves Garden Gala, Porsche show; adjusts Music on the Square closures for safety and handicap access
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Summary
After a citizen raised concerns that recent street closures have hindered access for older and mobility-impaired patrons, the board approved special-event permits (Garden Gala subject to insurance, Porsche Club Show) and changed the recommended Music on the Square closure to 2nd Avenue with staff directed to add temporary handicap parking.
Town officials on March 16 addressed public concerns about festival closures that have affected downtown accessibility and business access, approved two special-event requests and modified a proposed street closure to prioritize safety and handicap access.
Resident Jeanette Gaines told the board that recent closures tied to festivals have prevented patrons — especially older and mobility-impaired customers — from reaching downtown venues and asked the town to consider alternate closures or temporary handicap parking. Gaines cited lost business and difficulties for 2 p.m. shows and similar events.
After staff and public-safety discussion, the board approved the Garden Gala event subject to the town being added as an additional insured on the event’s certificate of insurance (the packet copy initially handed to the board lacked that language); the Porsche Club of America Show and Cruise-In was approved for July 18 after the town confirmed insurance documentation.
On Music on the Square, staff described traffic and bollard-placement constraints and recommended closing at 2nd Avenue rather than Christopher Taylor Lane so the inbound boulder/bollard protection remains in place and traffic can be controlled safely. The board directed staff to implement the revised closure and to add temporary handicap parking (for example in nearby Methodist or Stevenson lots used previously during events). The motion to approve the closure change and the handicap-parking direction passed by roll call.
The board indicated they would continue to coordinate with businesses and event organizers to minimize impacts while preserving public safety.
