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Council approves Perry Mill Wharf party permit, conditions it on meeting with Friends of the Waterfront
Summary
After Friends of the Waterfront raised concerns that the Perry Mill Wharf site still blocks public waterfront access, the council approved a special-event permit for an Aug. 15 Surf Club Summer Party contingent on a meeting between the applicant, Friends of the Waterfront and city staff before the event.
The City Council approved a special-event permit for Midtown Race Club LLC to host the Surf Club Summer Party at 1 Perry Mill Wharf on Aug. 15, 2026, but added a condition that the applicant meet with Friends of the Waterfront and city staff to resolve remaining public-access impediments.
Linda Stephenson, identified at the meeting as president of Friends of the Waterfront, told the council she and her monitors have repeatedly documented blocked public access at Perry Mill since September and asked that the council "deny the special event license unless the applicant agrees to meet with Friends of the Waterfront, city staff, and a member or members of the Waterfront Commission to address these issues in the next 30 days." The applicant, Patrick Kilroy, said the right of way was "completely clear" in the video he submitted and apologized for construction delays, saying, "We're under construction. We're all well aware of it... we're doing our best; we're under construction, we're moving as fast as we can."
Council discussion focused on whether an administrative approval could follow a meeting between the parties. One councilor recommended approval with a contingency that the applicant allow a walkthrough with Friends of the Waterfront and city staff; the motion on the floor approved the Midtown Race Club Surf Club Summer Party "with the understanding that there will be a meeting with city staff and council members prior to the event." The council then voted in favor of the motion; the chair declared, "Ayes have it."
The item originated from a permit application that listed a street closure request; staff and the applicant clarified the application did not in fact require a street closure at the wharf. Councilors and community speakers emphasized protecting public access while also supporting events that bring people to the waterfront. The administration said an administrative approval pathway exists for time-sensitive events provided outstanding issues are resolved.
