[Added 7-11-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-15]
The Chief of Police, or in his absence, disability, or inability
to act, then the Chief's designee, is hereby authorized to provide
by directive for the closing of any street or portion thereof to motor
vehicle traffic on any day or days or during specified hours during
any day or days whenever he finds that such closing is necessary for
the preservation of the public safety, health or welfare.
A.
Whereas, the Borough of Longport in the County of Atlantic and State
of New Jersey desires to establish and otherwise regulate the ability
of its citizens to petition for a temporary street closing so as to
allow community functions, such as block parties and/or neighborhood
festivals; and
B.
Whereas, the governing body has determined in may be appropriate
in limited circumstances to permit the temporary street closings for
the purpose of aforesaid community functions;
C.
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Borough of Longport.
The following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A designated area within which the public streets shall be
closed for a neighborhood party.
A neighborhood block party, celebration or event, but shall
not include a garage sale, yard sale, bazaar, rummage sale or other
similar activity having the principal purpose as fundraising for an
individual or organization, nor shall it include a political meeting
or rally, carnival or theatrical or musical performance, such as rock
concerts or similar events.
Any highway, road or public alley in the Borough of Longport.
A.
The Chief of Police or designee shall be authorized to issue a permit
for the temporary blocking of a street for the purpose of holding
a party or festival. At least 30 days before the commencement of such
party, a request for such permit shall be filed with the Police Department
by a bona fide resident of the street to be blocked, who is over the
age of 18, and such request shall contain at least the following information:
(1)
Copy of a letter sent or dropped off to all residents of the street
providing notification of the planned event with a representation
of service. Letter must inform the resident that they may object to
the event by notice to the Police Chief.
(2)
Exact date and time of event.
(3)
Estimated amount of people to attend event.
(4)
Assure complete accessibility to area (roadways, etc.) for emergency
vehicles.
B.
If a permit is issued, notification by the Police Department shall
be made to Public Works at least 72 hours prior to event to drop off
barricades based upon availability.
C.
The application may require such additional information as the Borough
Commissioners may prescribe by resolution.
The permit shall be granted by the Chief of Police or designee
upon determining that the party is requesting the same has complied
with all requirements of this Code and the event will not impact public
health and/or safety. The permit may be denied at the sole discretion
of the Chief of Police or designee for any reason whatsoever. The
Chief of Police may consult with the Fire Chief, Public Works and
the Administrator for input regarding any request.
A permit issued pursuant to this article shall be valid only
for the date and the hours specified thereon, which shall not be before
8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
The applicant shall be responsible for removal of litter, debris
and other materials from the street or portion thereof used for the
party, which is attributable to or caused by the party.
A street or portion thereof blocked off for a party shall not
be obstructed by obstacles which cannot be readily moved to allow
emergency and hazard vehicles to enter it in response to an emergency.
The persons, organization or association to whom the permit
is issued shall be liable for all losses, damages or injuries sustained
by any person, whether a participant or spectator at the block party
or recreational event, whether or not said losses, damages or injuries
arise by reason of the negligence of the person, persons or organization
to whom such permit shall have been issued. The Chief of Police or
designee shall require the applicant to enter into a hold harmless
agreement.
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision
of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to a penalty of
not more than $1,000.
Should any section, clause, sentence, phrase provision or application
of this article be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court
of competent jurisdiction, such a decision shall not affect the remaining
portions of this article.
This article shall take effect immediately upon its final passage
and publication as provided by law.
