[Ord. #919; Ord. #952]
The purpose of this Section 7-16 is to set forth
procedures by which residents may apply for and receive permission
to close specified streets during specified hours and dates, in order
to accommodate block parties or similar community recreational events.
As used in this section, "resident" means any person who occupies
a residence or nonresidential premises in the Township.
[Ord. #919; Ord. #952]
Any resident of the Township may apply for permission
to close one or more streets, or a portion of such street or streets,
to motor vehicle traffic for the purpose of accommodating a block
party or similar community recreational event, by submitting a written
request to the Township Clerk, including the following information:
a.
Name and address of the applicant;
b.
The name of the street or streets proposed to be closed,
and the portion to be closed if less than the entire length of the
street;
c.
The nature of the event for which the street closing
is proposed;
d.
The proposed date of the street closing;
e.
The proposed hours of the street closing;
f.
Whether any booths, rides, or other structures or
mechanical equipment will be erected for use during the event, and
if so, their nature;
g.
What provisions are being made for collection and
removal of litter generated by the event; and
h.
Name and address of the sponsoring person or organization,
if any, and whether such sponsorship is by or on behalf of a for-profit
business entity.
|
The application may be in the form of a letter.
Applications should be submitted at least 30 days in advance, to permit
time for adequate review.
|
[Ord. #919; Ord. #952]
Upon receipt of an application, the Township
Clerk shall refer the application to the Police Department for review.
The Police Department shall make a written recommendation to the Clerk
as to whether the application can be approved consistent with public
safety, and if so, whether any special conditions should be imposed
in order to preserve public safety. The Clerk shall then forward the
application and the Police Department's recommendations to the Mayor
and the members of the Township Committee.
[Ord. #919; Ord. #952]
Taking into consideration the recommendations
of the Police Department, the Mayor, in consultation with the Township
Committee, shall grant, with specified conditions, or deny the application.
The Clerk shall notify the applicant and the Police Department accordingly.
The decision shall be based upon factors of public safety, public
convenience, cost to the public, if any, and level of public interest
in the proposed event.
[Ord. #919; Ord. #952]
Whenever permission for such street closing
is granted, the Public Works Department shall erect such sawhorses,
other barriers, signs, or other safety devices, if any, which in the
discretion of the Police Department are necessary to preserve public
safety and to give notice of the street closing. At the end of the
period authorized for closing of the street, the Public Works Department
shall remove all such devices.
[Ord. #919; Ord. #952]
The individual or individuals who sign the written
request for permission to close a street shall be personally responsible
to deliver a written notice of the closing to each resident located
along the portion of the street to be closed. Such notice shall state
the date and hours when the street is to be closed, identify the portion
of the street which is to be closed, and include the following language:
"During the hours of the street closing, no motor vehicles may be
operated on the street, except for an emergency. You may wish to park
your vehicle outside the closed area before the closing takes effect."
Such notices shall either be mailed at least 10 days before the closing,
or delivered by and at least seven days before the closing. Notices
may be left at the premises in a place reasonably calculated to enable
the occupant to find them, but shall not be hung on an exterior doorknob
or otherwise left in a place readily visible to passersby.
[Ord. #919; Ord. #952]
If the event for which the closing is sought
is to be sponsored by a for-profit business entity, such entity shall,
at least 10 days prior to the street being closed, furnish to the
Township Clerk a certificate of insurance showing the Township as
a named additional insured, identifying the event and its specific
date and location, and evidencing general comprehensive liability
coverage of at least $1,000,000.
[Ord. #919; Ord. #952]
It shall be a violation of this Section 7-16
for any person to close a street to traffic without having complied
with this or another section of the Revised General Ordinances, or
for any person who is required by this section to give notices to
fail to do so in the time and manner prescribed herein, or for any
person to operate a motor vehicle on a street which has been closed
pursuant to this section.
