Norwich may ban carnivals, large events on Green, parks - WFSB 3 Connecticut
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The city of Norwich is considering a ban on carnivals and other large-scale events on the city Green and other parks in the area.
City leaders said carnivals and other events on public greens like the Norwichtown Green or the parades cause a lot of wear and tear, so by regulating the permitting process and limiting when and where the events can be held might be easier for the city to manage.
Under the proposed plan, carnivals, Occupy Movements and any other large-scale event that requires tents and a staging area could be banned.
City leaders are now trying to formulate a permitting process that all organizations would have to follow.
Under the proposal, carnival-like events would not be allowed between Labor Day and Memorial Day at Howard Brown park at the harbor, the Green or the Parade.
Events held at the harbor are well-attended and drive foot traffic downtown.
The proposal also said the parking lot at Dodd Stadium would be the proper venue for a carnival, but various promoters for carnivals said it's not really an area that people drive by and want to stop.
Those proposing a formal permitting policy said the formality would also provide guidelines for any potential long-term demonstrations like an Occupy movement, encroaching on public spaces.
But pizza vendor Bob Currier says limiting events between Memorial Day and Labor Day makes it tougher for businesses like his.
"I agree to a central location, but that's too restrictive." said Currier. "I don't agree with that."
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