Over the last several days the topic of block parties and block party permits has come under increased discussion in the community. Before I get into too much detail, let me state unequivocally that councilmembers, staff, and I are working diligently to find a way to allow block parties in a safe and economical way. What are we not discussing? The complete end of block parties altogether.
So, what are the challenges with block party permits? The concerns break down into two important challenges. The first is safety-driven and relates to the use of barricades. Historically, wooden barricades have been used to block off roads to alert drivers that the road is closed. Wooden barricades no longer meet the standards set by modern safety protocols.
Barricades are no longer just to alert drivers to the closure of a street but are now expected to stop a driver from entering the area where people might be mingling. This is due to the increased incidence of vehicles entering mass gathering areas — the highest profile of which was the Waukesha Christmas parade attack. Locally, we have experienced at least one incident of a vehicle nearly hitting the First Friday stage, which was protected by wooden barricades only.
To stop vehicles from entering an area we must use a barrier that is "K8-rated” or better. This would easily stop a vehicle moving at 40 miles per hour. Currently, our community does not own these types of barriers. However, we are looking to purchase them for community use.
These Jersey-style barriers, which are filled with water, would allow residents and community partners to have properly rated barricades that protect residents and community events from accidental or intentional vehicle incursion. It is our hope that we will have the barriers in the next several months so block parties can, once again, be approved.
The acquisition of proper barricades is the first step in solving the challenges with block parties. The second challenge involves the actual set-up and tear-down of these barriers. Who will pick them up and set them up? Is borough staff responsible for the complete setup, or should a resident be able to pick them up from a borough facility and set them up for their own event? Is there an appropriate way to get them filled with water by borough staff and equipment, or would the fire company be able to come out and fill the barricades for a resident?
This all begs the question of how involved the borough government should be in a private event put on by residents. It is my opinion that block parties, events designed to celebrate a small sub-section of Lansdale, are community events and not truly private events. Thus, it is in our interest to foster a positive community environment, and borough staff and equipment should be used to help set up and tear down these barriers just as we help with other community events each month of the year.
This second issue has not yet been resolved and is being discussed by council and staff as we speak. I have no doubt we will be able to find an appropriate way to deploy these barriers (once purchased) that is convenient for residents while also making block parties safe.
Undoubtedly, residents should be encouraged to celebrate with one another, get to know one another, and have some fun while doing it. Block parties are a great way to encourage community development, and it is important that they continue so that we feel more connected to one another and keep Lansdale moving forward together.
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to
North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert.)
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