Spring Break
Town and gown continues Chapelfest debate
by Sabina Ellahi
Issue date: 5/6/08 Section: News
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In the meantime, the event is scheduled to be held as usual on Saturday.
Chapelfest, a fundraiser that features bands, DJs and lots of beer, has been a university staple for many years. It was also the subject of the proposal to limit and contain big parties. Since last October, the city council worked on initiating a bill that would require large social gatherings to register for a permit with the city.
The ordinance, which is not yet in effect, mandates that anyone who wishes to hold a public event must register for a permit with Newark. The ordinance decreased to 250, down from the current 500, the maximum number of attendees before the event is considered a public event that requires a permit.
Councilman Paul Pomeroy said the main focus of the bill was to strike an appropriate balance between students and other city residents.
"It's about balance and having mutual respect for each other while living in a community," Pomeroy said. "It's not inappropriate to have celebrations in the city, but there needs to be respect for others."
Mayor Vance A. Funk III said Newark does not have a policy against any event, but organizers must follow city rules.
"In the past, Chapelfest has chosen not to follow the rules and not apply for a permit," Funk said. "It is a requirement of the city permit system for tenants to get permission from their landlords, and it is my understanding that Chapelfest was not able to do that in the past."
Casey Patriarco, president of the Student Government Association and a member of the Town & Gown Committee, said she and other students held a valuable discussion session with council members.
Previously, the ordinance had a clause stating that people who violate the policy could be evicted, Patriarco said.
She said her concern focused on the initial eviction clause of the bill, which was omitted after meeting with the City Council.
"Initially, the clause indicated eviction for tenants who were responsible for the event," Patriarco said. "I didn't think it was fair because the clause was more focused on judicial sanctions and did not serve the purpose of protecting the students and ensuring safety of the community."
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