The Street Use Staff Team granted a permit on Tuesday to DCNY PRO to organize the 41st annual Mifflin Street Block Party, but because of deadline and funding issues, it is unlikely the event will be sponsored this year.
Ny Bass, co-owner of DCNY PRO, said if the company cannot raise $4,000 by Friday, it will not be able to sponsor the block party. Bass said originally the Wisconsin Union Directorate was going to help sponsor the event, but they recently pulled out citing lack of time and money, and with Mifflin only two weeks away, timing is key.
""We will most likely not be sponsoring the Mifflin Street Block Party this year, mostly because of the deadline,"" Bass said.
One of DCNY PRO's main goals in sponsoring the event was to add organized music as a way to reduce police regulation. For the past several years, bands set up in backyards, but in the early 1990s there were stages set up on the street, and that is what Bass wants to go back to.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, supports organizing the Mifflin Street Block Party and adding live music, and said he was surprised with the outcome of Tuesday's meeting.
""As of tonight it looks as though there won't be the main music stage in the middle of the street as I had hoped,"" Verveer said.
Verveer said he spoke with other city officials since the meeting and is working toward improvements to this year's block party.
""In the past, police have not been receptive to music on private property,"" Verveer said. ""I'm hoping we can work something out at the very least by having music allowed by the cops this year.""
Bass said even though DCNY PRO will probably not be sponsoring the block party, they will work with the city to organize the music scene. Currently, if music can be heard within three doors, police can issue a noise citation.
""We will work to have back stages so they don't get shut down,"" Bass said. ""And we're going to try and set up time slots so not everyone's playing at the same time.""
There have been no major riots at the Mifflin Street Block Party since 1996, but last year hit a record of over 400 arrests. Most arrests were alcohol related, either open container or underage drinking violations.
Although DCNY PRO probably will not be able to sponsor the block party this year, Bass looked at the positive side for his company.
""On the upside, it will give us ample time for next year's set up."" Bass said.
Bass said he is still focused on working on Mifflin as much as possible this year, and as far as sponsorship, ""if not this year, then definitely next,"" Bass said.
