Wow, what an outpouring of support! In less than 48 hours we have obtained over 1,000 signatures! Let’s keep sharing with friends and family, and thank you to NBC 10 (WJAR) and ABC 6 (WLNE) for covering our efforts. We were featured on the 6pm Turn to 10 news this evening, and look forward to continuing to spread awareness.
We also spoke to many downtown business owners and managers today who unanimously opposed the concerts moving. Consistent themes we heard were loss of downtown economic vitality, loss of Town tax revenue, and loss in income for Bristol families who work at the downtown establishments.
We believe we have momentum and that together we can restore the 4th of July Concerts to Independence Park.
What’s Next?
We have been doing research about how this decision was made. The various meeting minutes of the 4th of July Committee reveal that the committee may have been persuaded by certain Town officials and that the idea may not have originated from the committee itself. Further, the October 17, 2024 meeting minutes (one month prior to the vote to move venues) state that the committee was directly asked to keep consideration of the issue private, anticipating public backlash. This lack of public input is deeply concerning. Due to these developments it’s clear we need to do more than just engage with the Bristol 4th of July Committee, we must also bring the issue to the Town Council and engage in discussions with the Town Administrator and Police Chief. We remain confident that there are reasonable solutions that will mitigate the original concerns, and that we can get those who originally proposed the move back on board with Independence Park. We have reached out to the Town Council and Town Administrator and are still awaiting a response.
Save the Date
February 5th 7:00pm
Bristol Town Council Meeting
Bristol Town Hall
10 Court Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Item CF: Citizens Public Forum
“PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK DURING THE CITIZENS PUBLIC FORUM MUST NOTIFY THE COUNCIL CLERK PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEETING”
February 20, 7:00pm
General Committee Meeting of the Bristol 4th of July Committee
Burnside Building
400 Hope St
Bristol, RI 02809
PLEASE ALWAYS BE RESPECTFUL IN COMMUNICATIONS TO OUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS. We want to work collaboratively with decision makers and be problem solvers. Remember that this decision was made with good intentions, even if the decision was a mistake and needs to be rectified.
Join the Bristol 4th of July Committee
Those who are able to join, applications are due by February 1st: https://www.fourthofjulybristolri.com/membership
News Coverage
https://www.abc6.com/residents-petition-against-decision-to-move-bristol-4th-concert-series/