Update #3

The petition is still growing, now at nearly 1,400, please keep sharing! Bristol Police Chief Lynch did a radio interview today on WPRO about this issue. While he did highlight some concerns, he made clear that the police department did not mandate the venue change. A few interesting quotes/highlights are below:

• Chief Lynch stated: “I highlighted the public safety concerns that we have, and I left the meeting so that there wasn't a physical police presence, so the committee could make a decision.” “And the recommendations that I made, you know, to the committee was clear that we could continue with the event there. I also need additional funding.”
• Interviewer Matt Allen asked: if “the committee comes to you and says, We gotta move it back to Independence Park, you can make that happen, but you're gonna need more resources” The Chief stated: “Absolutely”
• Chief Lynch stated: “we are here and prepared to make any adjustments necessary or provide you know the appropriate planning for any venue.”

We as a community, along with the Town Council, surely can work together to get the Chief the resources he needs to keep the event safe at Independence Park. Stay tuned!