Changes coming to Last Thursday!

Jeff Hilber reports that Friends of Last Thursday (FoLT) is making several significant changes designed to reduce the negative impact of the event on nearby residents and businesses. For example, to help reduce rowdiness, the OLCC has agreed to become more active in issuing citations for open containers. The city will
continue to provide police officers, but FoLT hopes to recruit more volunteers to handle security, and gradually reduce the number of officers required.

To return to the original focus of promoting local artists, FoLT will impose fees for all vendors except those selling locally-made art. Portable food sales will be moved off Alberta Street into nearby pods with reserved spots, making it easier for inspectors to do their work and improving access to established restaurants.
 
In previous years, Sabin residents have had to contend with heavy traffic and blocked driveways as far south as Sabin School. FoLT is asking the city to become more active in issuing citations to reduce these problems. Jeff is seeking impacted residents to help develop a plan to alleviate the parking and traffic issues. If you’d
like to participate, call Jeff at 503-329-4756.