The committee said YES to 070180

The committee made sweeping changes to 070180. Some very good ones, some not so good. Good or bad, I asked for a week so that the KC Street Artists could look over the changes and prepare testimony. My request was denied. I spent all week trying to get a copy of the new ordinance, but had no luck. Worst part is that they don't even have the thing all the way written. The general public will NOT be given an opportunity to see the actual ordinance before it goes to the council.

Changes I like - lack of time restrictions and a better definition of aggressive panhandling. Also the 9volt restriction has changed to 12 volts, which is more practical for amps.

Changes I don't like (with pictures even)
On 47th street there are very few places that are 20 feet away from store entrances AND away from bus stops, atms and outdoor cafe's. This is the only location on that block. From where Dan is standing (holding yellow measuring tape) to the corner. All of the empty space between where I stood to take the picture and Dan is off limits.

In this picture Dan is standing the required 20 feet from the door and 5 feet from the street. He's a VERY long way from the door.
Here Dan is standing 13 feet away from the door. 2 feet closer than the 15 we requested it be changed to. He's not crowding the door. There is no way he could be aggressive from that distance.


These two pictures illustrate how putting people 5 feet in from the street edge makes usable sidewalks off limits to the performers.

So do these. See how much more of an obstruction having the performer in the middle of the sidewalk is?

The next photos show how many sidewalks in Westport and the Plaza are totally unusable because of the closeness of doors and/or the 5 foot rule.


And finally - if gas generators are dangerous in the hands of musicians, why are the safe when attached to a horse carriage? do the bungee cords holding it in place make it magic?


I was disgusted by the committee. They are attempting to enact a new piece of legislation that the new council will have to deal with. When we get arrested we will sue. This council will be long gone and the new council will be sorting out the mess.

Until Fairfield started talking the ordinance was nearly workable. He had to throw that 5 foot rule back in. 15 feet is NOT too close to doorways and I feel it is a good compromise. I also have issue with the fact that people are not allowed to ask for money. Telling someone what they can and can't say directly impacts their 1st amendment rights. I don't like being asked, but I don't have the right to say "you are not allowed to say that".

Cooper is not my favorite council person anymore. Instead of growing or borrowing a set and saying NO (it's a word that this council has never used in any meeting I have seen) she just left the room while the vote was going on.