Process to revise Plaza ordinance started

A new regulatory ordinance for the Plaza de la Constitución begins with “a laundry list” according to an article that appeared in the St. Augustine Report today.

City commissioners decided, in a workshop session before their regular meeting last night, to consider eliminating specific commercial vending that has been upheld by at least one court.

This first step in fashioning a new ordinance came after an hour’s discussion, leaving only enough time to table the second workshop item, the question of architectural style in the historic district.

Following a briefing by City Attorney Ron Brown on what courts are allowing and not allowing in use of public space, Commissioner Leanna Freeman proposed, “Let’s start by eliminating those activities the courts say we can, like clothing, sunglasses, jewelry, and so on.” Commissioners directed Brown to prepare an ordinance to that effect, “as a start.”

Commissioner Don Crichlow introduced another thought, to restrict any activities to the market building at the east end of the Plaza, “which could encourage more pedestrian traffic along Aviles Street and south of the Plaza.”

The commission will take the subject up for further discussion in a subsequent meeting to be announced.

Photo credit: Historic City News photographer Kerry McGuire