We’ll make a decision after we hear all the input from everyone, including the town administrator, the police chief, and of course, the petitioner.”

Council President Nathan Calouro

Months after it was announced that the Bristol Fourth of July concerts would be moving from Independence Park on Bristol Harbor to Roger Williams University, the Bristol Town Council will discuss petitions to keep the concerts in Independence Park.

The move was made by the Bristol Fourth Of July Committee, citing safety and capacity concerns at Independence Park. It sparked backlash immediately, with citizens organizing a GoFundMe to attempt to keep the concerts in Independence Park, raising funds to hold the concert safely. However, that fundraiser has since been disabled, and as of March 17, a refund request was submitted for all donors.

After that, the aggrieved citizens submitted three sets of paperwork to Town Hall about a month ago. The first would create a town law specifying that the concerts must take place at Independence Park, and are they could be moved only through a town-wide vote.

A second petition, which will also be heard at a town council meeting next week, would require that the Fourth of July parade’s current route, beginning on the corner of Hope and Chestnut streets and continuing to High Street, must remain the official route unless changed by popular vote.

A third petition, to create term limits for Bristol town officials, is expected to be rejected as procedurally invalid.

The council’s meeting was originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, but it has been moved to the 23rd. Asked about how they view the Fourth Of July petitions, two town councilors said they will keep an open mind.

Council President Nathan Calouro said the council is supportive of all of the town committees, however he will not have a set opinion until the discussion is held at the meeting next week.

“I believe that all of this is going through the right process,” Calouro said. “We’ll make a decision after we hear all the input from everyone, including the town administrator, the police chief, and of course, the petitioner.”

Council Vice President Mary Parella also said she will go into the hearings with an open mind, but her main concern will continue to be safety and security.

“That trumps everything,” Parella said. “I’m going to listen to what they have to say, but I’m not going to do anything that is not consistent with the best safety and security for the public.”