The Burnside Building was packed with committee members, passionate supporters of the Independence Park concert venue, and interested citizens when the Bristol Fourth of July Committee convened for its meeting last night, Thursday, Feb. 27.

At the beginning of the meeting, General Chairman Camille Teixeira read a statement, the crux of which was that the Committee made their initial decision in the fall to move the concert series to Roger Williams University for three main reasons: safety, security and emergency access.

“It would be irresponsible and negligent of the Fourth of July Committee not to address these concerns,” she said.

Following a series of committee reports, Teixeira opened the floor to public comment.

Organizers, business owners advocate for downtown location

Representing Save Bristol 4th, Allison Borges of Bradford Street stated that the “vast majority” of Bristol residents opposed the change of venue, and presented a petition with 1,800 signatures, along with the offer of more than $20,000 funds raised, and illustrations of the venue detailing potential layout changes that would enhance security. Borges suggested they wanted to work with the committee moving forward.
“When we come together great things can happen,” she said. “We are here to work together and make this event the best it can be.”

Mark Overy of Spring Street followed, suggesting the public should have a vote; he noted that they have drawn up a citizens ballot measure in the event the Committee does not reverse their previous decision.
Nick Andrade of Bradford Street relayed a message from Richie Corrente, owner of Portside Tavern who was unable to attend. He said that Corrente fully supports the concerts at Independence Park, as do Roberto’s, Thames Waterside, Pisco y Tequila, The Beach House, Judge Roy Bean’s, Jules Ice Cream, and Grasmere, among others.

Like other speakers, he expressed a willingness to work for the common good. “This is an opportunity to bring in significant resources,” he said, indicating that he had submitted an application to the Committee and would like to join, regardless of the ultimate decision.

“We consider the concerts an integral part of our summer revenue,” said Sherry Scott of the Beehive. “Our summers are short and our winters are long.”

“We also will help to volunteer,” Scott continued, addressing the Committee. “We understand what you do; I’m not sure everyone does. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together and help.”

Chief stands by his reommendations

Bristol Police Chief Kevin Lynch spoke next, and took the opportunity to reiterate the safety concerns he presented to the July 4th Committee in November, chiefly that attendance at the concert series, on 2 nights in particular, far exceeded the footprint designated within Independence Park; a traffic safety emergency and (minor) injury to a child occurred due to overcrowding; the ability to get emergency vehicles to the site was impeded; there wasn't a safe passage or access to solicit the food trucks; patrons approached police to complain about overcrowding; and handicapped parking was inaccessible.

“There was no mandate,” said the Chief. “But I raised public safety concerns because that’s my duty and responsibility. I stand behind those recommendations and concerns.”

Committee stays the course

Teixeira then announced that the Committee will be staying the course.

In response to further questions, concert chair Patti Nenna clarified that it is not within the purview of the July Fourth Committee to accept funds meant for the police budget; that is something that is set during the town budget deliberations (which happen in March for the following fiscal year). Asked why she did not weigh in on the funding issue earlier, Teixeira noted she is constrained by open meeting laws and could not address the issue until that evening, the first at which the Committee has a quorum since the fundraising effort began.

“We have to have a quorum,” she said. “We had to wait for tonight.”

“One thing we have to make perfectly clear is that our decision had nothing to do with money,” said Committee member April Gomes. “We listened to his (Lynch’s) decision and we made our decision based on the safety of the people of this town and the people who come to our concerts. It was purely safety. It has nothing to do with money.”

The Committee’s meeting notes from the night of Nov. 19, 2024, reflect a difficult but fairly decisive decision: reading that they held a “very long, informative and sometimes intense conversation regarding the location of the concert series.” At the conclusion of the conversation, a motion to move the series to the university passed, with 32 votes in favor and 9 abstentions.

“If there was a medical emergency, we would be negligent knowing the risks and not doing anything about it,” said Gomes.

'A shocking level of disregard'

Following the meeting, Save Bristol 4th issued a release saying that the Committee “showed a shocking level of disregard for the community,” and “ultimately hid behind a misleading narrative of safety.”

“Tomorrow, Save Bristol 4th will be officially filing a citizen’s ballot initiative to overturn this decision,” the release reads. “The ballot measure would enshrine Independence Park as the permanent venue of the Bristol 4th of July Concert Series and require that any proposed venue change be subject to a vote of Town residents.

“Please reach out to savebristol4th@gmail.com if you would like to assist us in gathering signatures.”