July 4th celebration trumps block party in 2011

Selectmen gave the go-ahead to the Recreation Commission to fundraise for a Fourth of July celebration this year and forego the Downtown Block Party in September.

The decision will be revisited in a year, and the commission will be asked to return with more evidence from townspeople as to which event should be held on an annual basis or if the events should be alternated each year.

Although the selectmen and the commission members agree that there are merits of both events, the issue is finances.

“We like both venues,” Selectmen Chairman Victor DelVecchio said, “but we are in difficult times.”

The Block Party, which Recreation Commission Chairman Larry Bogue said continues to escalate in cost, topped $40,000 while bringing in revenues of $18,000 to $20,000. Cost for the Fourth of July celebration is estimated at $20,000, with some revenue coming in from concessions.

Regardless of the decision, the town’s July Fourth road race will take place as usual, as will the Reebok-Canton Association of Industries road race in September.

Bogue and Recration Commision Director Jeff Kaylor said many seniors have said they would like to see the Fourth of July activities resume, including the fireworks, band, some child activities and concessions.

“I know the Block Party is unique,” Selectman Bob Burr said. He noted, however, that some businesses have told him the Block Party is a “hardship” for them and that Police Chief Ken Berkowitz has also expressed concerns about the event.

In other news:

• Selectmen held a moment of silence in the memory of Paul Alberts who passed away last week. Selectman John Connolly called Alberts “the de facto” mayor of Canton. “He had a lot of warmth and character,” Connolly said, “and he will be sorely missed by the town of Canton.”

• The Canton Building and Fire Departments have issued a “Roof Snow Load Alert” that includes the following precautions:

• All flat roof surfaces should be inspected for excessive snow loading and drifting.

• All roof drains should be cleared for proper drainage.

• Owners should evaluate the interior of the structure to identify any potential roof weaknesses, any new ceiling and wall cracks, or twisting or breaking of building components.

For questions, call the Building Department at 781-821-5003.

• Selectmen will next meet Tuesday, February 1 at 7 p.m. with approval of the town meeting warrant one of the topics on the agenda.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jan 27 2011. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.