The Auburn City Council debated a temporary Magnolia Avenue road block set for Friday, Aug. 29, at the Tuesday, July 1, meeting.
Auburn's University Program Council will be planning a concert downtown Magnolia Avenue, Friday, Aug. 29, resulting in a total roadblock of Magnolia Avenue from afternoon until night.
"That's devastating for business," said John Hyink, co-owner of 1716. "There are four restaurants, three clothing shops and one outdoor store that will be directly affected. The city and the businesses will be losing money."
The event will also be the day before Auburn's first SEC game of the season, a major revenue period for local businesses.
"We would love to be afforded all of the advantages of football season," Hyink said.
However, UPC spokesperson said they believe using Magnolia Avenue will provide vital exposure for the first annual event.
"We want to make sure we are doing everything to make this event a success," said UPC advisor Michael Rapay. "We are spending close to $60,000 for this event. We don't want to take a chance and have it in a spot where it may not be seen or heard. We are taking the steps to give all of the appropriate opportunities in our advertisements to say come downtown and shop with our merchants."
According to Mayor Bill Ham, the council will search for a decision that satisfies both groups.
Ham suggested closing off the Gay Street parking lot for the event, which would not affect businesses as much.
"Unfortunately, the Magnolia issue has been a long running issue," said councilman Ron Anders Jr. "I don't think you're going to have a problem from an exposure standpoint, if people hear of the event they'll want to come to it. I think if we move it to another location it creates a win-win situation."
In addition, the council approved to establish two stop signs in the Cotswolds subdivision and approved to establish nine stop signs in the Mimms Trail subdivision.
The council also approved a commercial development agreement for the Corner Village Shopping Center.
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