Downtown Vernon Association seeks city funds

Two requests from the Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) with financial implications have been referred to the city’s budget discussions.

The organization was looking for $20,000 to restart the popular civic sounds concert series next summer while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines. The funds would be earmarked as follows:

• Perform upgrades required to restore the stage in Cenotaph Park to a useable, secure, and safe platform for small scale entertainers
• Provision of professional audiovisual equipment
• Portable and secure daytime seating areas
• Costs of entertainment: and;
• Market and promote summer public space activities in Downtown Vernon’

“As we look forward and plan for activities in 2021 that accommodate for the existing public gathering guidelines, public health order, etc., the DVA reaffirms our commitment to activating our parks with free music and activity for the enjoyment of people who choose to work and visit Downtown Vernon and to supporting local performing artists,” Susan Lehman DVA executive director said.

The DVA is also asking the city to provide free metered parking on Saturday for the entire year. Previously free parking was only made available on select dates averaging seven free and two non-enforcement days per year. The city temporarily stopped parking enforcement earlier this year as a tool to assist struggling downtown businesses.

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“Due to COVID-19, the DVA’s marketing strategy for the business improvement area shifted focus from large public events to sustained activity-based promotions and ambient entertainment that allow for Downtown Vernon to be physically distant, yet socially connected,” Lehman said.