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Detroit is outlawing "block parties".
This seems like a prima facie violation of the first amendment right to assemble.
I agree we don't want our communities subject to violence, but this seems overly broad.
And, let's be honest, it will be disproportionately enforced in communities of color.
As ever, "think of the children" is used as an excuse.
@TrillionB Block parties with a permit are legal.
But yes, the vast majority of them are most likely unpermitted, especially with the $75 fee and the requirement to submit 30 days in advance.
@civicDetroitDan The article summarized the law as "Only houses and block clubs registered with the Community Access Center are permitted to submit a block party application."
I don't know if "house" means property owner or allows a renter resident to apply.
Either way, apartment renters have another hoop to jump through. How long does it take to form and register a "block club"?
@civicDetroitDan
Also, "Neighborhood parties that are legal and don't need a permit must be confined to one property."
I understand needing a permit to close a street, but this wording sounds like a cookout in a parking lot or shared green space could be found illegal.
Or even a bunch of people crossing between houses in their backyards.
This seems like so many ways for police to ticket / arrest people.
@TrillionB The public’s reaction, to the city invoking the block party law has been mixed, just like yours. There’s been many questions on whether it really makes anyone safer as opposed to violence intervention and youth programming efforts. https://www.bridgedetroit.com/detroiters-seek-solutions-and-love-after-mass-shooting-rocks-east-side/