Citing security and traffic concerns, City Hall has rejected an application by some downtown merchants to revive a Times Square-style ball drop on New Year's Eve along K Street.
In a letter sent last month to Dale Robertson - co-owner of the Parlare Euro Lounge at 10th and J - city Neighborhood Services director Vincene Jones wrote the proposed event "would not be consistent with the sound use of city resources, and may be detrimental to the public's safety and welfare." The city's letter can be found here: BallDrop.pdf
Jones wrote that city officials met with the California Highway Patrol and Regional Transit before determining the ball drop was too much to handle. In order to pull of the event and the annual fireworks display in Old Sacramento, the city would need "additional security and traffic control resources," Jones wrote.
Robertson said he was disappointed. He and others had proposed a 21-and-over event at 10th and K, estimated to draw 12,500 people.
In addition to the city's concerns, Robertson said he was told some nearby restaurants objected to the plan.
"It's narrow-mindedness and you can't be a big city if you won't allow it to be big," he said.
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