| Amy Matzke-Fawcett

amy.matzke-fawcett@roanoke.com, 381-1674

RADFORD -- Eight business owners fed up with their street being closed for Main Street Radford's special events voiced concerns to the city council this week.

But Mayor Bruce Brown said the two sides should discuss the issue themselves before the city becomes involved.

Jeff Corbin, owner of Radford City Florist, brought the complaint to the council's Monday night meeting along with a letter signed by representatives of Black Diamond Tattoo, Lamour's, Cut Nice, Radford Bike & Paddle, Radford Pawn & Coin, Studio C and Uptown Nails.

"It's not the events, it's the street closures," Corbin said Tuesday.

East Main Street between Virginia Avenue and Third Street is closed periodically for events such as the New River Valley Chili Festival and Radford After 5 concert series. The Aug. 13 concert will be the third time since May the street has been closed.

In the letter, business owners suggest moving the concerts to Sundays or holding them at another venue.

Main Street Radford Executive Director Becky Haupt said she has met with some concerned business owners but was not aware of the letter until late Friday.

"This organization was formed to act as an advocate for business owners, and we want a vibrant downtown," Haupt said. "If anything is impeding business, we want to know."

In years past, the street was closed once or twice a year, but Main Street Radford has added events this year based on feedback from residents. Most stores are closed during the actual event, but it's the lack of parking beforehand that causes problems, Corbin said.

Orange parking cones are set up along Main Street the Thursday morning before the event with signs stating that a ban on parking begins on Friday because of laws requiring 24-hour notice of street closures.

"People just see the no parking sign and that deters them from parking and shopping," Corbin said. "So we lose traffic both Thursday and Friday, and those are the bigger days for us here."

It would be difficult to move the upcoming concert because permits were filed months ago with the city, the Virginia Department of Transportation and Alcoholic Beverage Control board, Haupt said. The council approved closing the Norwood Square parking lot and East Main Street during its March 24 meeting.

The events are fundraisers for Main Street Radford, bringing in about $4,000 in sponsorships and $3,600 from admission and alcohol sales. The money goes toward the nonprofit's programs, including downtown facade renovations.

Uptown Nails Manager Kelly Le said she doesn't mind the concerts but thinks they should be moved away from businesses. Cars parked on Main Street must be moved by 2 p.m. Friday and that inconveniences her customers, she said.

"Last time there was a concert, customers were still here and we weren't finished, but they had to run out and move their cars," she said.

Le said she thinks the concerts should be held at the Glencoe Museum, instead.

"They have lots of parking and it's really beautiful," she said. "People could go to the museum and really enjoy it."

Haupt said the board will hold a special meeting next week to discuss options for future events.

"We had planned to review the events at the end of the season and were looking at other venues before this, but now we may have to do that sooner," Haupt said.

Corbin delivered another letter to the Main Street Radford board Tuesday afternoon requesting a meeting.

In other action, the council:

n Approved appropriations ordinances including $6,171 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grants for police department equipment; a $82,543 grant from the Virginia Criminal Justice Services for Victim Witness Assistance Program; a library state aid grant for $133,470; a $35,000 increase for fire department hazmat team equipment and a $24,062 emergency management performance grant for the police department mobile command center.

n Awarded the 2010-11 city paving contract to Adams Construction Co. in the amount of $261,680.