Council asks city to close BayWalk street

The 7-0 resolution passed by St. Petersburg City Council Thursday asks Mayor Baker to submit a plan in 30 days.

By JON WILSON
Published August 25, 2005

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ST. PETERSBURG - The City Council Thursday asked Mayor Rick Baker to get rid of the barricades at BayWalk and find a way to close Second Avenue N in front of the popular retail-and-entertainment center.

The measures won't go into effect for some time, if ever. The council asked Baker to bring back plans within 30 days.

Baker was not immediately available for comment.

The council sent its request in the form of a polite resolution, passed 7-0. Council member Rene Flowers was absent.

Members expressed concern that they have been blamed for something they cannot control.

"We were not asked about the barricades, we didn't know about the barricades, we have no power to close the street," said council member Bill Foster.

St. Pete for Peace demonstrators have stood in front of BayWalk for more than two years. Their numbers have grown since the arrest of six demonstrators earlier this month.

The barricades, said council member Jay Lasita, have "exacerbated the situation you have there. They provide . . . a rallying point."

The resolution sent to the mayor calls for a street closure that would balance pedestrian safety, free speech concerns and access to BayWalk businesses.