City Votes Down Permit for Sunset Junction

In an almost three-hour hearing Monday, the L.A. City Board of Public Works voted 3-1 to deny the 2011 Sunset Junction Street Fair a permit.

A procedure exists for the board to reconsider its decision at its next meeting, which is Wednesday.

But a commissioner would be required to make a motion to raise the issue.

The Sunset Junction Fair, featuring over a hundred musical acts, as well as vendors, DJs and carnival rides, is scheduled to take place Aug. 27 and 28.

Fair Owes City Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

The fair currently owes the city $267,000 from last year's festival, and is being told it will be required to pay at least $142,000 this year.

These fees are from security provided police and other citiy workers.

The Commission has been trying to collect some share of these fees before issuing a permit for the 2011 event.

The board heard from more than 40 speakers before making its determination.

Many emphasized the important contributions the Alliance had made to local youth with its programs.

But others focussed on the disruptive nature of the event and its lack of neighborly feel.

The commissioners also had a large briefing packet of materials on the issue, which included a petition against the fair signed by 561 people.

We'll have more reaction at the site. So please check back.