Turning Sidewalks Into Stages: Busking Ordinance Proposed In Millvale
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- If the ordinance passes tomorrow night, the borough of Millvale will be the first town in the commonwealth to implement a busking ordinance. Borough officials say they're confident it will pass.
Amanda Parrotte comes to Squirrel Hill to play her saxophone once a month.
"I've played in other spots, but not as receptive like Squirrel hill. Just a lot of space here and people seem to like music here," Amanda Parrotte said.
She is what's called a busker, a musician that enjoys showing off her talents on the city streets. Squirrel Hill has what's called a Street Stage, but she's not required to perform there.
"The City of Pittsburgh proper can perform anywhere on streets. It's protected under the First Amendment. Mayor Peduto had addressed it as such," Eric Sloss said.
Eric Sloss is a principal partner with Shift Collaborative, a creative agency that supports the project Busker Street Union that installed this stage last year.
He's currently working to make other stages possible around the City of Pittsburgh and in the Borough of Millvale. While the City of Pittsburgh doesn't have a law requiring buskers to apply for a permit to perform, Millvale proposed a seven-page ordinance that would allow street musicians to apply for permits. Shift Collaborative helped write the legislation.
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"It's much more invasive right now without an ordinance so what we're happy about is it strikes a nice balance. It checks to make sure people are safe but provides more accessible way for people to come down here," Millvale Borough Councilman Brian Wolovich said.
Wolovich says a permit would encourage street performers to come around and enhance city life.
"We know that it creates a nice atmosphere building on assets like Jean Marc's bakery, Pamela's and soon to open Millvale Food Hub," Wolovich said.
This is something the City of Pittsburgh is keeping a close eye on.
"We haven't passed legislation here in Pittsburgh yet. It hasn't been brought to our attention that that's necessary, but we are really looking to see what happens in Millvale," Chief of Staff for Pittsburgh City Councilman Dan Gilman, Erika Strassburger said.
Tuesday's public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Millvale Borough Building. Councilman Wolovich expects a vote on this issue after the hearing.
