Provided by Oswego City Police Department
OSWEGO, NY – In preparation for Harborfest 2010, the Oswego Police Department wishes to announce the following advisories regarding traffic, pedestrian and general information specific to the festival scheduled for July 22 – 25.
Alcoholic Beverages / Open Container Ordinance
Harborfest is designated to be a fun family oriented event and we ask all those attending Harborfest to be respectful of others enjoying the festival and to act responsibly.
The city of Oswego’s Open Container Ordinance, which prohibits the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a public place, will be strictly enforced throughout this event.
Fines for this violation can be up to $250, 15 days in jail or both.
The only exceptions to the ordinance, where adults over the age of 21 may legally possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in public space, are Breitbeck Park and the picnic areas located in Wright’s Landing and Fort Ontario.
A significant change: The Open Container Ordinance will NOT be lifted on Water Street.
In the past, the city allowed Water Street area businesses to block off Water Street and lift the Open Container Ordinance provided that adequate security and facilities were provided.
This year, the area businesses have elected not to participate.
As such, the street will remain open, people will not be allowed to congregate in the roadway and the Open
Container Ordinance will be in effect and strictly enforced.
Traffic Control / Signage
As always, there are many signs directing traffic in certain areas.
Additionally, there may be other signage specific to Harborfest (such as no left turn signs, directions to / from park-n-ride locations, temporary no parking signs, etc.) that may be in place.
We ask that motorists pay particular attention to the signage over the Haborfest weekend to help eliminate undue traffic congestion as a result of disobeying the traffic control devices.
Motorists are also advised to use extra caution while in or approaching the construction zone on the Utica Street Bridge.
Street Closings
On July 24, at about 5:30 p.m., barricades manned by law enforcement and city personnel will be placed at each intersection along West Bridge Street from West First Street to Liberty Street to stop vehicular traffic from traveling north of West Bridge Street.
Residents in this area may obtain access, with appropriate identification, at Liberty Street and West
Bridge Street.
Family members and friends of these residents who are planning to go to these residences should plan on arriving before 5 p.m., as they will not be allowed access to the area once the streets are closed.
Additionally, there are a number of temporary parking restrictions that motorists should be aware of (see listing of affected streets below).
Harborfest vendors, delivery persons and cabs will also be allowed access at Liberty Street and West Bridge Street.
At 6 p.m., there will be no vehicular traffic permitted on Lake Street until after the fireworks and all pedestrian traffic clears.
NOTE: The Bridge Street Bridge and the Utica Street Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday night, during and immediately following the fireworks, only pedestrians and emergency vehicles will be allowed access during that time.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly.
Boat Launching
Any person wishing to launch their boat at Wright’s Landing on Saturday will have to do so before 5:30 p.m.
Anyone who has parking passes for Wright’s Landing, plan on being there by 5:30 p.m., because once we close the streets, you will not be allowed access.
Handicap Parking
Handicap parking is limited in the Breitbeck Park area.
If you plan on trying to park in one of these locations, you should plan to do so by 5 p.m.
Once the streets are closed vehicular traffic will be denied.
Note: These handicap parking spaces are usually full by late morning on the day of the fireworks.
Please consider using trolleys and cabs as they will be allowed access.
Parking
Parking is limited near all Harborfest venues.
Additionally, to help facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles, the following parking restrictions will be in effect (some of which may already be in place):
WEST SIDE OF CITY OF OSWEGO
Streets that run North / South
West First Street between West Seneca Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
West Second Street between West Bridge Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
West Third Street between West Bridge Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
West Fourth Street between West Seneca Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
West Fifth Street between West Utica Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
West Sixth Street between West Bridge Street and West Van Buren Street (No Parking East side)
West Seventh Street between West Bridge Street and West Schuyler Street (No Parking East side)
Montcalm Street between West Schuyler Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
West Eighth Street between West Bridge Street and West Cayuga Street (No Parking West side)
West Eighth Street between West Cayuga Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
Ontario Street between West Cayuga Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
Liberty Street between West Bridge Street and the North End (No Parking East side)
Dorcas Street between Bronson Street and West VanBuren Street (No Parking East side)
Streets that run East / West
West Cayuga Street between West First Street and West Bridge Street (No Parking North side)
West Seneca Street between West First Street and West Bridge Street (No Parking South side)
West Schuyler Street between West First Street and Liberty Street (No Parking North side)
West Schuyler Street between Liberty Street and John Street (No Parking either side)
West Schuyler Street between John Street and First Ave. (No Parking North side)
West Van Buren Street between West Second Street and Liberty Street (No Parking South side)
Bronson Street between Montcalm and Liberty Street (No Parking North side)
EAST SIDE OF CITY OF OSWEGO
East Fourth Street between East Schuyler Street and East Bridge Street (No Parking West Side)
(Friday Only)
East Fourth Street between East Schuyler Street and East Bridge Street (No Parking either Side)
Parking violators will be ticketed and towed beginning July 22.
The fines for parking are $30 for most violations and $80 for handicap violations.
Scotty’s Towing (315-342-2869) tows for the city of Oswego and they will be towing vehicles to their lot at 500 W. First St. (south of Ellen Street).
The towing fee is $75.
We encourage motorists to use the Harborfest Park-N-Ride lots located at SUNY Oswego and the Oswego Speedway.
Parking in both of the Park-N-Ride areas is $5 / car / day and you may use the Centro Bus Shuttle service to take you into our downtown area.
We also encourage residents to walk or use the trolleys and / or bus service.
Pedestrians
The “Rail Trail Bridge†and “Tunnel†will be closed at dark.
After dark, pedestrians will have to use the Bridge Street Bridge or the Utica Street Bridge to travel across the river.
We ask people attending Harborfest to use crosswalks at an intersection controlled by a police officer or a traffic light, as vehicular traffic will be heavy, particularly on Saturday.
We also ask that motorists be extremely cautious of pedestrian traffic.
Pedestrian safety is a priority for the Oswego Police Department and we ask all pedestrians to use the sidewalks as they walk throughout the city during Harborfest.
For additional Harborfest information, visit www.oswegoharborfest.com
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