A local event promotion company filed a street-use application Monday to host the 40th annual Mifflin Street Block Party, featuring a WSUM sound stage.
If the Madison Street Use Staff Team approves DCNY PRO's permit application at Wednesday's meeting, the sponsors would close the intersection of Mifflin and Bassett Streets and erect a stage where WSUM would supply musical entertainment from 1 to 7 p.m.
Jenny Underwood, station manager at WSUM, said when the station was approached by DCNY PRO, they decided to take the opportunity.
""It sounded fun for us,"" Underwood said. ""We can get our name out there because we have a great station, and a lot of people, I think, don't realize that we're here.""
Other changes to the block party would include concession stands, security, first aid and portable toilets.
The organization Friends of Madison Student Radio is helping WSUM cover costs, and vendors will provide additional funding.
The Mifflin Street Co-op sponsored Mifflin from the early 1970s to the early 1990s, and Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, wants the party to return to its roots.
Verveer said currently the closest thing to a sponsor is the police, who have become increasingly tough. He said arrests have skyrocketed over the last few years, mostly due to open-container and noise violations.
Verveer said it does not make sense to him that each year the number of arrests increases, yet there are no serious problems in terms of injuries or property damage. He said this is because, without a sponsor or organizer, the block party is illegal.
He said he expects a permit to be granted Wednesday and that it will make a difference in the number of arrests.
""I do believe that the police are going to be more laid-back,"" Verveer said.
Verveer stressed that this is not an attempt to duplicate Freakfest.
""I would always vigorously oppose any efforts to gate off the street and charge admission,"" he said.
