A proposal to extend the contract for the Back Cove Music and Arts Festival for another three-years in Portland is hitting a snag.
City Council members are clashing over the terms of the contract, which Portland Mayor Mark Dion finds highly frustrating.
“It doesn’t work,” said Dion. “I mean, yes, it’s important to hear from the counselors in their critique or their suggestions for terms of a contract, but that should go back to staff, let them work on that.”
The first Back Cove Festival in August drew large crowds and reportedly did not adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood.
Dion says the city also made money from the festival organizers, which is being used to make important park improvements.
He says the continued haggling over the renewal contract is discouraging to the organizers.
“They think they put together a good plan, Dion said. “They had a great result. They’re looking for renewal, and suddenly there are all these questions. This journey to seek perfect can kill good stuff.”
Dion thinks Back Cove organizer will present their last, best offer when city councilors meet next week over the issue.
