Cleveland street performers could soon see new limited hours enforced in the city because of new legislation that is set for passage.
The new law is being fronted by downtown Cleveland Councilman Kerry McCormack and calls for street performers to shut down by 9 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Councilman Tony Brancatelli is for the legislation and said the measure is for the 15,000 residents who are now living downtown. A number that continues to grow.
"These late night games, the downtown residents don't get to pick what the start time is," said Brancatelli.
"But you see what happens, you have games start at 8 or 9 o'clock, and these Monday night games. It goes on until the wee hours."
But Cleveland street performer Maurice Reedus Jr., nationally know as the "Sax Man" believes the new restrictions aren't really in line with a city that calls itself the "rock-n-roll capital of the world."
Reedus said if people want to live downtown they should accept the noise and activity that goes along with it.
"They shouldn't live downtown because this is the entertainment district," said Reedus.
"How can you live in the entertainment district and not hear music? Why are you downtown, I don't understand that."
"The night doesn't start until 10 o'clock. How can you ask a musician to stop playing at 10 o'clock."
Brancatelli believes the new legislation has enough votes for passage when it comes up for a vote on October 17, and doesn't believe it will have a negative impact on street performers.
