Matthew Brown has restored three historic houses in Raleigh, and has assisted with the restoration of many others. He has financed renovation of six houses for affordable housing.

Matthew spoke to City Council on October 10, 2023:

NoteNear the end of the Tuesday, October 17, 2023 City Council meeting, Councilor Harrison addressed the issue of the Christmas Parade being relegated to go on without the inclusion of motorized vehicles. She explained the City’s Attorney’s office has advised the Council that significant legal liabilities persist. But, no explanation was offered as to why those same legal advisors had no such concerns about the three other parades that did include motorized vehicles and have already taken place this year after last year’s Christmas Parade.

Matthew Brown’s comments follow:

 

Good evening. Thank you for your service and thank you for letting me speak.

The Raleigh Christmas Parade is a beloved and beautiful part of Raleigh’s culture. It is the largest parade between Washington and Atlanta. Several thousand Raleighites march or ride in the parade. 80,000 line the streets, and another 200,000 watch it at home. Downtown businesses fill with customers. It is a delightful event for young and old.

Thank you for not letting the Parade be cancelled completely. But by not allowing any vehicles to take part, you are allowing only half the parade.

1. The antique tractors and cars are much loved by the people. They have never caused any problems.

2. Many parade participants are unable to walk the mile and a half due to physical limitations.

3. Many of the floats are sponsored by businesses that pay a fee. This is what pays for the parade.

4. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus need to appear in their sleigh! They are too old and chubby to walk a mile and a half!

Yes, there was a tragic accident last year, after 75 years of no notable accidents. The parade organizers have already adopted new safety protocols. In any case, the City is not liable for accidents on City streets; that is why the City was not named in the lawsuit.

Of course, the City attorney will advise the most prudent course. That is her duty.

YOUR duty as our elected leaders is to weigh the value of the parade to the community against the remote risk of a future accident.

Anything wonderful and beautiful in this world must be nurtured and protected, or it will be lost due to carelessness, greed, fear, or other forces. This parade is one of Raleigh’s most wonderful and beloved events.

Please nurture and protect it! Please at least allow the antique cars and tractors; they had nothing to do with the accident, and are a much beloved part of the parade.

I know it was not originally Council’s fault that the parade was cancelled. But if you take no action now, you will be responsible for cancelling half of it. Please pass a motion at your next meeting to allow the vehicles, with the new safety protocols.

Thank you.

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