Goshen board approves neighborhood events, closures and routine permits

The Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety approved a series of routine permits and temporary closures on Wednesday, voting unanimously on event requests, street and sidewalk closures and temporary business accommodations.

Highlights included approval for the College Farm Community Association to close the 1800 block of South 13th Street for a neighborhood block party on Aug. 1, 2026; permission for the Center for Healing and Hope to use the eastern portion of the Washington Street parking lot for its Festival of Hope on Aug. 8 (5–9 p.m.) with barricade and electrical accommodations; and a request from Goshen Soccer Academy to use the West Washington Street parking lot for a pickleball tournament Aug. 28–29. In each case staff confirmed coordination with streets and traffic teams before the board’s unanimous votes.

The board also approved a grease-trap installation at Dutch Made Bakery (113 E. Lincoln Ave.), a brief alley closure for Surf Internet to finish conduit work beside the Schultz building, and a temporary sidewalk closure and water-service replacement at 119 E. Lincoln Ave. Kaufman/Coffman Construction asked to shift dates for the sidewalk closure to July 13–24 and the board approved that change.

On business accommodations, engineering recommended and the board approved temporary outdoor seating for the Elephant Bar at 227 S. Main Street through Oct. 30, 2026. The board also approved traffic-related requests: six short-term (30-minute) parking signs downtown and six engine-braking‑prohibited signs along State Road 15/Main Street and Kirtcher Grove; both actions were recommended by the traffic commission and approved unanimously.

Where required, applicants confirmed coordination with city departments (streets, engineering, public safety) and the board recorded motions, seconds and unanimous approvals for each item. No items were opposed.