Moreover, since Anderson would like to see artists be able to go wherever they please without a permit, those street vendors could draw off existing community events that have to pay to rent their spaces, Adams said.

In a letter, alliance executive director Bob Farrington said he would like the city to include rules limiting the number of artists to three per block or per park and to require vendors to open at least 250 feet from existing events.

Anderson argues that 100 feet is more reasonable and thinks artists should be able to congregate in a large groups rather than be limited to three per block.

There is more and more evidence, Anderson said, that "those communities that are more open and welcoming to all different kinds of people and have more outlets for artistic and cultural expression are doing the best in terms of sustained economic development. If we're seen as an oppressive, closed, homogeneous place, it's going to be very difficult to recruit out-of-state businesses."

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E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com