SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC) – Musicians Christopher Waechter and Gabriel Novak can now perform on the streets of Saugatuck and collects tips including the $7,500 the city is giving them each.
Waechter, a Hope college student and an accomplished musician has played the viola for over a decade. Novak attends Cleveland Institute of Music and spends summers in South Haven.
Backed by the ACLU they filed a lawsuit last year in U.S. District Court alleging they were unconstitutionally prohibited from performing in public areas. Now a proposed consent judgement filed Thursday calls for Saugatuck to be prevented from enforcing a “Public Entertainment Ordinance” against them or anyone performing on public sidewalks.
The city was concerned that street performers could get in the way of foot traffic while business owners were concerned that they could drive customers away.
The consent judgement awaits U.S District Judge Robert Jonker’s signature and claims against the city and city leaders will be dismissed.
