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Jay Z's Made in America Concert Hits a Roadblock

Councilman throws a wrench in the festival's move to L.A.

The Made in America festival just hit an obstacle in its relocation plan. A city councilman wants more information before the Jay Z-curated concert can come to Los Angeles.

The three-year-old festival sponsored by Budweiser is shaping up to take place in downtown L.A.'s Grant Park this summer, after two previous years in Philadelphia. However, Councilman Joe Huizar drafted a motion to block concert organizers from receiving a permit without first completing more paperwork.

Huizar is requesting a report from the police department and other city-run entities on "any permits, actions, public safety concerns, and any necessary cost implications" that the event will bring about. 

Although Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti approves of the concert, which he says will be a "boom" for the city's economy, Huizar argues that L.A. "cannot support" the event until all concerns are addressed. 

"There has been no community outreach to engage affected residents and gain necessary feedback," he accused in the motion. "This is particularly important in downtown, where exponential growth in population density has led to a mounting concern over street closures that impede access and cause traffic congestion."

An estimated 50,000 people are expected to attend the megafest. The foot traffic will force a 10-day-long street closure, among other potential inconveniences. In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Huizar said that the discrepancy isn't about "opposing special events or any particular concert," per se, but "about making sure the affected community" is involved in "the planning process sooner rather than later."

Garcetti takes no issue with Huizar's request. "As Mr. Huizar is well aware, this event required council approval, which will allow him ample time for review and a hearing process," the mayor said, adding that it "makes sense for initial negotiations involving multiple executive departments to be handled by executives" before the show can go forward.  

Last year's Made in America festival featured performances from 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel and show headliner Beyoncé.  

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(Photo: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

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