Judge denies attempt to stop NBA All-Star fence

An attempt by a group of businesses outside the Amway Center to keep the NBA from fencing them out of All-Star Weekend activities failed Tuesday.

Circuit Judge Alice Blackwell denied a motion filed on behalf of the businesses that would have prevented the NBA and the city of Orlando from putting a fence around a portion of the Amway Center.

READ: Judge's ruling on motion

In her ruling Blackwell said the church street businesses failed to show the fence will cost them money. She also said the security required for the international event far outweighs any possible harm to the business owners.

The business owners said the fence would keep them from benefitting from the crowds that will be attended activities at the Amway Center during All-Star weekend.

“The fence would seem to lock us out from the activities that’s going to be presented in ways that when people, just the thought of being enclosed or locked in or locked out of something, it gives a negative connotation, that there’s something wrong with what we do, “ Church Street business owner Alonzo Adams said in court Tuesday morning.

Orlando magic CEO Alex Martins told the judge that the eight-foot security fence is needed, in part, because heads of state, from other countries are expected, and that President Obama could make an appearance.

Martins said that to recreate the security plan in the next 48 hours would be impossible.

Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney said his agency is already borrowing officers from around the state because he doesn't have enough officers to protect the arena, and the 60,000 to 80,000 visitors expected in Orlando this weekend.

Magic officials said it cost $5 million dollars to get the All-Star game to Orlando and it would cost more to recreate the security plan.

City officials said the sidewalk in front of the businesses will be open for people to walk by the businesses, and when people exit the Amway Center doors on the fence will force them in front of the businesses

The NBA will install the 8-foot fence along Church Street. They say the fence is needed for security reasons.

Ten businesses had filed the motion saying that the fence would hurt their businesses during the event.

Previous Story: Judge expected to rule on All-Star fence outside Amway Center