Statement of Council Member Inez E. Dickens Public Hearing on 2008 Street Permit Restrictions – October 23, 2007

Statement of Council Member Inez E. Dickens

Public Hearing on 2008 Street Permit Restrictions – October 23, 2007

Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management

The Mayor's Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management is proposing a one year moratorium on the issuance of any street permits for new multi-day, multi-block events.

While I understand that these larger community events, some organized by for-profit groups, consume significant City resources, it is extremely important that the restrictions we review today on multi-day, multi-block permits are not confused with block permits for one-day, one-block events.

For certain groups and organizations like faith-based organizations (churches); NYCHA Tenant associations; tenant organizations; block associations; and community boards, one day street events are inextricably woven into the fabric of the community. Many of these organizations host free events for the residents of their community, especially their children and their seniors. These organizations, many of them voluntary without significant funds to rent venues to hold their community events, rely on street permits to enable them to hold free events that are inclusive of their entire community.

It is imperative that the City maintain all access to public congregation, celebration and assembly for these organizations, which address the diverse, cultural, social and economic needs of communities throughout this City.

For new multi-day, multi-block permit applications, Community Boards and local elected officials should be consulted to ensure that the new event serves a significant public purpose.

Thank you for the opportunity to enter my comments into the record on this important issue.




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