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Parks & Public Spaces
India @ 60 – Cherishing Democracy, Celebrating Diversity” - India Tourism’s application to conduct an event in Madison Square Park from September 22nd through September 25th 2007
WHEREAS, An application has been received at The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation from India Tourism, proposing to conduct an event in Madison Square Park celebrating the 60th Anniversary of India’s Independence; and
WHEREAS, The concept of the proposed event is to create an experimental India village to provide the public with an unique opportunity to experience the traditions of the country’s diverse arts and culture; and
WHEREAS, The event has been proposed to be conducted from Saturday, September 22nd through Tuesday, September 25th with festivities beginning each day at 9:00 AM and ending at 10:00 PM, and will involve set-up beginning at 8:00 AM and clean-up to be completed at 11:00 PM; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the four days proposed for the event, the applicant has indicated that approximately two (2) days in advance would be required for set-up and programming, and that one (1) day following the event would be required for dismantling, which would involve vehicles being driven onto the parkland; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 50,000 square feet of space within the park would be required to accommodate the installation of the following:
WHEREAS, There would be an estimated 140 persons, including artisans, performing artists, supporting cast members, and technical crews, and an estimated 10,000 spectators in attendance; and
WHEREAS, There is a requirement for amplified sound at this event, for which the applicant is expected to obtain necessary permits; and
WHEREAS, There will be no charges for either participants or spectators, nor food or merchandise being sold; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is insured for this event, and will provide on-site security and medical services; and
WHEREAS, In the materials provided for our review of this application, there has been no proposed site plan, thus preventing judgment of whether or not the community will have adequate access to the playgrounds, dog runs, concessions, and other park amenities; and
WHEREAS, There is great concern that the duration and the many hours requiring sound amplification may be too disruptive to the surrounding neighborhood, and that an event of this scale requiring such a large amount of space would be better suited for a larger park; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends denial of the application for The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and India Tourism to conduct this event as outlined and described within Madison Square Park.
The above resolution passed with a vote of 27 in favor, 1 opposed, 2 abstentions. 