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Parks & Public Spaces
DeBeers, the Forever Diamond Campaign, application for an event in Madison Square Park, with mistletoe and picture taking, over four days during the first week of December, 2008.
WHEREAS, The J. Walter Thompson Agency, on behalf of DeBeers and the Forever Diamond Campaign, has applied to create an installation in Madison Square Park and hold an event over six days during the first week of December, 2008; and
WHEREAS, The installation will be a metal and cable structure containing 60-100 cameras set up in a circle to provide a dynamic photo/video of participants under twinkling lights. The participants will receive, for free and via e-mail a "Matrix" style rendition of themselves in the structure. The DeBeers diamond symbol, made from mistletoe on a 7' square frame, will be attached to the top of the installation; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has requested from the Parks Commission and the Madison Square Parks Conservancy the date of the first week in December, with a back-up date of the second week of December, however no final date has been agreed to by the participants; and
WHEREAS, The applicant anticipates requiring two days to fully install the structure and cameras, and operating the event over four days, with tear-down being completed at the end of the fourth day; and
WHEREAS, Construction set up and maintenance for this event will include:
- Consideration of safety in the construction and installation of the design sculpture of the structure.
- Providing on-site security.
- Providing on-site medical services.
- Vehicles driven onto parkland solely for set up and break down.
- Amplified sound at event for which the applicant will secure a permit through the NYPD.
- Adequate insurance for the event; and
WHEREAS, The applicant has agreed to provide additional information for review by the CB5 Parks Committee before the next meeting on November 3, 2008 including:
- Updated hours of operation.
- A full site plan.
- Examples of design and dimensions for signage.
- Updated predictions of anticipated visitation and participation with a plan for how to coordinate foot traffic; and
WHEREAS, Participants will not be charged a fee and no food or merchandise will be sold but free items will be distributed, including pamphlets, hand bills or advertising materials; and
WHEREAS, The CB5 Parks Committee recognizes the importance of the Madison Square Park Conservancy involvement in the event and their ability to protect the interests of the Park and the Board understands the importance of the event to the Conservancy and the Park; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application by The J. Walter Thompson Agency, on behalf of DeBeers and the Forever Diamond Campaign, to create an installation in Madison Square Park and hold an event over six days during the first week of December 2008.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 24 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.