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Parks & Public Spaces
Nepal America Welfare Association - Nepalese Handicraft Exhibitions in Union Square Park
WHEREAS, Community Board Five takes its role in the review of applications for Parks Special Events seriously and requests an opportunity to review the application before a permit is granted by the Parks Department Special Permit Office; and
WHEREAS, Nepal America Welfare Association has submitted applications to conduct Nepalese Handicraft Exhibitions in the South Plaza of Union Square Park on Sunday July 12th 2009 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and on Sunday August 16th, 2009 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM; and
WHEREAS, The proposed exhibitions are free of charge to all spectators, there are no vendor participation fees, there will be no sale of food; and
WHEREAS, The events are intended for the display and the sale of Nepalese crafts, which include wooden and woolen gift items such as bags, shawls, caps, scarves, wood and stone statues; and
WHEREAS, Nepal America Welfare Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; and
WHEREAS, The applicant has advised us that thirty percent (30%) of the money raised from the sale of merchandise will be donated to areas of need in Nepal; and
WHEREAS, The applicant views their events as a means of connecting Nepalese middlemen with American whole sellers and retailers; and
WHEREAS, The applicant was unable to provide a site plan detailing the footprint of these events, and any banners or signage which are proposed to be used; and
WHEREAS, Community Board Five is concerned that this event is commercial in nature, making usage of the park space as more of a marketplace than as a site for a cultural or artistic exhibition; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends denial of both applications by Nepal America Welfare Association to conduct Nepalese Handicrafts Exhibitions in Union Square Park on Sunday July 12th 2009 and on Sunday August 16th 2009.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 31 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.