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Parks & Public Spaces
TJX Companies' application to conduct "Marshall's Shoportunity" special event in Union Square Park, on Wednesday April 28th, 2010
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, TJX Companies has submitted an application for a special event entitled "Marshall's Shoportunity" to be conducted in the South Plaza of Union Square Park on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, requiring set-up to begin on Tuesday April 27th at 10:00 PM and dismantling and clean-up to be completed by Wednesday April 28th at 10:00 PM; and
WHEREAS, The applicant has applied for permits for the usage of amplified sound required for a duration of four hours; and
WHEREAS, The proposed special event would occur on a day in which the Farmers Market is already being conducted in the North Plaza and in the western portion of Union Square Park; and
WHEREAS, The applicant has proposed to erect a tent and runway to conduct a fashion show with Marshall's products, and keys would be distributed to participants who would be provided chances to unlock armoires with the possibility of winning cash prizes; and
WHEREAS, Although some of the proposed event commentary will be focused on Dressed For Success, a not-for profit charity working toward helping formerly homeless individuals secure employment, the Dressed For Success logo would be limited to the fashion show's runway while there would be signage throughout the park space prominently featuring Marshall's brand logo and; and
WHEREAS, In the event of inclement weather, an additional five or six tents would be erected in order to protect goods and participants; and
WHEREAS, With only slight attention paid to the charitable organization, we believe that the South Plaza of Union Square Park would be dominated by activities that are overwhelming commercial in nature; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends denial of TJX Companies' application to conduct "Marshall's Shoportunity" special event in Union Square Park, on Wednesday April 28th, 2010.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 34 in favor; 1 opposed; 1 abstaining.