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Parks & Public Spaces
Eventage application to conduct a promotional sampling event and concert for Degree Deodorant in Union Square Park on Tuesday March 23, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
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, Eventage submitted an application to conduct a promotional sampling event and press announcement relative to three new products being introduced by Degree Deodorant in Union Square Park on Tuesday March 23, 2010 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, requiring set-up to begin on Monday March 22 at 8:00 PM, and dismantling and clean-up to be completed on Tuesday March 23 by 11:59 PM; and
WHEREAS, The proposed event would entirely occupy Union Square's North Plaza, and the set-up would include three product sample stations, a fake sod area measuring 100'-0" X 65'-0" on which a control area and press risers would be installed, a VIP trailer or RV-type vehicle, a 20'-0" X 20'-0" green room tent, some small tables, chairs, speakers, and a generator; and
WHEREAS, Promotional branding would be prominently featured on most of the structures and apparatus required to conduct this proposed event; and
WHEREAS, The applicant has described the proposed event as promotional, with a undeclared spokesperson/performer to sample three new Natureffects anti-perspirant deodorant and body spray collection from Degree as well as to raise awareness for the unknown spokesperson's foundation; and
WHEREAS, Although the applicant proposes that Degree will bring their product to life by creating an unexpected outdoor lawn space to celebrate the beginning of spring, we feel that this is unnecessary as it is universally known that public parks such as Union Square are already intended for the provision of recreation and respite for workers, shoppers and residents of our neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, This proposed event requires a large footprint within the park as well as an excessive amount of time for set-up and dismantling while providing dubious benefit to the users of the park; and
WHEREAS, This proposed event would feature corporate sponsors, logos and products that constitute 100% commercial use of Union Square Park, and Community Board Five has repeatedly denied access to its parks for events that are strictly or predominantly commercial; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Community Board Five recommends denial of the application by Eventage to conduct Degree Deodorant's promotional sampling event and press announcement in Union Square Park on Tuesday March 23, 2010.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 38 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.