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Consents & Variances
Union Square Hospitality Group (Big Apple BBQ) on Madison Avenue between 23rd and 26th Streets, 26th street between 5th Avenue and Park avenue, and inside Madison Square Park on Saturday June 9th and Sunday June 10th, 2012.
WHEREAS, The above applicant seeks a permit to hold the 10th annual Big Apple Barbeque in Madison Square Park and on certain streets surrounding the park, causing the closure of Madison Avenue between 23rd and 26th streets; 23rd, 24th, and 25th Streets between Park and Madison Avenues; and 26th Street between Park and 5th Avenues on Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10th, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 11am and 6pm, with set-up beginning late Friday night and clean-up following the event on Sunday, June 10th; and
WHEREAS, Community Board Five has, through the efforts of the Madison Square Park task force, adopted a policy regarding large events in and around Madison Square Park; and
WHEREAS, That policy was passed unanimously by Community Board Five; and
WHEREAS, The applicant has complied with that policy and has signed a written Statement of Compliance acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of the Policy on Madison Square Park Events; and
WHEREAS, The applicant has provided a detailed plan and layout of their event; including sanitation, security, and post-event clean-up; and
WHEREAS, Members of the public expressed concerns about smoke near their apartments and the blockage of an entrance to a local business; and
WHEREAS, Those concerns seem to initiate specifically from the placement of one of the participating pit masters; and
WHEREAS, Union Square Hospitality Group agreed to rethink and/or rework their current plans to take these concerns into consideration; and
WHEREAS, Union Square Hospitality Group has a history of working closely and successfully with local authorities, members of Community Board Five, members of the public, and the Madison Square Park Conservancy; and
WHEREAS, Union Square Hospitality Group will make a donation of 10% of the total proceeds of this event to the Madison Square Park Conservancy to be directed toward maintenance and upkeep in the Park; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the Big Apple Barbeque in and around Madison Square Park on Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10th, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recognizes the importance of this monetary contribution the Madison Square Park Conservancy; however, given the size and duration of this event, and the overall impact to the park and surrounding community, Community Board Five recommends that the applicant consider a more substantial donation in the future, to be directed toward maintenance and upkeep of Madison Square Park.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 33 in favor; 4 opposed; 1 abstaining.