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Parks & Public Spaces
Proposal on the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Events Coordination and Management for rule changes governing event permitting in pedestrian plazas.
WHEREAS, The Mayor's Office of Citywide Events Coordination and Management (OCECM), which oversees the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO), administers New York City's permit system for street activities, block parties and fairs; and
WHEREAS, SAPO is proposing amendments to extend the existing moratorium on street fair applications to Calendar Year 2016 and to restrict street fairs in the Times Square area that require street closures; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, during calendar year 2016, OCECM will explore options for reallocating the distribution of street fairs during the 2017 calendar year; and
WHEREAS, In addition, in order to permit adequate time for review, the deadline for applications for special events is being changed from 10 business days to 30 days, as additional timing allows for proper planning of resources in a more timely manner by all parties, including the chance for proper public review before Community Board Five; and
WHEREAS, Although a 45-day application deadline would guarantee sufficient time for proper public review, the proposed rule change is nevertheless a significant improvement; and
WHEREAS, The proposed rule changes would significantly improve the transparency of the event permitting process, including giving more time for a proper public review of event applications, changes for which Community Board Five has strongly advocated since 2009; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Community Board Five strongly believes that a comprehensive, legislative solution is still required to adequately address the challenges and opportunities presented not only by the Times Square pedestrian plazas, but the entire pedestrian plaza network; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the proposal from The Mayor's Office of Citywide Events Coordination and Management for rule changes governing event permitting in pedestrian plazas; and be it further
RESOLVED, Community Board Five calls on the City Council to pass legislation designating the pedestrian plaza network as a distinctive type of public space, thereby granting the City discretion in the permitting of commercial events.