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Parks & Public Spaces

May 2016, Parks Committee

Application for Newsstand Application # 4699-2016-ANWS, Northeast Corner of Union Square East and East 16th Street, in front of 36 Union Square

WHEREAS, Afruza B. Beli d/b/a NEC Union Square East + East 16^th Street (the "Applicant") has applied to the Department of Consumer Affairs for a permit to install and operate a newsstand near the northeast corner of Union Square East and 16^th Street in perpetuity; and

WHEREAS, The proposed newsstand would be located in a heavily congested area and create numerous obstructions; and

WHEREAS, The proposed newsstand would create an unnecessary burden on pedestrian flow; and

WHEREAS, There are eight newsstands and many food shops surrounding Union Square; and

WHEREAS, The Union Square Partnership is vehemently opposed to this newsstand; and

WHEREAS, These applications require an application fee and Community Board Five recommends that the Department of Consumer Affairs develop a refund mechanism for unsuccessful applicants; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five recognizes that newsstand applicants are usually individuals and small business owners and urges the Department of Consumer Affairs or the Department of Small Business Services to assist applicants in the cumbersome application process and provide a map of appropriate locations for newsstands; therefore be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends denial of the application to install a newsstand near the northeast corner of Union Square East & 16^th Street.