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Parks & Public Spaces
Application by Bryant Park Corporation for a Pop-up Food Market on the South Side Plaza of the Fifth Avenue Terrace of Bryant Park starting May 24, 2017
WHEREAS, Bryant Park Corporation ("BPC") is applying for a pop-up food market on the South Side Plaza of the Fifth Avenue Terrace of Bryant Park, in front of the New York Public Library (the "Plaza"), starting May 24, 2017 through early October 2017; and
WHEREAS, Six kiosks, each measuring 10' x 6', have already been placed in this area; and
WHEREAS, The kiosks are the same kiosks used by BPC for the Winter Wonderland market during the holiday season; and
WHEREAS, BPC intends these kiosks to provide a public benefit as it will allow for a shopping experience for passersby; and
WHEREAS, BPC also intends these kiosks to serve as a deterrent for homeless people and others from loitering in this area; and
WHEREAS, A significant amount of the profits generated from these kiosks will go towards the New York Public Library; and
WHEREAS, BPC intends to reevaluate the use and placement of kiosks every 45 days through the end of October, at which time the kiosks will be used for the Winter Wonderland; and
WHEREAS, The kiosks, as they are currently situated, face the interior of the Plaza, resulting in the backs of the kiosks facing passersby on the south side of 40th Street, as well as collected garbage; and
WHEREAS, The kiosks were placed in the Plaza prior to public review; and
WHEREAS, Community Board Five takes its role in the review of applications use of our parks seriously and substantively reviews the applications in order to provide input to BPC and the Parks Department; and
WHEREAS, Community Board Five is concerned about the blocking of the view of the New York Public Library, a New York City landmark, by these kiosks as well as the impact on the passersby on the south side of 40th Street; and
WHEREAS, While understanding of the desire of BPC to utilize this space in a productive manner, Community Board Five continues to be concerned about the saturation of these pop-up markets throughout the city; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends denial of the application for a Pop-up Food Market on the South Side Plaza of the Fifth Avenue Terrace of Bryant Park; and be it further
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends that the Bryant Park Corporation continues to develop other, less intrusive methods to best utilize the space in the Plaza, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and the public prior to implementing such methods.