Mayor Bill de Blasio. Image credit: CityLand
Events will not be permitted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. On July 9, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all large events that require a permit will be canceled through September 30th. The City will instead prioritize social distancing and dedicating open spaces to public use.
In the press release, the Mayor’s office explained that “large events” include: events that require an area larger than one block, stage, and/or video events that require amplification, street fairs, and events in parks “that may unreasonably diminish public use.” Permits will also be denied for events in locations that interfere with the Open Streets or Open Restaurants program. Demonstrations, religious events, and press conferences will still be allowed. The City will refund or defer fees paid for denied permits.
All permit applications for small events must include a COVID-19 prevention plan for the event that does not rely on City personnel or resources. Applicants must also clean the space both during and after the event.
Mayor de Blasio stated, “As New York has begun its reopening process, accessible open spaces are more important than ever. While it pains me to call off some of the city’s beloved events, our focus now must be the prioritization of city space for public use and the continuation of social distancing.”
CityLand will continue to provide coverage of the City’s reopening and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more coverage, click here.
By: Victoria Agosta (Victoria is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)