Resolutions: January 2008

WHEREAS, the applicant wants to hold a street festival on 19th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, on Saturday, May 17th, 2008; and

WHEREAS, the event is a new event to Community Board Five; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five has a moratorium on new street activity, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends denial of the application.

The above resolution passed by a vote of 29 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.

WHEREAS, the applicant wants to hold a street festival on 40th Street, between Fifth and Seventh Avenues, on Saturday, July 12th, 2008; and

WHEREAS, the event is a new event to Community Board Five; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five has a moratorium on new street activity, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends denial of the application.

The above resolution passed by a vote of 29 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.

WHEREAS, the applicant wants to hold a street festival on 6th Avenue, between 42nd Street and 50th Street, on Saturday, October 18th, 2008; and

WHEREAS, the event is a new event to Community Board Five; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five has a moratorium on new street activity, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends denial of the application.

WHEREAS, the Federation of Indian Associations wants to organize a street festival on Madison Avenue between 23rd and 27th Streets, on Sunday, August 17th 2008; and

WHEREAS, The applicant will apply to the Parks Department for a permit to use Madison Square Park and for this year we will not ask them to return to our Board for a separate approval; and

WHEREAS, The event is organized in conjunction with the Federation of Indian Associations parade; and

WHEREAS, The applicant wants to install a stage occupying ½ of the block between 23rd and 24th Street with amplified sound; and

WHEREAS, The applicant has agreed to set up no sooner than 11am, and

WHEREAS, The applicant will use the services of a private professional sanitation contractor to bag and dispose of garbage during the event, as well as at the end, and the applicant has agreed to extend the radius of its sanitation workers to also dispose of garbage on the side streets, including 23rd Street, and the applicant has agreed to lift garbage bags rather than dragging them to avoid spillage; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed to

• limit the use of its amplified sound system to a maximum of 2 ½ hours, (from 3pm to 5.30pm),
• to reduce the sound level compared to the previous years, and

• to explore the possibility to use multiple smaller speakers rather than 2 large ones as a way to lessen the noise impact; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed that no vendor will play loud music; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed that no vendor will sell counterfeit merchandise; and

WHEREAS, the applicant commits to not blocking access to the dog run in Madison Square Park; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed not to discriminate against any group that wishes to participate to this event, and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five recognizes that the event is drawing a larger number of people each year, which taxes the capacity of this location, and encourages the applicant to start looking for an alternate venue and furthermore Community Board Five urges SAPO, Parks Department and NYPD to help applicant identify an alternate venue; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the Federation of Indian Associations Street Activity permit.

WHEREAS, The Muslim Foundation of America seeks to organize a street festival on Madison Avenue between 23rd and 26th Streets, on October 12th 2008; and

WHEREAS, The applicant will apply to the Parks Department for a permit to use Madison Square Park and for this year we will not ask them to return to our Board for a separate approval; and

WHEREAS, The event is organized in conjunction with the Muslim Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, The applicant seeks to install a stage occupying ½ of the block between 23rd and 24th Street with amplified sound; and

WHEREAS, The applicant estimates the number of people to attend to be 3000; and

WHEREAS, The previous years, the event generated concern from residents because of noise, littering, and overcrowding; and

WHEREAS, To address these concerns, the applicant has agreed to the following:

• increase its sanitation workforce to bag and dispose of garbage during and at the end of the event;
• lower the volume of its amplified sound equipment, compared to the previous years;
• place volunteers to monitor the use of the playground to avoid improper use (prohibiting use of the playground by children older that 12 years old); therefore be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the Muslim Foundation of America Street Activity permit.

WHEREAS, the Philippine Independence Day Council wants to organize a street festival on Madison Avenue between 23rd and 26th Streets, on Sunday, June 1st 2008; and

WHEREAS, The applicant has applied to the Parks Department for a permit to use Madison Square Park; and

WHEREAS, The event is organized in conjunction with the Philippine Independence Day Council parade; and

WHEREAS, The applicant wants to install a stage occupying ½ of the block between 23rd and 24th Street with amplified sound; and

WHEREAS, The applicant has agreed to set up no sooner than 9am, and

WHEREAS, The applicant will have 30 to 40 volunteers to bag and dispose of garbage during the event as well as the end, and the applicant has agreed to extend the radius of its sanitation workers to also dispose of garbage on the side streets, including 23rd Street, and the applicant has agreed to lift garbage bags rather than dragging them to avoid spillage; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed to

• limit the use of its amplified sound system to a maximum of 2 ½ hours, (from 3pm to 5.30pm),
• to reduce the sound level compared to the previous years, and
• to explore the possibility to use multiple smaller speakers rather than 2 large ones as a way to lessen the noise impact; and

WHEREAS, the applicant will have 100 volunteers handling the security of the event and the applicant has agreed to place volunteers to monitor the use of the playground to avoid improper use (prohibiting use of the playground by children older that 12 years old), and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed that no vendor will play loud music; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed that no vendor will sell counterfeit merchandise; and

WHEREAS, the applicant commits to not blocking access to the dog run in Madison Square Park; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed not to discriminate against any group that wishes to participate to this event, and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five recognizes that the event is drawing a larger number of people each year, which taxes the capacity of this location, and encourages the applicant to start looking for an alternate venue, and furthermore Community Board Five urges SAPO, Parks Department and NYPD to help applicants identify an alternate venue; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the Philippine Independence Day Council Street Activity permit.

WHEREAS, the Sikh Cultural Society wants to organize a street festival on Madison Avenue between 23rd and 26th Streets, on Saturday April 26th 2008; and

WHEREAS, The applicant will apply to the Parks Department for a permit to use Madison Square Park and for this year we will not ask them to return to our Board for a separate approval; and

WHEREAS, The event is organized in conjunction with the Sikh Cultural Society parade; and

WHEREAS, The applicant wants to install a stage occupying ½ of the block between 23rd and 24th Street with amplified sound; and

WHEREAS, The applicant has agreed to set up no sooner than 10am, and

WHEREAS, The applicant has agreed to hiring a private sanitation contractor to bag and dispose of garbage during the event as well as the end, and the applicant has agreed to extend the radius of its sanitation workers to also dispose of garbage on the side streets, including 23rd Street, and the applicant has agreed to lift garbage bags rather than dragging them to avoid spillage; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed to

- limit the use of its amplified sound system to a maximum of 2 ½ hours, (from 3pm to 5.30pm),

- to reduce the sound level compared to the previous years, and

- to explore the possibility to use multiple smaller speakers rather than 2 large ones as a way to lessen the noise impact; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed to increase the number of volunteers handling the security of the event and the applicant has agreed to place volunteers to monitor the use of the playground to avoid improper use (prohibiting use of the playground by children older that 12 years old); and

WHEREAS, the applicant uses no vendors for his event; and

WHEREAS, the applicant commits to not blocking access to the dog run in Madison Square Park; and

WHEREAS, the applicant has agreed not to discriminate against any group that wishes to participate to this even;, and

WHEREAS, the applicant has specifically notified Community Board Five of its desire to find an alternate venue for the event; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five recognizes that the event is drawing a larger number of people each year, which taxes the capacity of this location, and encourages the applicant to start looking for an alternate venue, and furthermore Community Board Five urges SAPO, Parks Department and NYPD to help applicant identify an alternate venue; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the Sikh Cultural Society Street Activity permit.

The above resolution passed by a vote of 29 in favor; 2 opposed; 1 abstaining.

WHEREAS, On Monday January 7th, 2007,  members of the public appeared before Community Board Five’s Landmarks Committee seeking support in their effort to designate, as an individual landmark, the townhouse building at 41 West 54th Street, located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues; and

WHEREAS, This townhouse was singled out in the 1979 Midtown West Survey and recommended to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for designation, although no action was taken at that time, and it is located in the Special Midtown Preservation Subdistrict; and

 WHEREAS, It has a broad double doorway, balconies and 2 tiers of casements which compose a projecting bay, flanked by subtly canted rusticated piers.  There is some delicate relief carving on the balconies.  Over the two round arched dormers is a simple mansard roof which has been carefully restored and stands out from the ordinary buildings that surround it; and

WHEREAS, It was completed as a single family residence in October 1878 as part of a five brownstone development by speculative designer and developer James G. Lynd and Brothers.  It was originally in the Neo Grecian style and was recessed from its lot line with access via a stoop; and

WHEREAS, The building’s current Beaux Art style façade was built in 1909 by architects Foster, Gade & Graham. They were also the architects of The John H. and Caroline Iselin House at 59 East 79 Street which was designated a landmark in 1981. The architects also designed a one story addition to the Joseph Pulitzer house in 1904 (later the Tiffany Building, East 37th and Fifth Avenue, now demolished) and the Romanesque 237 East 123 Street, originally Our Saviour Norwegian Lutheran Church in 1911; and

WHEREAS, This townhouse is deemed to have significant historical, cultural and architectural importance; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that Community Board Five recommends that the townhouse building at 41 West 54th Street be designated as an individual landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The above resolution passed by a vote of 30 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.

WHEREAS, On Monday January 7th 2008, concerned members of the public appeared before Community Board Five’s Landmarks Committee seeking support for their effort to designate, as an individual landmark, the townhouse building at 46 West 55th Street, located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues; and

WHEREAS, The building, commissioned by John W. Stevens and Brother and designed by architect Thomas Thomas, is one of a five townhouse development, dating from 1869, and is among the earliest structures on the block; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas was born and trained as an architect in England.  He came to New York as a young man and, with 10 other architects, formed The National Institute of Architecture, the precursor of today’s AIA, the American Institute of Architects.  Thomas also collaborated on the design of St. Peter’s Church from 1836-1840 on Broadway between Barclay and Vesey Streets but most of his work was on private residences for well known people of the period; and

WHEREAS, In 1903 Mr. J.H. Bissell, who owned the house, commissioned renowned architect Edward L. Tilton and his partner to design the classic period brick and limestone Beaux Arts façade that exists today. Tilton is also well known for designing over 100 of the Carnegie Libraries as well as the Main building, the Kitchen & Laundry Buildings, the Main Powerhouse and the Main Hospital on Ellis Island; and

WHEREAS, this neighborhood was a fashionable address for Manhattan’s banking elite and other prominent families; and

WHEREAS, this building is deemed to have significant historical, cultural and architectural importance; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends that the townhouse building at 46 West 55th Street be designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission as an individual landmark.

The above resolution passed by a vote of 30 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.

WHEREAS, The owner of 703 Fifth Avenue, the St. Regis Hotel, has applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install new storefront infill at this designated individual landmark; and

WHEREAS, The proposal is to alter signage, change window glass and replace entrance doors on the Fifth Avenue side of the building where the DeBeers retail store is located; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five approved the existing design March 11, 2004 when DeBeers became the tenant after Louis Vuitton vacated the space; and

WHEREAS, The proposed design is harmonious with the appearance of the landmarked building, so that there will be a consistent appearance; and

WHEREAS, The double entrance doors will be replaced with a single glass entrance door, easier to operate, and coordinated with an all-glass small vestibule inside the store to eliminate a wind-tunnel affect when the door opens, also providing better visibility into the store; and

WHEREAS, The DeBeers logo above the door will be removed and the limestone will be repaired where the logo was affixed and the DeBeers name in polished steel will be placed in the glass above the door, thereby further providing consistency with the DeBeers name above each of the two adjacent bays; and

WHEREAS, The signature DeBeers etched glass in the two bays will be replaced by clear glass permitting greater visibility into the store; and

WHEREAS, The resulting storefront will be of minimalist style with a glass front containing signage that is within the maximum size allowed; and

WHEREAS, The choice of materials is similar to the existing materials with the exception of the narrow polished steel band used to frame the new  entrance door instead of a more unobtrusive framing material; and

WHEREAS, The original character of the building has been compromised over the years and this proposal, although not in keeping with the original exterior design of the building, does not further detract from that character since it is consistent with the neighboring storefront designs; and

WHEREAS, The proposed design is similar to other Fifth Avenue boutiques in the surrounding area; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That, with the exception of the narrow polished steel frame around the new entrance door, Community Board Five recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for new storefront infill at 703 Fifth Avenue.

 The above resolution passed by a vote of 27 in favor; 0 opposed; 2 abstaining.

WHEREAS, 1186 Broadway, a 344 room hotel, designed by Clinton and Russell (Architects known for designing the Astor Hotel, Apthorp Apartments and the NY Cocoa Exchange), is located at the southeast corner of West 29 Street in the Madison Square North Historic District; and

WHEREAS, The owner has applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish non-historic storefronts and to restore and renovate other significant elements at this building; and

WHEREAS, This hotel, built in 1904, was once an important part of a major New York City entertainment district (which included the original Tin Pan Alley on West 28 Street and Broadway) consisting of hotels, luxury stores and apartments in a period - from the 1870s to the 1910s - when this area prospered; and

WHEREAS, in its heyday many important historical figures stayed at the hotel including Diamond Jim Brady, Joe Louis, Billy Conn and W. E. B. Dubois; and

WHEREAS, After many years of decline the area is rapidly improving and the owners are planning to restore the hotel to reflect its original design and character; and

WHEREAS, The proposal is to:

• Restore the West 29 Street entrance and stone surrounding;
• Install new infill and a new marquee at the Broadway entrance using cast stone to replicate the existing original limestone;
• Establish a master plan for new storefront infill (including the replacement of the non-historic storefronts on both West 29 Street and Broadway) which, while not in conformity with the original building which had no storefronts and has been completely obliterated, would be a distinct improvement over the existing condition of obtrusive commercial storefronts and signage;
• Install new lighting and signage, reminiscent of the original period when the hotel was built;
• Install new mechanical equipment on the roof consisting of an emergency generator and a cooling tower, not higher than 13 feet, which would be only slightly visible from West 32 Street, some three blocks away;
• Install window replacements throughout the building with wood frame windows.

WHEREAS, Photographs show the American flag being flown from the rooftop flagpole at Broadway and West 29th, and the owners have agreed to fly the American flag at appropriate times; and

WHEREAS, The proposed restoration and renovation is harmonious with the appearance of the Historic District, so that there would be a benefit to the entire district; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the restoration and improvements as proposed. 

 Tne above resolution passed by a vote of 30 in favor; 0 opposed; 2 abstaining.

WHEREAS, The applicant, MCP SO Strategic 56 LP, is building a new development with 48 units as of right at 31-37 West 56 Street; and

WHEREAS, The applicant is entitled to build an 11 space accessory garage as of right in the cellar and subcellar of the building; and

WHEREAS, The applicant is requesting Special Permit for a 76 space attendant garage, including 10 reservoir spaces, creating 14,964 gross square feet of parking in the cellar and subcellar of the building; and

WHEREAS, The garage will be open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and would have 2-4 attendants at all times; and

WHEREAS, The building is entitled to a 23 foot wide curb cut in front of the building and would use it for the garage, allowing for two lanes in and out of the garage; and

WHEREAS, The Environment Impact Statement estimated that there would be no more than 13 trips in and out of the garage per hour and estimates 11-13 trips in and out of the garage during the peak hours of 6 am - 9 am and 4 pm – 6 pm; and

WHEREAS, The applicant agreed to create space for bicycle parking in the garage; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Community Board 5 recommends approval of a Special Permit pursuant to Sections 13-562 and 74-52 of the Zoning Resolution to allow for an attended public parking garage of 76 spaces at 31-37 West 56 Street.

The above resolution passedby a vote of 20 in favor, 11 opposed, 1 abstention.

WHEREAS, This is the second part of a 74-711 for 14-20 West 40th Street permitting the transfer of approximately 17,000 square feet of development rights from the Knox Hat Building to 14-20 West 40th Street in exchange for preservation of the building; and

WHEREAS, The building at 14-20 West 40 Street, which is currently a parking lot, will be constructed with a limestone façade with a glass treatment and is considered contextual with the Knox Hat Building; and

WHEREAS, The building, which will be 358 feet and 32 stories high, will house a hotel with 150 rooms, a 52 unit condominium and a parking garage with 30 spaces; and

WHEREAS, The developer is asking for a number of bulk modifications to make the building more harmonious with the neighborhood including:

• Modification of the pedestrian circulation space requiring a walkway or an arcade at the base of the building.  Elimination of this requirement will allow the building to come up to the street wall like all the other buildings on the block; and

• Modification of the streetwall continuity regulations permitting part of the lot to not meet the 85 foot streetwall requirement for the entire site.  This is to accommodate a 3 story building at 12 West 40 Street; and

• Modification of the Split Lot Bulk Regulations permitting the transfer of 17,264 square feet of available floor area generated in M1-6 district for development in the C5-3 (MID) district; and

• Modification of the Alternate Height and Setback Daylight Evaluation regulations which apply in the C5-3 (MID)/West 40th Street and would require a setback above 90 feet; and

WHEREAS, The building will be built at 358 feet flush with the street wall rather than 395 feet permitted with a setback and would continue the saw tooth pattern of the buildings on the street; and

WHEREAS, The hotel is going to be run by One Hotel, a company that is building "green" hotels in the United States.  While the applicant is aiming to build a LEED Silver environmentally friendly building, Community Board 5 would like the applicant to make the building either LEED Gold or Platinum; and

WHEREAS, Community Board 5 is concerned about the lack of affordable housing in the area and encourages the developer to include middle income housing in the development; and

WHEREAS, Community Board 5 remains concerned about the infrastructure needs of the area and wants to make sure that even with relatively small developments, such as this one, the impact on schools, transportation and other district needs are taken into consideration; and

WHEREAS, The developer has agreed to do everything possible to mitigate the impact of construction on the area; and

WHEREAS, The preservation plan for the Knox Hat Building was approved by both the Landmarks Preservation Commission and Community Board 5; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board 5 recommends approval of the 74-711 for 14-20 West 40th Street and recommends approval of the following bulk modifications:

• Modification of the daylight evaluation requirements of ZR Section 91-27 in the C5-3 (MID) district;

• Waiver of the split lot provisions of ZR Section 77-02 to allow transfer of approximately 17,264 square feet of floor area from the M1-6 district to the C5-3 (MID) district;

• Modification of the pedestrian circulation space requirements of ZR Sections 81-45 and 37-07 along West 40th Street;

• Modification of the streetwall continuity regulations of ZR Section 81-43

The above resolution passed by a vote of 28 in favor, 2 opposed,  2 abstention.

WHEREAS, An application has been received at The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation from the American Kennel Club (AKC), who propose to conduct a special event in Madison Square Park on Saturday September 20, 2008; and

WHEREAS, This proposed not for profit, educational event, known as Responsible Dog Ownership Day, has previously been conducted in Madison Square Park annually since 2004; and

WHEREAS, The event has been proposed to be conducted beginning at 11:00 AM, ending at 3:00 PM, and will involve set-up beginning at 7:30 AM and clean-up to be completed at 5:00 PM; and

WHEREAS, The event will be located along the walkway in the southwest side of the park near the dog run, and in the large graveled area adjacent to the Shake Shack; and

WHERAS, This event is open to the public, there will be no charges for either participants or spectators, nor food being sold; and

WHEREAS, The applicant is insured for this event, and will provide on-site security; and

WHEREAS, There is a requirement for amplified sound at this event, for which the applicant is expected to obtain necessary permits; and

WHEREAS, There will be fifteen Meet the Breeds ® tables, among the planned activities proposed are demonstrations on Safety Around Dogs for Kids, and participants may bring their own dogs – on a leash – to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen ® test; and

WHEREAS, AKC has committed that a $5,000.00 donation will be made to the Madison Square Conservancy, and these funds are to be used specifically for the dog run, considered to be a unique aspect of this park that greatly serves the community; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application by the American Kennel Club for the Responsible Dog Ownership Day event in Madison Square Park for Saturday September 20, 2008.

WHEREAS, A proposal has been received from the Hanger Network, to hold an Earth Day Awareness Event in Bryant Park; and

WHEREAS, The event would be held April 22, 2008, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, with set up starting at 7:00 am and clean up ending by 1:00 pm; and

WHEREAS, Although the applicant would be insured for the event, no amplified sound would be used, no merchandise would be sold and the event would be free of charge; and

WHEREAS, Although the event would include the collection of wire hangers, which would be recycled at a commercial recycling plant at no profit to the applicant; and

WHEREAS, Although each person who recycles wire hangers at the event would receive one environmentally-friendly hanger; and

WHEREAS, The Hanger Network is a for-profit manufacturer of such environmentally-friendly hangers; and

WHEREAS, Although the applicant represented that wire hangers cannot be recycled through regular recycling, the New York City website lists wire hangers among the mandated household metal items to be recycled through the Department of Sanitation's collection program; and

WHEREAS, It was recommended that the applicant try to coordinate its event with another recycling event, such as the Electronic Waste Recycling events hosted by the Lower East Side Ecology Center in Union Square and other locations throughout the City; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends denial of the application by Hanger Network, to hold an Earth Day Awareness Event in Bryant Park on April 22, 2008, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The above resolution passed by a vote of 31 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.

WHEREAS, Madison Square Park Conservancy is applying for permits for the following special events in 2008:

• Spring Plant Market - 05/09 - 05/10
• Outdoor Reception - 05/12
• Spring Kids Fest - 05/31
• Madison Sq. Reads - 06/12 – 08/07 Thursdays
• Madison Sq. Kids - 06/03 - 06/21 Tuesdays/Thursdays
• Celebrate Flatiron Chefs - 07/15
• Madison Sq. Music - 06/18 – 08/06 Wednesdays
• Madison Sq. Studio - 09/13 – 10/04 Saturdays
• Fall Plant Market - 10/02 - 10/03
• Fall Kids Fest – 10/18; and

WHEREAS, These are long standing popular events; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that Community Board 5 recommends approval of the Madison Square Park Conservancy's applications.

WHEREAS, The New York City Parks Department would like to host a professional snowboarding demonstration event with product and gear demonstrations in the north Plaza of Union Square Park on February 7, 2008; and

WHEREAS, The event is free and excess sponsorship proceeds will fund and promote a free youth snowboarding fitness program in Central Park on February 9; and

WHEREAS, The event was held last year and received positive feedback; and

WHEREAS, The event will encourage park use at an otherwise slow time of year; and

WHEREAS, The technology used to amplify sound is designed to minimize disturbance to neighbors; and

WHEREAS, We have concerns regarding the commercial nature of the event, and its duration, beginning at 7 am, ending at 9 pm with clean up ending at midnight; therefore be it  

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application by the NYC Parks, Union Square Street Sessions event in Union Square Park for Saturday February 7, 2008.

The above resolution passedby a vote of 19 in favor; 12 opposed; 1 abstaining.

WHEREAS, The applicant, American Friends Service Committee, has applied for a permit to hold a candlelight vigil in Union Square Park on January 27, 2008; and

WHEREAS, No one from the organization attended the meeting of the Parks committee held on January 8, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Any questions that the committee might have regarding this event could not be addressed; therefore be it

 Resolved, That Community Board Five recommends not approving the permit.

The above resolution passedby a vote of 31 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.

WHEREAS, The applicant, Fame Events, has applied for a permit to hold a high school music concert in Union Square Park on April 26, 2008; and

WHEREAS, No one from the organization attended the meeting of the Parks committee held on January 8, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Any questions that the committee might have regarding this event could not be addressed; therefore be it

Resolved, that Community Board Five recommends not approving the permit.

WHEREAS, The applicant, Sarah Van Arsdale, has applied for a permit to hold an "International Book and Flower Day" in Bryant Park on April 23, 2008; and

WHEREAS, No one from the organization attended the meeting of the Parks committee held on January 8, 2008; and

WHEREAS, any questions that the committee might have regarding this event could not be addressed; therefore be it

Resolved, that Community Board Five recommends not approving the permit.

WHEREAS, The applicant, Lee Floresch, has applied for a permit to hold a festival in Union Square Park on June 29, 2008; and

WHEREAS, No one from the organization attended the meeting of the Parks committee held on January 8, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Any questions that the committee might have regarding this event could not be addressed; therefore be it

Resolved, that Community Board Five recommends not approving the permit.

WHEREAS, An application has been received at The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation from the The Satyagraha Forum who propose to conduct a silent walk for peace starting at the Gandhi Memorial in Union Square Park on April 6, 2008; and

WHEREAS, This event is scheduled to be held at the same time as performances at the Metropolitan Opera of Philip Glass's landmark work, "Satyagraha," which is set to a text in the ancient Sanskrit of the Bhagavad-Gita, an account of Mahatma Gandhi's formative experiences in South Africa; and

WHEREAS, This event is in conjunction with 12-14 differently located panel discussions; and

WHEREAS, This event coordinates with the 40th Anniversary of Martin Luther King's peace march and Gandhi's peace march; and

WHEREAS, This event is being lead by Mahatma Gandhi's grandson; and

WHEREAS, The event will leave Union Square Park and the route is being closely worked out with the NYC Police Department; and

WHEREAS, All the appropriate permits will be obtained including sound; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval to hold the start of the silent walk at the Gandhi Memorial in Union Square Park.

WHEREAS, The owner of an apartment building at 9 West 31st has requested that the Department of Transportation extend a current No Standing Zone, which covers 48 feet of the property frontage, for an additional 107 feet, to cover the entire property curb frontage; and

WHEREAS, The existing signage in this portion of the north side of West 31st is confusing as there is no clear indication what the existing parking regulations are for this portion of the street; and

WHEREAS, The lack of signage encourages non-commercial vehicles to park in the area while at the same time traffic enforcement officers routinely treat this portion of the block as if it were a part of a No Standing Zone and ticket non-commercial vehicles parked there; and

WHEREAS, West 31st in this area is a major East to West traffic artery and a No Standing Zone is appropriate for the entire block; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Board recommends that the Department of Transportation Extend the existing No Standing Zone to the entire curb frontage of 9 West 31st Street.