The “Gerson-Quinn Agreement” that NY City Council Member Alan Gerson (Washington Square Park is in his district) and Speaker Christine Quinn (Quinn covers the neighboring Village district) brokered was weak and gained little for the community they both represent.
At City Hall, a few weeks ago during the term limits hearings, Alan Gerson would never state his position on the matter. Yet, it came as no surprise to anyone that the day of the crucial vote he fell in line with Mayor Bloomberg, Speaker Quinn, and voted for the legislation which would extend his own term.
So now Alan Gerson is on the attack of New York City’s street artists.
Info from Robert Lederman, President of A.R.T.I.S.T.:
400 Street Artists Will Protest at City Council Hearing on Vending
Press Conference and Protest: Friday, November 14, 9 AM City Hall (East Gate)
On Friday, November 14th, the NY City Council Committee on Consumer Affairs will hold a hearing on 8 of 21 pending laws concerning vending and street artists pushed for by City Council Member Alan Gerson.
If passed, these laws will make it virtually impossible for anyone to legally sell art on the street. More than 400 street artists will protest outside at 9 AM and then testify inside at the hearing at 10 AM.
Other City Council members to contact to register your opposition to these bills:
* Lacey Clarke, Legislative Counsel Committee on Consumer Affairs New York City Council Phone #: 212.788.7006
* Leroy Comrie, Consumer Affairs Committee Chairman
District Office Phone 718-776-3700
Legislative Office Phone 212-788-7084
Contact: Robert Lederman, President of A.R.T.I.S.T.: artistpres -at- gmail.com
You can get detailed info on all of the newly proposed vending laws at the ARTIST website.
Note: It was impossible to find a good photo of Alan Gerson on Flickr so I resorted to this one. No disrespect meant to Council Member Gerson.
I have filed your email on this to my folder called: NYC Ugly.