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City Backs Off Law That Penalized Performers In Washington Square Park
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 12, 2012
Modified May 12, 2012
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 12, 2012
Modified May 12, 2012
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The Parks Department has backed off from a law introduced in the fall that bans performers from practicing their craft within 5 feet of a bench or 50 feet of a monument, a rule that would have all but cleared Washington Square Park of its superb buskers. “Generally, expressive matter vending rules do not apply to buskers and entertainers,” a spokesperson for the Parks Department told DNAinfo. Unfortunately, taking your shoes off on a hot day while sitting next to someone who is eating is still 100% legal.
“It’s definitely a great feeling," piano man Colin Huggins said of the city's change of heart. Huggins had received nine tickets that would have cost him up to $6,000 for playing his baby grand in the park. Those tickets, along with others received by other buskers, were being dismissed, which in part led to the change of tune. “It was just really baffling for me to see them come and do this."
Today's a brilliant day to sit in the park and check out some break dancing: what are you waiting for?
Tagged
buskers
free speech
parks department
piano man
washington square park
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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