After opposition, New York City raises proposed cap on art vendors in parks; artists sue city
By APFriday, June 18, 2010
NYC sued over proposed cap on art vendors in parks
NEW YORK — Two artists have filed a free-speech lawsuit against New York City in response to new regulations capping the number of art vendors allowed in Manhattan’s busiest parks.
Robert Lederman and Jack Nesbitt say that allowing only about 120 vendors in Union Square, Battery Park, the High Line Park and parts of Central Park is unconstitutional.
In the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court late Friday, the artists argue that greenmarket and commercial vendors create more congestion than the roughly 300 art vendors who now work in those parks.
A spokeswoman says officials with the city Law Department are confidant the new regulations comply with all constitutional requirements.
The city slightly raised its proposed cap this week after opposition to the limits from artists. It’s scheduled to take effect July 19.
