Fed judge denies motion to stop NYC from enforcing cap on number of art vendors in parks
By APFriday, July 16, 2010
Fed judge upholds NYC art vendor crackdown rules
NEW YORK — A federal judge in New York City has upheld new regulations seeking to cap the number of art vendors allowed in Manhattan’s busiest parks.
Judge Richard Sullivan on Friday denied motions in two cases brought by street artists seeking to prohibit the city’s parks department from enforcing the new rules.
The city administration has said the parks have become too crowded, but the lawsuit argued that farmers market and holiday commercial vendors create more congestion in the parks than the artists.
City lawyer Mark Muschenheim said he was pleased with the decision, saying the rules reflect a careful balance between the rights of vendors and the public’s right to enjoy the parks.
Plaintiff Robert Lederman said his lawyers plan to appeal.
The new rule is scheduled to take effect July 19.
