NYC Parks Department Lifts Ban On Live Music Near Fountains, Monuments
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The New York City parks department had been cracking down on musicians playing near monuments and park benches, but the ban has been lifted, and it's music to the ears of some of those in Washington Square Park.
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Pianist Colin Huggins was among those who got tickets for playing in the park, getting his first last fall.
"None of it made sense at all," Huggins told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman.
He just kept playing, getting about $6,000 worth of tickets.
"The rationale was supposedly to keep walkways free and clear," said Community Board 2 Chairman Brad Hoylman. "That seems to lack a basis of in common sense."
It might have lacked a basis in the law too, as all of Huggins' tickets were thrown out.
"We know we're in the right and we don't have anything to worry about," Huggins said.
"We all have to be vigilant, because sometimes the enforcement of rules gets out of hand," said Hoylman.
Now, the policy has changed and Huggins is free to tickle the ivories in the park without fear of reprisal from the authorities.
"People from all over the world come to Washington Square Park to listen to the music," said a pleased Hoylman.
Are you happy with the change in policy? Sound off in the comments section below.
