SAVE OUR SEAPORT gets HHC Courtesy Rules and Guidelines Rescinded

A few days ago, eagle-eyed SOS steering committee members noticed the sudden posting of a new set of rules that would be enforced by HHC’s security force when visiting the Historic South Street Seaport District.

We checked in with Manhattan Community Board One and the Manhattan Borough President who checked in with the NYC Economic Development Corporation, which is the City agency that regulates public land. Their response follows:

“According to Administrative Code, no entity is permitted to post or affix a notice (or any type of signage) on city-owned property. The Courtesy Guidelines are posted to DOT bollards; therefore HHC would need to seek permission from DOT before posting anything on its property. We are in the process of determining whether HHC sought permission; if not, we will issue a notice to and request that they promptly remove the guidelines until they receive that permission from DOT in writing. I will keep you posted.

In terms of what is in HHC’s leasehold, the demapped streets outside of the “commercial areas” are public and not part of HHC’s lease, so any events or signage placed in those locations would need to be vetted and approved by EDC. In this case, because this is on DOT’s property, whether or not it is in HHC’s leasehold, HHC would need to seek DOT’s permission.”

The good news is that the rules have now been removed. Many SOS volunteers were dismayed that HHC would seek permission to trample over long-established constitutional rights.

Happy Holidays Everybody…until the next time.
SAVE OUR SEAPORT Steering Committee Members

Attached: Transcription of the rules with SOS comments in red