By Serena Solomon
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — The number of artists allowed to sell their works in and around popular city parks and landmarks would be restricted under new regulations being considered by the city.
The Parks Department argues that the vendors cause congestion, and has proposed new rules to put a cap on how many of them can set up shop outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the High Line, Union Square Park and other parks.
"These rules not only provide greater clarity for vendors regarding where and how they can operate on parkland," the Parks Department said in a statement, "they also ensure that our parks do not become so congested that they do not provide the public with enjoyable and accessible open space."
The proposed rules, which could take effect as early as late May, would limit the number of artists to 24 outside the Metropolitan Museum, 12 for Union Square, and 9 for Battery Park. The Highline, Columbus Circle and Wein Walk, near the Central Park Zoo, would also have limits.
Another proposed regulation would keep artistic vendors 50 feet from monuments or public art installations.
The statement from the Parks Department cited Union Square Park, claiming that growing numbers of artists occupy almost the entire south-west corner of the park. This caused "undue congestion and pedestrian gridlock."
But Robert Lederman, president of ARTIST, an advocacy group representing 2,000 members, is resisting the changes.
"The most significant change is that First Amendment protected street artists will now be severely limited as to where they can set up an art display in a park," he said. Lederman has made news after numerous arrests for selling his artwork on the High Line.
Spots in regulated places will be given out on a first come first served bases, something that Lederman believes will lead to competition between artists for space.
A public hearing on the proposed rules will be held April 23 at Chelsea Recreation Center, 430 W. 25th St., at 11 a.m.
