By Joshua Williams
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — An offer to put a Christmas tree in TriBeCa's Duane Park has been chopped down by Community Board 1.
Salvatore Strazzullo, a downtown attorney, was denied approval to donate the 30-foot tree for a lighting ceremony, in which gifts donated by local merchants and community leaders would be distributed to underprivileged children.
In a board meeting Tuesday night, some members said they were concerned that Strazzullo's tree would include a sign promoting his business. Others worried the display neglected other religions.
The board rejected the tree 19-16.
Patricia Moore, a board member who voted against the proposal, felt money spent on the tree could be better used elsewhere.
“The library still needs some books," she said. "Why doesn’t he buy those with the money? That would be of more help.”
But another member, Jeff Galloway, supported the plan.
“I don’t want to be a Grinch,” he said. “If new local merchants want to donate, I say, 'thank you.’”
Despite the lump of coal from the board, Strazzullo's plan could return if the Parks Department approves it.
“At this time there is a lot of despair for many people in the city of New York," Strazzullo said. "I think it's time for the local business owners and the community leaders to give back.”