City Council member Gale Brewer is advocating for a ban on the Global Citizens Festival in Central Park, citing substantial damages and disruptions caused by the event. After last year’s concert led to over $620,000 in damage to the Great Lawn, Brewer has formally requested Mayor Eric Adams to notify festival organizers that their event is no longer welcome at the park.
Brewer’s concerns are rooted in the event’s impact on park accessibility, noise pollution, and the extended closure of park areas to accommodate the festival.
In her letter to Mayor Adams, Brewer expressed her dissatisfaction with the festival’s effects on foot traffic and the overall enjoyment of Central Park. The Great Lawn was closed a full week before this year’s concert, which took place on September 22, restricting access to the popular space for nearly two weeks.
This closure has been detrimental to both New Yorkers and visitors who typically enjoy the park, prompting Brewer to advocate for a more suitable venue for the festival.
Council Member Gale Brewer Urges Ban on Global Citizens Festival in Central Park Over Damage and Disruptions
The 2024 festival featured major performances, but it followed a year marred by heavy rainfall that damaged the lawn significantly. Although festival organizers covered the costs of damages from the previous year, disputes have arisen regarding the extent of the damage that required repair.
A turf expert indicated that only a fraction of the lawn needed replacing, contrasting with claims made by the Central Park Conservancy. Since 2018, the festival has faced varying bills related to restoration obligations, highlighting ongoing concerns about its environmental impact.
Despite the organizers’ assurances that this year’s damages would be minimal, reports indicated that the concert proceeded amid similar rainy conditions as last year.
Festival representatives claimed they implemented additional precautions to protect the lawn, including improved flooring and weather management strategies. Nonetheless, concerns persist over the long-term viability of hosting large events in such sensitive environments, particularly given the history of extensive closures for repairs.
Mayor Adams has previously indicated reluctance to relocate the festival, emphasizing a desire to share park usage equitably across New York City’s green spaces.
Brewer’s request for the festival to move to an arena or stadium has not received immediate feedback from the mayor’s office, illustrating the complexities of managing public events in cherished urban environments. As discussions continue, the fate of the Global Citizens Festival at Central Park remains uncertain, with advocates like Brewer pushing for a re-evaluation of its impact on the park.
