Open Letter To Mayor Bloomberg

Mayor Michael Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, New York  10007

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

It is a disgrace that at least two faith-based organizations within my Senatorial District, Lighthouse Multi-Services and the Thessalonia Worship Center, have been denied block party permits this year.

These Bronx Church organizations gather annually with their families and neighbors and serve as integral part of our community. Their annual events include barbeques, games for children, contests for children and they provide health information to our families. These block parties are in sharp contrast to those approved by the Office of the Mayor for a Chelsea Street Party held earlier this month including live SadoMasochistic displays.

As the result of your new executive director’s efforts, communication has been unlike any other year. Rules have been unusually adhered to and applications for block parties are being denied. The strict enforcement of these rules lead us to realize that our community has been specifically targeted and our families and community organizations are being denied permits for block parties.

The economy has further impacted the lives of the families in The Bronx. It is a shame that their annual block parties have been denied.

I ask you rescind these denials for the duration of the year.

Sincerely,

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz