NYC cancels all large events through September 30

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NEW YORK - Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that any large events that require a permit from New York City have been canceled through September 30 as the city works to prioritize open space for public use.

The city will not issue a permit for any event in a location that would interfere with the Open Streets or Open Restaurants program. Permits will also be denied for all events larger than one block, along with stage/video events that require amplification, street fairs, and events in parks that “may unreasonably diminish public use.”

The city will refund or defer fees paid in connection with a denied permit.

“As New York has begun its reopening process, accessible open spaces are more important than ever,” said De Blasio in a statement. “While it pains me to call off some of the city’s beloved events, our focus now must be the prioritization of city space for public use and the continuation of social distancing.”

The decision means that the annual West Indian Day Parade and the Feast of San Gennaro will not happen in 2020.

Events that do not conflict with Open Streets or Open Restaurant areas and are for locations of one city block or smaller can still apply for a permit.

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Meanwhile, the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, the Central Park Zoo, the Prospect Park Zoo and the Queens Zoo will open on July 24 after being closed since mid-March, the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the facilities, announced Thursday.

“We are pleased that the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium and our other parks will again serve as retreats where guests can connect with animals and nature when we open on July 24 after being closed for 130 days,” Bronx Zoo director Jim Breheny said.

Visitors will have to buy tickets online in advance, and masks will be required for everyone over 3 years old.

Zoo officials said the planned openings are timed to coincide with New York City’s entry into Phase 4 of the state’s COVID-19 reopening process during the week of July 20.

With the Associated Press.