2 NOVEMBER 18, 2021 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
Holden targets illegal pop-up parties with new bill
BY JULIA MORO
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
Councilman Robert Holden introduced a bill on
Wednesday, Nov. 10, that would crack down
on illegal pop-up parties around the city.
The bill would amend the administrative code
that deals with places of assembly. A failure to
obtain a valid Place of Assembly Certifi cate of Operation
from the Department of Buildings, specifi -
cally when selling beverages, would be considered
a hazardous violation.
Failing to have security guards for a place of
assembly would also be considered a hazardous
violation.
“The bill I introduce today will help the city end
illegal pop-up parties that aff ect our quality of life,”
Holden said. “These parties are more than just a nuisance
that increases noise in residential areas. Two
shootings in my district were connected to event
spaces that aren’t following city laws. Pop-up parties
are increasingly a tinderbox for illegal activity.”
Holden has been working with local law enforcement
to combat pop-up parties in his district. A
vacant storefront, formerly the Midville Hardware
store, has been a recurring location for these
parties.
Holden said these parties are to blame for the
increased crime in his district.
“Two shootings in my district were connected to
event spaces that aren’t following city laws. Popup
parties are increasingly a tinderbox for illegal
activity,” Holden said. “We are aware of other
pop-up party venues in the district, especially on
City Councilman Robert Holden QNS fi le photo
Metropolitan Avenue and Myrtle Avenue, and are
working to shut them down, as well. Residential
areas are not appropriate locations for these fl y-bynight
events that intrude upon our quality of life.
I will not allow this dangerous, disturbing, illegal
activity to continue.”
Businesses that do not have a certifi cate of assembly
will face penalties between $1,000 and $25,000
per hazardous violation. Holden craft ed the bill to
ensure the Department of Buildings is targeting illegal
pop-up parties and not legitimate businesses.
“I urge my colleagues to sign onto this bill, and
together, we can not only end illegal pop-parties
but stop more serious crimes before they occur,”
Holden said. “It has been very diffi cult so far for
the city to shut these gatherings down because of
the structure of existing law. This bill should help
make it easier.”
������������’������������������������������������������������
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
we are closed Thanksgiving Day
CATERING AVAILABLE FOR ALL YOUR SPECIAL EVENTS
Right here in the heart of Ridgewood
66-11 FOREST AVENUE
1-718-497-1300 or 1-718-497-3734 • Between Gates Ave & Palmetto St.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUTDOOR DINING
CLOSED MONDAY until further notice
WE ARE OPEN
FOR LUNCH AND DINNER -
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED
EVERYTHING COOKED TO ORDER
ASK FOR OUR DAILY SPECIALS
Gift Certificates
Available
You can find us on www.joesrestaurantny.com
HIGH ACCLAIM 1/2 Daily News
Accepting Credit Cards
/WWW.QNS.COM
/www.joesrestaurantny.com
link
/www.joesrestaurantny.com
link
