Bronx community board approves 16 event permits including Yemeni heritage festival

The Bronx Transportation Committee convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss several community events and permit applications, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance local engagement and safety. A key focus of the meeting was the approval of multiple street activity permits, which included popular events such as the Allerton International Food Festival and the Gospel Crusade.

Committee members noted that many of the events were repeats from previous years, indicating a stable community interest and participation. Notably, the Allerton International Food Festival was confirmed to have no issues from past occurrences, while the Gospel Crusade, scheduled for a week-long duration, raised questions about its permit length. However, committee members expressed confidence in the event's organizer, who has a long history of successful events.

A new addition to the event calendar is the "From Geneva to The Bronx: Yemeni Heritage in Motion," which aims to celebrate Yemeni culture. This event is expected to draw a significant crowd, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 attendees. Concerns were raised about the impact on local traffic and businesses, particularly regarding the closure of Morris Park Avenue. Committee members discussed the potential rerouting of buses and the need for clear communication with local residents and businesses to mitigate disruptions.

In addition to event permits, the committee addressed ongoing transportation safety concerns, particularly regarding the Brownsville Avenue road diet. A representative from the Department of Transportation (DOT) provided an update, indicating that data collection is underway to assess the impact of the changes implemented nearly three years ago. This data will be crucial in evaluating safety improvements and addressing community concerns.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous motion to approve all 16 permit requests, reflecting the committee's commitment to fostering community events while ensuring public safety. As these events approach, the committee will continue to engage with residents and stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and address any emerging issues.