Ethics committee advances defamation complaint by event organizer over Allerton food festival dispute

The Bronx Community Board 11 Ethics and Disciplinary Committee voted to advance a defamation complaint filed by Grace Marrero (Case 1117), who told the committee she believes board members coordinated to block her Allerton Avenue food festival and made false statements about her organization and its permits. The committee agreed to discuss next steps, including possible remedies, at its next meeting and to review meeting video referenced by the complainant.

Grace Marrero identified herself as the founder of the Alex and Barbs Block Association and said she has organized block parties and a hip-hop festival for more than a decade. She told the committee that a separate food festival historically associated with the Allerton International Merchants had changed hands…