New York sues boat-based billboard firm
The City of New York has filed a lawsuit against a firm for violating local laws by displaying “Times Square-style billboards” on a barge that travels along the Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts.
Thursday, 28 Mar 2019 13:03 GMT
The “floating billboards” sail around New York City’s waterways
Ballyhoo Media is facing a lawsuit from the city that seeks an injunction to prohibit the company from operating the floating billboards, which the city says violates the New York City Zoning Resolution and creates a public nuisance.
The lawsuit is seeking penalties of up to $25,000 (£19,00) per violation, per day for the company’s “repeated and ongoing violations.”
“Our waterways aren’t Times Square. These floating eye-sores have no place on them,” says mayor de Blasio. “Ballyhoo is operating in direct violation of the law, and we are filing this suit to put a stop to it.”
The Zoning Resolution prohibits the operation of advertising signage in waterways adjacent to any of the three major types of zoning districts in the city – residential, commercial and manufacturing, as well as within view of any major highway or bridge.
Ballyhoo Media describes itself as a “water-based, multimedia company changing the landscape of outdoor advertising and events.” In a statement to Metro USA, chief executive officer Adam Shapiro says the company had commissioned law firms to ensure the firm was operating within current laws and regulations.
Our waterways aren’t Times Square. These floating eye-sores have no place on them”
“We look forward to either resolving these issues with city officials, or to the judicial determination affirming our right to continue our livelihoods," says Shapiro. "Advertising along the city’s waterways is not [a] new activity, Ballyhoo just happens to be the newest.
“We love the waterways and have developed this platform to be an asset to the community. Ballyhoo has proven to provide unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that has been received with overwhelmingly positive community support. We are confident that New York City will see the value and excitement we bring to the waterfront.”
City officials weighed in on the lawsuit in a meeting yesterday (Wednesday, March 27th). “If these guys won’t stop breaking the law by flaunting these obnoxious floating billboards in our harbour, they deserve to be sued and I applaud the Mayor for taking action,” says council member Justin Brannan.
He adds: “These monstrosities are ugly and illegal and soon they will be a thing of the past. At a time when every square inch of our world feels like it’s covered in advertisements, visual pollution is a real thing and our waterways should be off limits.”
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