MAYOR GIULIANI DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM MADISON AVENUE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today urged the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District's Security Department to rescind the distribution of an anti-Puerto Rican Parade flier which advises Madison Avenue businesses to close and secure valuable merchandise on the day of the Parade. During a press conference at the steps of City Hall, the Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayors Ninfa Segarra and Rudy Washington, Latino elected and appointed officials, and civic leaders to denounce the Madison Avenue BID as insensitive. The Mayor also visited store owners to show support for the Puerto Rican Parade and to urge businesses to remain open on Sunday.
"The Madison Avenue BID should apologize immediately," said Mayor Giuliani. "It should encourage businesses to open on Sunday, June 8th, when the 40th Annual Puerto Rican Parade will be held on Fifth Avenue. The Madison Avenue BID should follow the example of Fifth Avenue businesses which welcome the Puerto Rican Parade with open doors because they know it's good for their businesses. In fact, a study conducted by the Economic Development Corporation shows that events such as the Puerto Rican Parade have a tremendous economic impact on the tourism industry and local businesses to the tune of $40 million.
"The Puerto Rican Parade is a New York City tradition and historically it has attracted hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans from all over the country and Puerto Rico. The parade showcases the rich Puerto Rican cultural heritage and celebrates the significant contributions they have made to the City and the nation. It is an orderly and lawful display of Puerto Rican pride in which all New Yorkers participate. I think I speak for all New Yorkers when I say that this City appreciates the outstanding contributions of Puerto Ricans and welcome this wonderful parade every year."
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