Electric Vehicle Display Sparks Controversy in Herrick Park
What was intended to be an educational showcase of electric vehicles in East Hampton’s Herrick Park ended abruptly on July 9, raising questions about the use of public spaces for commercial purposes. The event, which featured General Motors vehicles, was quickly shut down by village officials after it was perceived as a commercial car dealership.
East Hampton Village administrator, Marcos Baladron, took action to close the event after receiving numerous complaints from residents. The event had been permitted to run from noon until 6 p.m. but was halted just 45 minutes after starting. Baladron explained, “The event was originally described to Village Hall as an educational forum for electric vehicles. We’ve done others in the past. Instead, it was a Trojan Horse for a national auto brand to sell cars in Herrick Park, something we would never allow.”
Former East Hampton Village administrator Larry Cantwell shared images of the event on Facebook, sparking further outrage. In his post, he remarked, “New General Motors dealership opened today on Herrick Park. When will the exploitation end?” Cantwell further expressed his discontent by stating, “I don’t think the public places in the Village of East Hampton should be for sale and commercialized by these major corporations.”
At the scene, six vehicles were displayed with their hoods open, accompanied by promotional materials and stands detailing each car’s attributes. The setup resembled a car dealership, complete with banners and signs promoting G.M. products. Eventlink L.L.C., the organizer, paid $1,500 for the permit, which was refunded following the event’s cancellation. The village typically expects to generate $16,000 annually from special event permits, contributing to its general fund.
Mayor Jerry Larsen explained the village’s stance on permitting events in public spaces. “It’s a public space. People apply for permits and unless there’s a good reason not to allow it, it’s allowed. This event, I agree, was over the top, and not what we expected it to be.”
According to village code, the outdoor sale of goods or services on property not owned by a not-for-profit corporation is prohibited unless meeting specific charitable criteria. Additionally, the Department of Public Works had restricted cars from parking on the grass, a rule that was ignored during the event.
The night before the Herrick Park event, two electric vehicles were displayed at a Main Beach concert sponsored by the East Hampton Village Foundation. Bradford Billet, the foundation’s executive director, clarified, “We had nothing to do with the Herrick Park event,” noting that the organizers had made a $5,000 donation to participate in the concert.
The East Hampton Village Foundation, which supports community improvements, has contributed nearly $3 million to public projects. Billet emphasized, “All of these things are for the public good. None of the donors or sponsors are getting special treatment, other than getting their name out there.”
Despite the controversy, Mayor Larsen defended the village’s efforts to utilize public spaces for community engagement. “When we took over, we inherited an abandoned park and we’ve turned it into a community space. Just like it says in the deed, it’s for town and village residents to enjoy.”
Original Story at www.easthamptonstar.com