Council Member Tony Avella from district 19 in Queens is also asking the police to withdraw the current proposed rules:

"While I was pleased that the Department’s prior proposed amendments were rescinded, I believe that the new proposed rules are no more reasonable than the first. I understand the Department’s stated purpose of 'preserving the public peace and preventing obstructions of public streets and sidewalks', however the manner in which it seeks to achieve these goals is unreasonable and unduly burdens residents of this city.

One example I would offer is that of funeral processions of 10 or more vehicles proceeding more than two blocks, which often violate certain traffic laws by virtue of their need to navigate as a procession through city streets. It would be wholly unreasonable to require parade permits for such processions and it would create an administrative nightmare for the Department to manage this process.

Furthermore, I find it unreasonable to deny bicyclists the ability to engage in impromptu rides numbering more than 30 people regardless of whether they are engaging in any violation of traffic laws, rules or regulations.

I urge the Department to withdraw the proposed amendments and begin a dialog with all interested parties to come up with a proposed set of rules, which will promote public safety and protect and the rights of citizens to assemble"