Norwich Events Organization tries to rob locals of the public space: Fireworks Gazebo at Howard T Brown auction

The Norwich Events Organization announced their Foxwoods sponsored fireworks and an auction at the Gazebo at Howard T. Brown park.

In the first place, the park gazebo is a public space... They have no right to use it and restrict use by the citizens of Norwich - tax paying or not.

The fact is, when confronted with this information on the Event Facebook post, the "marketing genius" representing this org, responded in a rude manner to a local questioning the validity of private use.

The resident, is correct! Norwich Events Org is not right - in so many ways.

This really boiled our blood to see an organization taking blood money and our public space, defending their actions and the rude comment made to a poster.

Joseph Hansen
What gives anyone the right to rent out a public gazebo it's my tax dollars  that maintain that gazebo how is it that I can't sit on it when I want  to because you're going to rent it out for a firework display that should be illegal

Author
Norwich Events Organization -CT
Joseph Hansen

we are not a City department, we are a nonprofit that applies to the

city for use of the park for a private event that we invite the Citizens

of Norwich to for free. The Fireworks cost $45,000 a year plus other

sundry costs. If you would like to donate to the fireworks we would be

happy to not have to raise funds.

Mr. Hansen is absolutely correct. What gives the Norwich Events Organization the right. There is no right to rent out or reserve this public space. So let's break this down.

1. Norwich Events Organization announces an auction for use of a public space.

You can rent the lakeside or group pavilion at Mohegan Park but not this gazebo. Regardless of the claim to apply for use of the park for a private event, this absolutely is a public space.

https://www.norwichct.org/368/Facility-Rentals

Other Facilities

In addition to the Lakeside Pavilion and Group Pavilion facilities, the public may also visit and use the gazebo at Howard T. Brown Memorial Park, Mohegan Park Center, or the Norwich Veterans Memorial Rose Garden.

If you are planning an event on a City owned property, please read the Event Planning Guide and contact the City Manager’s office as early as possible to determine if your event has met all necessary requirements.

There
is no charge to use these facilities, however it is recommended that
patrons wishing to use them also contact Public Works at (860) 823-3798
in advance to ensure no other events are planned.

These
three facilities are public spaces, and as such, the general public is
allowed on the grounds at all times that they are open.

2. Public space. Norwich Events Organization posts it as a private space. Norwich events claim to have applied to Norwich for a private event.

Not an option according to the city of Norwich. Not only is this org stating this is a private gazebo but holding an auction for space. You have GOT to be kidding. Additionally, whether the org did apply for private event use or not, the entire thing screams of unethical behavior.

As per the post on Facebook by the Norwich Events Organization,

Experience the Norwich Harbor Fireworks like never before with exclusive VIP seating in a private gazebo! This auction offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display on July 5th in comfort and style.Event Details:Event: Norwich Harbor Fireworks
Date: July 5th (Rain Date July 8th)Location: Howard T. Brown Memorial Park

Seating: Private VIP Gazebo, winner will bring their own chairs and other equiptment.The gazebo is centrally located within the waterfront park, providing a perfect vantage point for the fireworks. Enjoy the privacy and exclusivity of your own gazebo, away from the crowds. The gazebo is equipped with electricity, allowing you to bring and use devices for an enhanced experience. The gazebo offers ample space for you and your guests to relax and enjoy the evening. Feel free to bring your own food, drinks, and entertainment to make the evening even more special. Arrive early to take in the festive atmosphere, enjoy the park, vendors, and live music. Bid Now at link in comments for an Unforgettable Evening!Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to celebrate with a prime view of the Norwich Harbor Fireworks. @everyone

3. Seems in-credible - Ethics, rude to locals who are correct, uses gmail for email when they have a domain, and.... cannot spell or use a spell checking tool!

Cannot spell equipment, robbing local citizens of use of a public space and then makes this absolutely unacceptable response to the poster standing for our rights as citizens of Norwich.

Maybe, we as citizens need to question the validity of the private event in the first place, as we are told and policy stated about Howard T Brown park:

These
three facilities are public spaces, and as such, the general public is
allowed on the grounds at all times that they are open.

So, private event application or not, we still have the right on the grounds of the gazebo at ALL Times they are open. Park and gazebo hours are available to the public on this day and all days. There isn't even an event listed on the calendar. 

We, the citizens of Norwich, have rights. Our right is to be in a public space. To reiterate, there is no restriction on this space use. Ever. The only way these "events org" efforts can move with this unethical behavior is if we, the citizens, do not STAND TALL!

Finally, this attitude and response came across in a very rude tone towards a local.

This organization needs to make apologies, have an eye toward community or go away. Shut it down!

Norwich Events Organization -CT

we are not a City department, we are a nonprofit that applies to the

city for use of the park for a private event that we invite the Citizens

of Norwich to for free. The Fireworks cost $45,000 a year plus other

sundry costs. If you would like to donate to the fireworks we would be

happy to not have to raise funds.

City of Norwich:

https://www.norwichct.org/Facilities/FeatureOverview

Norwich Events Org:

https://www.facebook.com/GoNorwichCT

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Norwich, CT, United States, Connecticut




+1 860-800-2368




GoNorwichCT@gmail.com




gonorwichct.com