Aint no Chrismas Bihhh.. The annual tree lighting that takes place at Ciccarone Park in the Bronx has been canceled due to the behavior of the homeless people surrounding the area. They have been harassing by-passers for money, urinating in the streets, and just causing people to not even wanna go near the park. They ruined the tradition this year and some are not happy about it.
Frank Franz, who is the treasurer of the Belmont Business Improvement District told sources that the event was a very expensive one, so they decided to cancel it. The cost of the event would be about $15,000. When asked about the aggressive homeless, he said,
“Every neighborhood should be concerned about the safety and the quality of life of their neighborhood. There’s always been homeless around, but now you’re seeing an increase all over the city.”
Deli Owner Rosa Paciullo told sources that the park where the tree lighting was held, is used as a public toilet to the homeless.
“My daughter took her daughter to the [Ciccarone] park and a homeless guy peed in front of them. Some of them would come in and ask for money or food. It scared some of the customers away.”
The lighting had been held at that park for about four years and also attracted many tourist to the shops and restaurants around there. Pretty sad and upsetting that young kids will not be able to enjoy the annual tradition.
