TWITTER WATCH: Batman, Joker Testify at City Council's Hearing on Times Square Costumed Characters

By: Mar. 31, 2016
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As previously reported by BroadwayWorld, the New York City Council recently introduced legislation to give the NYC Department of Transportation the authority to manage and regulate pedestrian plazas throughout New York City. The bill, Intro 1109, was the subject of a City Council public hearing on March 30th.

In a recent survey, 61% of Times Square employees reported experiencing a negative encounter with a costumed character or commercial solicitor, with 51% of those respondents saying that interaction made them feel unsafe.

As reported by DNAinfo, the council heard testimony by two gentlemen who earn a living mingling with pedestrians for tips as costumed characters in Times Square.

Batman impersonator Jose Escalona-Martinez, Spider-Man Abdelamine Elkhezzani and The Joker Keith Albahae arrived in costume, but were warned by Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez that masks were not allowed in the chambers.

Reporter Maya Rajamani tweeted highlights of the hearing.



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