Pandemic Block Party Thrown by ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ Angers Orchard Street Neighbors

Posted on: June 29th, 2020 at 5:08 am by

Photo: Orchard St. Block Association

Now a week into Phase 2 reopening, and on the precipice of Phase 3, it would appear much of the local populace is back to normal habit. Just look to this past weekend on Orchard Street just north of Canal, where block parties reigned uninterrupted.

Boys Don’t Cry pulled together a Friday evening soirée, with Statik Selektah on the turntables. The scene was as you might expect given the activity so far this summer; since reopening efforts began this month. Indeed, with weather warming up and cafe dining standard for nearly all nightlife, the feeling is one of carte blanche to party on the streets.

Barely a face covering in sight, and social distancing canceled.

The party happened mere hours after the so-called Night Mayor Ariel Palitz and city officials held a Zoom call town hall regarding small business and the reopening. Fitting, given that there were no clear answers regarding enforcement of State Liquor Authority laws (e.g. open containers) and social distance rules.

Boys Don’t Cry followed it up on Saturday afternoon with another party, too.

Neighbors were less than thrilled about the casual disregard for public health amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

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