A Queens lawmaker is calling for a citywide task force to increase oversight of large party venues, citing ongoing concerns about safety and quality-of-life issues.
City Councilmember Bob Holden, who represents parts of central Queens, said he has received frequent complaints in his district about crowded parties and late-night noise at various establishments. He said the city must create a permanent interagency task force focused on enforcement and coordination among city and state agencies.
"You could have a fire, people stomping on one another, you have fights breaking out, you have people drinking,” Holden said in an interview. “And then they spill outside into the community.”
The proposed task force would include the NYPD, FDNY, Department of Buildings, Office of Nightlife, State Liquor Authority and Sheriff’s Office, the councilmember said. His office participated in a multiagency meeting about the issue on Dec. 12.
"This is quite serious," Holden said. "I'm getting a bunch of calls from my constituents saying, 'I'm moving out. I can't take this anymore. You're not addressing this.' So what can we do?"
Holden pointed to a shooting this past weekend outside the venue Burbuja Events in Cypress Hills as an example of what he sees as the risks that can arise at large gatherings.
The NYPD said two unidentified suspects opened fire outside the venue just after 1 a.m. Sunday, striking six teens between the ages of 15 and 17. Police said the victims were standing outside when the shooting occurred. All were hospitalized in stable condition. No arrests have been made.
Burbuja Events said it had hosted a sweet-16 party that ended around 1 a.m., and no shots were fired inside the establishment. In a statement on Instagram, the venue described the incident as "painful and concerning" and said it was "cooperating, staying vigilant and continuing to do our part to keep our surroundings safe."
Holden's proposal comes as his term on the City Council nears its end. His successor, Councilmember-elect Phil Wong, said he plans to continue Holden’s quality-of-life enforcement efforts as soon as he takes office.
City Hall did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
