DISTRICT OFFICE CHAIR

73-03 BELL BOULEVARD ZONING AND FRANCHISES SUBCOMMITTEE

OAKLAND GARDENS, NY 11364
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
TEL: (718) 468-0137
FAX: (718) 468-0178 COMMITTEES
THE COUNCIL OF LAND USE
CITY HALL OFFICE
EDUCATION
250 BROADWAY, SUITE 1807 THE CITY OF NEW YORK
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEW YORK, NY 10007
OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS
TEL: (212) 788-6984
FAX: (718) 608-6382
MARK S. WEPRIN TECHNOLOGY
COUNCIL MEMBER, 23RD DISTRICT, QUEENS

April 27, 2010

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg

City Hall
New York, New York 10007

Dear Mr. Mayor:

I am writing to seek your assistance regarding a shockingly offensive awning that I recently
observed at a drinking establishment at 149-05 Union Turnpike in Queens.

As the attached photograph indicates, Cheap Shots Sports Bar and Lounge, located at the
aforementioned address, has installed an awning that depicts the silhouette of a female who is
lying down and appears to be unconscious. This image of a vulnerable female on an awning in
front of a bar is threatening, debasing and demeaning to women. It appears to encourage ugly,
violent, criminal activity. As a father and a husband, I find the picture completely inappropriate
and unacceptable.

The proximity of Saint John’s University and Queens College suggests that the establishment in
question aims to attract young people as patrons. What kind of message does the awning send to
young men and women? The implication is a callous objectification of and lack of respect for
women. As a civilized society, we must reject this vulgar portrayal.

The residents of Queens are accustomed to living in an environment of respect for all individuals
and will not tolerate the degradation of women. We cannot allow awnings that transform our
streetscape to make it appeal to the lowest human instincts. I ask that you assist in securing the
immediate removal of the vile awning.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

MARK S. WEPRIN
Council Member

MSW: ag

CC: Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall

Council Member James F. Gennaro
Queens Borough DOB Commissioner Ira Gluckman
Community Board 8Q Chairperson Alvin Warshaviak