ok, I was not born here, but my husband was, and my 3 children who attend school in the west village were . . . why would I live her and raise children here if there were not freaks running the streets?

[with a permit, a cover charge, and ID requirements - wow, that's wild & crazy folks!]

I have no problem with this event -- better than the tube sock sellers invading your block!

s/m street fairs have [folsom east, to be specific] have been going on the west village for the past 10 years.

perhaps longer than these folks have had kids?

the last few years folsom east moved up to west chelsea . . . once that neighborhood changes, perhaps the west village will be ready for them again

The "parade" is a march for Gay and Lesbian Pride and it has been representing the neighborhood, or the newly realized freedom of the neighborhood since before the well the "demographics changed." Just because they (the new demographic group) can afford the huge rents and prices, doesn't mean they can change the character of the Village which has always been the home of diverse people 'yearning to breathe free.'

"Maybe they could take their kids to a movie while it's going on" ????!

The nerve! "Why don't you leave your own neighborhood to accommodate the fetish fair!"

Is that what they're really saying?

I l've lived in West Greenwich Village for 40 years; whatever it once was, is no more.

The demographics have changed, or hasn't anyone noticed?

This "Fetish fair " is not appropriate to be held on an open street. The residents of Weehawken Street and surrounding area, are already bombarded with prostitutes, drug dealers, and human waste. Weehawken Street is often called "Peehawken."

The residents of this block were not involved in the planning. The CB2 did not go through proper channels. Procedure was not followed.

There is already a parade that celebrates diversity.

To the residents who live here, a fetish fair does not represent our neighborhood or a celebration of diversity but one of perversity.

What consenting adults do in the privacy of their home, is no ones business, but what goes on in our streets, outside our door is.

Weehawken Street, is not a proper venue for such a fair.

For the record, this Street Festival is part of the New York Leather Weekend. More information is specifically available at the NYLW Street Festival page.

And, yeah, it's not like this sort of thing is going to burn their virgin children's eyes or anything. Jeez.

-maymay

If you have to pay $5 and they check id to make sure you are old enough, then where is the harm to children? These "parents" are overreacting. I smell anti-gay sentiment here. And yes, I was born and still live in the village. Live and let live.

#52: So when you were born in the West Village there were no artists or sexual minorities: What decade was that exactly?

If the majority of the people on the block want this to happen then it should. I think this should be up for some sort of vote/referendum.

I didn't 'move' to the West Village, I was BORN here.

"All told, stop trying to impose yourself on a culture that's been there long before you"

Uh, actually, I see it as the other way around. I never said they shouldn't or couldn't do what they enjoy...I just don't understand why it has to take place on a public street. Really, they are imposing their stuff on ME.

Idiots.

I love how every time a debate comes up involving "protecting" kids, the "you don't have children" card gets played. As if having a kid is something so mind-altering and rare that those who have yet to spawn can't make the mental leap to consider the views of a parent and ultimately make a rational decision on the topic at hand.

Also, we all know parents are always rational and evenhanded in their thinking -- obviously, their thoughts on any matter should be sacrosanct.

No, I don't have kids, but I'm also a life-long New Yorker who would realize that, were I terrified of my kids being exposed to alternate lifestyles, maybe I shouldn't move to the West Village. And if you're worried about your kid seeing this particular festival, well then, as suggested, clear out for the afternoon. All told, stop trying to impose yourself on a culture that's been there long before you. Despite what you may think, you're not the center of the world, your neighborhood, or even your block.

Also, it's already been addressed, but I just have to add my amusement to post #26. Dude, you've never even looked in the direction a history book, have you?

Women are legally allowed to go topless in NY State anyway.

#48

1) Wrong! Brooklyn, till 21, then the village for 40 years.

2) Wrong!

3) Wrong!

4) Wrong!

5) Thankfully, abortion is legal! Too bad your folks didn't have that option.

6) Wrong!

You live here four generations? How parochial is that?

In Arkansas they call your kind hillbillies.

My guess is that most that have posted in favor of this Fetish Street Fair and who are saying "Move!" to the people who object are:

1). Born elsewhere...raised in a nice sterile suburb somewhere. Can any of you say you were born and rasied in NYC? (I didn't think so.)

2). Now reside in Brooklyn or Queens, not in Greenwich Village

3). Moved here to attend NYU (who tears down all our historic buildings so the rich kids from elsewhere can populate our once historic neighborhoods...that now all look like ugly suburban strip malls, i.e. lower 3rd Avenue.)

4). Are about 20-25 years old and work as bartenders/waitresses somewhere.

5). Are not parents

6). All of the above

I'm a 4th Generation Greenwich Villager, and I come from a family of artists, not wall streeters. You all who think you are so cool and edgy and "New Yawk"...just wait 'till you grow up and have kids. And you will probably move back to your sterile suburban hometown when you do.

"Will somebody please think of the children!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Um - I assume sex is what got those impressionable imps here in the first place, righ?

Move.

Sorry, I nodded off there #26.

I see that I'm in the minority here, but when did the city become a tacky sexual theme park?

Uh... like 1975, dude.

Bob and Brad are the best thing that ever happened to this community board.

Leave these nice people alone. They work all week long on Wall Street and they need to vent their passions.

Without these people there would be no pastry shops, opera, ballet, on and off Broadway theater, leather resale shops, etc.

Hey number 40. 'Tacky' is very subjective. Just like someone can be subjective about your own prolaclivities. That's what makes us the US, and especially what's made the liberal village, the village.

freaks like to expose themselves that is why

"

I see that I'm in the minority here, but when did the city become a tacky sexual theme park? I'm gay and no puritan, but I find this event completely gross.

Can someone please explain why it HAS TO be held in public?"

Alas, a voice of reason.