Mystery ‘Free Speech Zone’ sign sparks debate in Brooklyn
If you're walking on Plaza Place East in Grand Army Plaza, you may have walked past a sign that looks almost identical in color and font to a street sign. But it reads "ATTENTION: Free speech zone, First Amendment Rights in Effect."
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You've probably seen school zone signs and slow zone signs, but what about free speech zone signs?
If you're walking on Plaza Place East in Grand Army Plaza, you may have walked past a sign that looks almost identical in color and font to a street sign. But it reads "ATTENTION: Free speech zone, First Amendment Rights in Effect."
Jennifer Taylor says this is the first time she's seen it in her 50 years of living in the area.
"You don't pay attention to it because it's so familiar with the other street signs," said Taylor.
It's unclear how long it's been there, leaving residents like Donte wondering if it's new or has just gone under the radar.
"Anywhere in America should be a free speech zone, right? Free speech is a thing, right? So as long as it's not hate, I don't see a problem with it," said Donte.
The New York City Department of Transportation confirmed that it was not the one that put the sign up.
City sources tell News 12 it's illegal to post non-official street signs and that it will likely be removed.
Danny Espinal says he hopes there's another way to get the message posted.
"Well, I don't agree with that. Maybe change the color on it, but a nice big sign all over the city, because we need this at the moment," said Espinal.
While it's unclear who put it there, Donte says he appreciates the message.
"I mean, if anything, it involves conversation, like, look at us right now, right? This conversation happening because someone put it there," said Donte.
