Town Councilman Donald Franchino proposing to limit protest times/location, citing safety, traffic and business concerns
NANUET, NY — A proposal by Clarkstown officials to restrict political demonstrations at the busy Four Corners intersection in Nanuet has ignited a growing public debate over the balance between public safety, business operations, and First Amendment rights.
The proposed regulation would limit protests to two hours on weekend mornings—specifically from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Councilman Donald Franchino, who represents Clarkstown’s Ward 3, outlined the rationale in a recent interview, citing safety concerns, traffic disruptions, and strain on local businesses and police resources.
“We’re not banning protests,” Franchino emphasized, “but we are seeking to limit the time they take place to avoid accidents and protect local commerce.”
According to Franchino, the town has observed increasingly large and frequent gatherings at the intersection of Route 59 and Middletown Road, a commercial hub surrounded by retail stores and restaurants. While acknowledging the public’s right to protest, he warned of risks posed by vehicles passing through at high speeds and the lack of formal oversight from organizers.
“None of the groups have filed permits or provided insurance,” he said. “That’s a big concern—if an accident were to occur, the town would be left liable.”
Franchino also cited complaints from local businesses about lost parking spaces, restrooms being used without purchases, and customer access being blocked during peak shopping hours. “I spoke with one business owner who said protests from 8 to 10 a.m. are fine, but anything later cuts directly into their operations,” he noted. The councilman plans to canvass the area further and consult with property managers at Bricksmore and Nanuet Town Center to assess the full extent of the impact.
The suggestion to relocate protests to Rockland Community College was floated as a possible alternative, though Franchino acknowledged the Four Corners site holds symbolic significance for many demonstrators.
Carroll Condemns Proposal as Free Speech Violation
Assemblyman Patrick Carroll (D-Rockland), who represents the 96th Assembly District including Clarkstown, issued a strong rebuke of the proposal, calling it “an unacceptable infringement on free speech.” He linked the proposed restrictions to recent protests criticizing former President Donald Trump and Congressman Mike Lawler’s policies.
“For decades, this location has been a forum of public expression in our community—a place where residents have gathered to speak out, organize, and make their voices heard,” Carroll stated. “Attempts to limit these fundamental rights set a dangerous precedent and erode the democratic values that America was founded upon.”
Carroll praised the Clarkstown Police Department and Chief Jeff Wanamaker for maintaining order during recent demonstrations, noting that no arrests or citations had been reported.
As a former member of the Clarkstown Town Board, Carroll added, “I would never have voted to limit free speech, regardless of whether or not I agreed with it. Those who disagree with protests have the right to counter-protest—but we should all be in agreement that we have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to say what we believe.”
Permit Process, Insurance Requirements Also in Question
Franchino pointed out that the town does have a permit process for organized events, including the requirement of liability insurance. However, he said none of the recent protests have adhered to that process. “We don’t know who’s organizing these,” he added. “It’s often just a message on the internet telling people to show up.”
He noted that organized parades such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Pearl River secure permits and insurance, allowing the town to prepare accordingly—a stark contrast to the current protest environment.
Franchino is advocating for a “middle ground” solution, one that protects free expression while addressing safety and economic concerns. Whether such a compromise can be reached remains to be seen, as local officials, business owners, and activists prepare for what could become a broader legal and political dispute.
For more information on Assemblyman Patrick Carroll and his statement, visit nyassembly.gov/mem/Patrick-J-Carroll