MTV Frustrates Locals as Barclays Center Awards Show Approaches

Locals are frustrated about MTV’s lack of communication with the neighborhood in regards to the upcoming Video Music Awards, according to DNAinfo.

In preparation for the internationally televised annual event, Viacom – MTV’s parent company – sent out a July letter informing neighbors what streets would be closed and where parking would be unavailable on the week of the show. However, some concerned locals have further concerns that they want addressed.

Tom Boast of the Carlton Avenue Block Association said he wants to know more about “traffic, sanitation, crowd control, and other neighborhood disruptions,” but MTV and the Mayor’s Office of Film have not addressed his requests for information.

“Are they really paying attention to this neighborhood? Who knows,” Boast said. “It doesn’t seem like it.”

Some are also angry because MTV has not given money to local block associations, charities or similar groups – and $75 discounted tickets won't cut it, they say.

“I don't care about discounted tickets,” said Community Board 8 member Robert Puca. “I want mitigation of the impacts, or compensation for it.”

What do you think about the upcoming VMAs? Could MTV and the city be more helpful before the show? Let us know in the comments.