Move that tree! Port Authority could alter disputed decorations at Holland Tunnel

<p>The man behind a petition to change the holiday decorations at the Holland Tunnel spoke with officials at a Port Authority meeting Thursday.</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 13, 2018, 4:44 PM

Updated 1,953 days ago

Share:

The man behind a petition to change the holiday decorations at the Holland Tunnel spoke with officials at a Port Authority meeting Thursday.
Cory Windelspecht says that two Christmas wreaths and a decoration in the shape of a Christmas tree are a distraction. Windelspecht also says it's possible the configuration could trigger people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. 
“It just makes me anxious. I get angry when I see it. I want to get up there and pull it off,” Windelspecht says.
More than 2,000 people signed an online petition urging the authority to move the tree from a spot covering the letter "N'' in "Holland" to over the letter "A."
Windelspecht read some comments posted on his petition at the meeting.
“Just move it. It’s not right. It hurts my brain. It’s bothered me for years,” Windelspecht read.
After the petition and the controversy went viral, the Port Authority responded with a poll asking the public what they think should be done.
The options include: Keeping the decorations as is, moving the Christmas tree over the “A,” moving the tree and taking away the second wreath over the “U,” or keeping it as is, but also add a second tree over the “A.”
“It’s a fun debate. There’s no right answer, right? There’s not one answer that everyone will be completely happy with,” Windelspecht says.
Port Authority officials said thousands have responded to a poll on the decorations. Executive Director Rick Cotton didn't give details since the poll is continuing. But he said that, based on results so far, "change is in the air."
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

2:26
Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

1:50
Concern growing over homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Concern growing over homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

1:55
8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

2:27
2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

0:25
Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

1:34
Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

2:00
Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

0:44
NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

0:49
Suffolk Sheriff’s Office holds 1st wellness conference at Suffolk Community College

Suffolk Sheriff’s Office holds 1st wellness conference at Suffolk Community College

0:13
Police probe shooting incident at Patchogue home

Police probe shooting incident at Patchogue home

1:09
The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

1:52
Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

0:37
North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

0:22
Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

1:45
Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

0:30
Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

0:19
Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex

Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex