The Friends believe a director would do a better job of organizing events that are compatible with the square, while driving a harder bargain with sponsors to raise more money. Technically, the city is supposed to plow event fees back into the park, but Rosen would like to create "more transparency."
Striking the balance between public and private goals will be tricky. Should Rittenhouse Square allow a food concession? Franklin Square did, but it isn't surrounded by restaurants. If Rittenhouse Square goes private, it would be the third of the city's original four corners to give up on government. After Washington Square was taken by Independence National Historical Park, conditions improved greatly.