LINCOLN CENTER NIXES TREE CEREMONY

for the second year in a row, lincoln center is canceling its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony because of the ongoing construction project at the entrance of the josie rose plaza.

"you have to have enough room for the performance to not be obstructed and for it to be safe for people," said kate merlino, lincoln center's senior publicity manager.

despite the setback, the lincoln square business improvement district still plans to hold its own tree-lighting ceremony as part of the annual winter's eve celebration, on nov. 30.

"we felt the community should have a tree lighting ceremony in spite of the cancellation," said bid president monica blum.

the final plaza renovation will include an underground driveway designed to make the facilities more open and accessible, according to merlino. the plaza's construction is part of a larger lincoln center renovation project expected to be completed spring 2010.