TRANSPORTATION CHAIR YDANIS RODRIGUEZ STATEMENT ON PEDESTRIAN PLAZAS AND TIMES SQUARE VOTE
Today the New York City Council Transportation Committee voted to pass legislation that would grant the City Department of Transportation the authority to regulate Times Square and plazas throughout the city of New York. This bill will allow the DOT to implement their proposed changes to better manage space in Times Square. Council Member Rodriguez hailed the vote as one for progress and offered several suggestions to support all those involved.
"Today's vote on our plazas, especially as it relates to Times Square, marks a significant step forward for the innovative program, ensuring that this and our many other public spaces will be protected for years to come," saidCouncil Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. "As we voted today, I put forward several suggestions to the DOT as they make rules to govern Times Square and plazas across the city. As it relates to Times Square, I stand in support of the hard working costumed characters and desnudas and believe that ample space should be provided to their activity, alongside signs to encourage tipping, to ensure they can continue to support themselves and their families. I also proffered that 20% of public space in Times Square and the other plazas across the city should be dedicated to cultural and educational programming. Finally, businesses near major plazas that have seen major returns from this public space should help support less-frequented plazas in the outer boroughs with programming and upkeep, in order to avoid a tale of two cities when it comes to our plazas. I am proud of the work that has gone into this process and believe we will end with a result that benefits all parties."
