Monday, April 27, 2020

NYC to Close 40 Miles of Streets to Give Walkers More Space





Widening sidewalks?
Where will THAT money come from?
With the lights of the big city all but forgotten now, who in their right mind would want to stay?
The real question is, will they be allowed to leave?
Has escape from NY, now become an ultimate reality?





New York City will close 40 miles (64 kilometers) of streets to cars next month to provide more opportunity for recreation and expand space for pedestrians to keep social distance, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
The plan’s ultimate goal calls for 100 miles of “open streets,” largely near parks, as well as widened sidewalks and additional permanent bike lanes. Police and community organizations will help identify the streets and enforce the traffic ban to ensure pedestrian safety, de Blasio said Monday at a press briefing.
The issue had opened a rift between the mayor and the City Council, where a majority aligned itself with pro-bicycle advocates and anti-traffic groups in calling upon the mayor to follow other cities in the U.S. that had banned cars on some streets during the pandemic.
“If the Mayor won’t open streets to New Yorkers, who so desperately need safe public spaces right now, the @NYCCouncil will look to @NYGovCuomo for leadership on this issue. We are prepared to work with the State to make this happen,” City Council Speaker Corey Johnson Tweeted on April 26