Mayor Eric Adams vows to clean up Times Square area to improve tourism.

[MezzA101]

Posted: 7/3/24 at 10:59pm

Here’s how he plans to do it.

 

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/times-square-midtown-community-improvement-coalition-eric-adams/

[Kad]

Posted: 7/3/24 at 11:18pm

I went in expecting specific plans and found basically none. My main takeaways were: he only just visited Times Square? and he’s concerned about traffic congestion after advocating against congestion pricing? 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 7/3/24 at 11:48pm

What even does this mean?? "the mayor established the new coalition of city agencies to clean up the area from 34th to 45th streets, between Seventh and Ninth avenues, as well as 34th to 37th streets on Eighth Avenue." 8 is between 7 and 9...so does that mean they ignore 8th after 37th Street? Or they're only focused on 7th and 9th?

I'm pessimistic that this will make much of a difference. Things like trash (bagged or otherwise) and homeless people are an issue citywide, not just in midtown, and I don't know what the solution is for making it all go away.

30th to 50th between 6th and 9th feels like it should be the bare minimum of a cleanup focus. And 5th is hardly better. I don't want to sound like Rudy G, but they need to reduce car traffic, they need to "fix" the homelessness & mental health problems, require strict permits for people selling/soliciting things on the street, and incentivize luxury businesses & retailers to come into the area. And while they're at it, how about 10% of a building's exterior can feature advertising? :)

Human congestion is a problem too. Would more highline-type pedestrian walkways help? I don't know. I'm not a city planner or elected official.

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 7/3/24 at 11:48pm

I think actually de-pedestrianizing Times Square would help with all of these things.  I’ve been advocating this for years.  Restore Broadway and let the cars ride.  It’ll disincentivize people from hanging out in the area.  Less traffic and less human congestion.  It’ll help get the stuffed characters off the streets and the guys selling fake Gucci.  The only people coming to the area should be if they’re going to the theatre.  Folks are coming in to look at screens and shop at the gap.  Time to go.