Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Yesterday we put forth the argument that fastest, cheapest, easiest and most symbolically rich way for Mayor Bloomberg to initiate his new green agenda for New York City would be to make Central Park car-free during the summer of 2007.

Last fall, in a wide-ranging interview with Open Planning Project executive director Mark Gorton, New York City transportation expert "Gridlock" Sam Schwartz explained how eliminating cars from the Central Park Loop Drive will not result in long-term traffic nightmares for the surrounding neighborhoods or NYC in general.

Schwartz served as NYC's Commissioner of Traffic from 1982-86 and is a former Chief Engineer/First Deputy Commissioner at the NYC DOT. He also writes a daily transportation column for the Daily News.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

EXCLUSIVE: Mamdani Halts NYPD’s Criminal Crackdown on Cyclists, Ending Harsher Treatment of Bicyclists Than Car Drivers

Cops will no longer write criminal summonses to cyclists for minor traffic offenses starting on Friday, March 27, City Hall said.

March 18, 2026

Council Leaders Push DOT In Both Directions On Streets Master Plan Goals

Transportation Chair Shaun Abreu is passionate about bus lanes and bike lanes. Finance Chair Linda Lee? Not so much.

March 18, 2026

Albany Pols Seek Transparency From Insurance Giants As Hochul Pushes Premium Cuts

Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and state Sen. Jamaal Bailey have stepped up their oversight of — and concern about — Gov. Hochul's auto insurance scheme.

Mayor Mamdani’s Daylighting Budget Covers Tiny Fraction of the City

The funding is nowhere near enough to bring daylighting citywide as Mayor Mamdani promised to do on the campaign trail.

March 18, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines: Speeding is No Joke Edition

Our editor-in-chief has some choice words for the New York Post in our latest video. Plus the news.

March 18, 2026

MTA’s Lieber Asks City to Put More Cops on Bus Lane Enforcement

Lieber told City Council members he wants more "dedicated funding for traffic enforcement to keep the [bus] lanes clear of private vehicles."

March 17, 2026
See all posts