As He Likes It: Weprin, and His Car, in the Park

From a Streetsblog tipster:

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get the City Council treatment?

Last night, NYC Councilmember David Weprin made an appearance at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park to let the public know that he helped direct taxpayer dollars to support Shakespeare in the Park. But unlike the hundreds of theater goers who walked the two blocks from Central Park West to the theater, Councilman Weprin had his driver illegally enter the loop road -- which was closed to vehicles so joggers, walkers, and bikers could enjoy some exercise without being menaced by traffic -- drive to the theater, and park illegally on grass and pavers by the side of the road. The area where his car was parked was dense with pedestrians as they gathered for the theater.

Central Park is a big place and one car can always fit in the park, but if everyone were to use Central Park like Councilman Weprin, Central Park would be one big traffic jam and parking lot. I suspect that it never occurred to Councilman Weprin that his driving might damage the fragile fabric of Central Park. Most cars in the city drive without the slightest sense that they are surrounded by children and senior citizens and that their driving harms the neighborhoods through which they pass.

No one likes living in a traffic choked world. The people who drive in New York City need to be aware of how they contribute to the degradation of our communities. Our elected officials should serve as role models for the rest of society rather than sending the message that personal benefit is more important than public good.

Photo: Larry Greenberg, QCLDA