This Week: Transpo Budget Hearing, Car-Free Central Park

We just have a couple of events on the calendar for this holiday-shortened week, but they're important ones. The City Council's ongoing budget hearings turn to transportation, including financing for the DOT, MTA and TLC. Budgets are about priorities, and the hearing should reveal just what the transportation priorities of the City Council are.

• Wednesday: Manhattan CB 8's transportation committee discusses making Central Park car-free for a summertime trial period. Safety changes at the eastern end of 96th Street are also on the agenda. While the improvements are simple and common-sense measures, like striping high-visibility crosswalks to help people cross FDR service roads and get to the waterfront esplanade, they are encountering a surprising amount of resistance from some members of the board. 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday: The City Council Finance and Transportation Committees hold a joint hearing on the city's transportation budget, including finances for the DOT, MTA, and TLC. 10:00 a.m.

Keep an eye on the calendar for updated listings. Got an event we should know about? Drop us a line.