Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bill de Blasio

We Know Where NYC’s Next Mayor Will Live, But How Will He Get to Work?

5:09 PM EST on December 11, 2013

Earlier today Bill de Blasio settled one of the big questions of the transition period, announcing that he's going to move into the mayoral residence at Gracie Mansion. Next question: How's he going to get to work?

Photo: ##http://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-nyc-race-focuses-on-income-gap-but-how-much-can-a-mayor-do/##NPR##

Michael Bloomberg, who lives in his Upper East Side townhouse while using Gracie for special events, made a habit of riding the Lexington Avenue express down to City Hall for 12 years, though he gets a 22-block chauffeured escort to the train. De Blasio is a self-described motorist whose morning routine, until now, has involved driving his son Dante from home in Park Slope to high school in Downtown Brooklyn. Taking transit to work would be an adjustment.

Gracie Mansion is not very transit-accessible. It's all the way by the East River -- four and a half long blocks plus two short blocks from the Lexington Avenue express stop at 86th Street. But an invigorating walk to the train would give de Blasio a better feel for pedestrian conditions in the city than most local electeds -- who tend to either get driven everywhere or drive themselves around with the guarantee of free parking at the end of every trip, thanks to placards. A mayor who makes walking part of his commute could start each workday with some on-the-ground observation of what it will take to eliminate pedestrian deaths.

When de Blasio has a morning meeting at the governor's office on 41st and Third, a better option might be the M15 Select Bus Service, which runs downtown on Second Avenue. And taking the M15 home, even if it's just once a week, would send an even more powerful message than riding the train.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Tuesday’s Headlines: Don’t Look Up Edition

It's hard to believe that it's going to rain again today, plus other more important news.

September 26, 2023

Another Flip-Flop: City Hall Allegedly Pauses Almost-Done Underhill Ave. Bike Boulevard

City Hall is intervening in yet another street redesign project, and supporters fear it could be the start of dismantling other improvements.

September 26, 2023

Analysis: Everyone Agrees — Less Parking Means More Housing

Let's take a second-day look at Mayor Adams's "City of Yes" zoning proposal to do away with mandatory parking in new developments.

September 25, 2023

What is the Life of a Dead Pedestrian Worth?

A cop laughed that a normal person is only worth $11,000 — and that figure was partly due to his racism, but also how little we value the lives of people on foot.

September 25, 2023

Monday’s Headlines: ‘What is Up With All These Flip-Flops, Mayor?’ Edition

It's the same old story with this mayor and his chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin. Plus other news.

September 25, 2023
See all posts