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

The de Blasio administration has finally put to rest the idea of yanking out the Times Square pedestrian plazas. Was that so hard?

Erik Engquist at Crain's reports that Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said City Hall will see through the $55 million capital construction project to cast the plazas in concrete, which has been in progress for a few years already. The city will "finish the construction as designed with some additional improvements," Bratton told a breakfast gathering of the big business-affiliated Association for a Better New York in Midtown this morning.

Mayor de Blasio's Times Square task force is supposed to issue its recommendations about desnudas, aggressive Elmos, and other pressing problems on October 1. It looks like those recommendations will be strongly influenced by the ideas put forward last week by a coalition led by the Times Square Alliance -- new rules about where commercial activity like posing for pictures with tourists for tips is allowed, plus an NYPD unit trained in the nuances of Times Square law and order.

Last week Bratton said he first raised the prospect of tearing out the plazas to "smoke out" who's on the side of keeping them. When the smoke cleared, Bratton was pretty much by himself, a police commissioner whose ideas are at odds with how most New Yorkers want to manage their streets and public spaces.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

SEE IT: Mets Pitcher Sean Manaea Is Just Another Guy On The Subway

As the beloved Amazin's open a crucial homestead, we took a subway ride to Citi Field with a man on whose arm depends everything. The ride, at least, was no big deal for this veteran commuter.

September 12, 2025

DOT Canal Street Plan Adds Pedestrian Space, Bike Route, But Next Mayor Must Think Bigger

The changes are a good start, but Canal Street deserves a radical transformation.

September 12, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: In Spite of You Edition

A new report shows NYC DOT can accomplish a lot when the mayor cuts his meddling. Plus more news.

September 12, 2025

Jay Z-Backed Times Square Casino Shrinks Sidewalks and Bus Lanes to Serve More Cars

New Yorkers aren't only gambling with their future inside the casino: Developer SL Green wants to remove a bus lane and the 19-foot "super sidewalks" installed on Eighth Avenue just three years ago.

September 11, 2025

The Explainer: Council Seeks to Ban Sale of E-Bikes That Can Go 25MPH

A new city council bill would ban the sale of Class 3 e-bikes, which are only allowed in NYC and can reach speeds of 25 mph.

September 11, 2025

West Side Community Board Fails to Back Safety Over Parking

Oh, they're fine with safety ... as long as parking comes first. No, seriously, that's what they did.

September 11, 2025
See all posts