Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Eyes on the Street

NYPD Is Making Midtown Sidewalks an Obstacle Course — Where’s de Blasio?

Caught between an NYPD fence and moving traffic on Fifth Avenue by Rockefeller Center. Photo: Nicole Gelinas

Nicole Gelinas has filed more Twitter dispatches from Midtown, where NYPD continues to clutter streets and sidewalks with a tangle of barricades.

On 49th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, NYPD blocked the roadway to limit motor vehicle access. But the police barriers are also narrowing sidewalks and crosswalks, hampering pedestrian movement in areas that see some of the city's heaviest foot traffic, particularly during the holiday season.

https://twitter.com/nicolegelinas/status/938099331701379073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

As Gelinas has pointed out, the mayor is responsible for managing the streets, and Police Commissioner James O'Neill reports to him. City Hall hasn't made any announcements about what NYPD is doing. If there's a plan behind it, the public should be informed.

We've asked the mayor's office if the Midtown barricades are NYPD's response to the October greenway truck attack, and if less intrusive long-term measures -- like steel bollards -- will replace them. We'll report if we hear back.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Safety First on Third: DOT Numbers Show a Roadway Safer for All Users

Say it again: Bike lanes make roadways safer for all users.

February 19, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Mayor in a Whirlwind Edition

Mayor Adams will learn more about his fate today. Plus other news.

February 19, 2025

Another View: It’s Time for Residential Parking Permits

So people in the livable streets movement think residential parking permits might actually work. Read on...

February 19, 2025

Analysis: Residential Parking Permits Would Be Bad for City Streets

Congestion pricing isn't driving more people to park Uptown — and even if it did, "hunting licenses" for parking spots wouldn't help.

February 18, 2025

Too Much Illegal Parking Prompts Community Board to Reject New Housing

Even after the city greatly reduced parking mandates in the City of Yes initiative, parking is still at the center of many debates about new housing.

February 18, 2025
See all posts