';The New Times Square';

What do you think of the now pedestrian Times Sq area? I was there yesterday, and it was wierd. Everyone was lying around in beach chairs! (NY cynic in me says how to they keep people from folding up them chairs and walking away??)

Also, has anyone heard the effect on traffic, esp. outside area. I often have to take a cab from Columbus Circle area to downtown at night - there is usually too much traffic as it is - does this make it worse?

';The New Times Square';

Times Square has seen a lot of changes over the last several years. First the City kicked the porn out. Now they kicked the cars out. I can%26#39;t wait to see what%26#39;s the next to go. With luck, the chain restaurants are next.

';The New Times Square';

Oh yes, but then where would the tourists eat? (your wishes will come true)

Actually, the thought was that closing Broadway to traffic should make traffic better. In cutting across the grid, Broadway adds an extra delay in the traffic when it crosses an avenue; lights must be timed there for three directions, and not just two.

I think its a great idea. In fact, if Broadway or Park was turned into a pedestrian (no bicycle) street, it would be great!

I have no problem with more pedestrian-friendly streets, but I find it really irksome that the streets selected are those where no local actually dare tread.

';No local?'; I%26#39;m a local and I%26#39;m frequently in the theater district. If closing Broadway improves the flow of traffic, great. It%26#39;s absolutely worth a try.

It%26#39;s going to be a pain when I%26#39;m driving to Chelsea Piers for my hockey games.

and the one on 23rd Street is great.... much quicker Shake Shack access.... I just know some idiot driver from the state to our left will attempt to drive through the planters some day soon.

NYNM wrote:

%26lt;%26lt;I was there yesterday, and it was weird. Everyone was lying around in beach chairs! (NY cynic in me says how to they keep people from folding up them chairs and walking away??)%26gt;%26gt;

*WARNING* Okay, here comes my stupid question of the day!!

Does this mean the city provided lounging chairs in the now closed street???? What%26#39;s the purpose? Sunbathing? Resting?? I%26#39;m lost. Does anyone have a visual??

nyplaymaker posted this for me on another thread (I didn%26#39;t ';get'; it till I saw this):

nymag.com/news/features/56794/index1.html