Lounging On the Crossroads of the World

Times Square, located in Manhattan, New York, has also been nicknamed "The Crossroads of the World" because of all the people who visit this area of the city. It is usually a hustling and bustling parade of people on the sidewalks and traffic in the streets. So why were so many people sitting in folding chairs and lounging in chaise chairs in Times Square this weekend?

It is due to a NYC pilot program, called Green Light for Midtown, which is meant to simplify traffic and improve travel times through one of Manhattan's most congested areas. In Times Square the stretch of Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets has been closed to cars since May 24, 2009. The city believes the move will reduce pollution, cut down on pedestrian accidents and actually increase the flow of traffic. The city provides an assortment of lounge chairs to sit in, all you have to do is find an empty one!

An interesting article about the pros and cons of this plan can be read in this New York Times newspaper article.

A row of orange barriers frames the new pedestrian plaza’s northern edge, where police officers patiently redirect traffic heading down Broadway.

On 7th Ave North /South vehicular traffic through Times Square was not impacted, and there is still the constant flow of cars, buses, cabs and pedi cabs on that street. Also, all cross-town streets remain open.

As night descends in Time Square and the bright lights of Broadway illuminate the area there are still large crowds enjoying the ambiance of sitting in the middle of one of the busiest places on earth. 356,000 people walk through Times Square each day on overflowing sidewalks, and the new malls allow more room for people to gather and enjoy the city.

New York is truly the city that never sleeps!

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has said the plazas are a work in progress — he will decide in December whether to transform them into something more permanent.

You can watch a short YouTube video here about the new pedestrian malls and see it in action.

Now wouldn't you love a chance to lounge in Times Square this summer? I know I will!

For the first time I am linking this post to Susan of "A Southern Daydreamer" blog's Outdoor Wednesday group! Thank you Susan for hosting this wonderful event. Please visit Susan's blog today to view more links to other blogs participating in Outdoor Wednesday.