Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday called the city’s decision to ban cars permanently from the internal streets of Central Park a “sea change” for the landmark’s estimated 42 million annual visitors.
“This is a big moment for this city,” he said on WNYC radio, two days ahead of Earth Day. “For the first time in history since we’ve had automobiles, Central Park will be closed to vehicles permanently.”
Currently, cars are only allowed inside the park south of 72nd Street.
The prohibition, which starts in June, will exempt the park’s traverse roads, as well as emergency and government vehicles.
Hizzoner said there would be a few adjustments needed to deal with congestion in the midtown vicinity of the park, including more traffic agents and changes to traffic signals.
“But nothing outlandish,” he said. “We believe the impact will be very small.”
The mayor was also asked about the shifting tide on marijuana legalization with the news that Sen. Charles Schumer is introducing legislation to decriminalize marijuana use at the federal level.
“I’m still grappling with a series of issues,” the mayor said — pointing to criminal justice ramifications and concerns about corporate profiteering should marijuana become legal.
But he also said he’s planning to update his stance on the issue at some point this year.
“I think it’s fair that we need to do a deeper analysis and come up with an updated response,” he told Brian Lehrer. “I want to do that.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently opened the door to legalization — which is controlled by state law — after his Democratic primary opponent Cynthia Nixon said she supports legalizing marijuana for recreational use. The state currently allows marijuana use for medical purposes.