The City Council overwhelmingly passed legislation Tuesday that toughens regulations imposed on street vendors and entertainers in Times Square.
As pedestrian and tourist traffic increases in the tourist heart of the Big Apple, the City Council granted the green light to a bill that puts limits on street vendors and artists in disguise, accused in the past of creating interactions unpleasant with passersby.
The bill, which passed 39-2 earlier this week, restricts vendors and artists to certain areas around Times Square.
According to city estimates, about 300,000 visitors flocked to the area last month alone. Foot traffic increased more than 30 percent in the past two months, as New York City continues to reopen.
Councilmember Keith Powers said the legislation would improve the overall visitor experience in Times Square by allowing the Department of Transportation to implement public safety rules, establish pedestrian flow zones and create an organization focused on resolving concerns and complaints from visitors and residents.
“With this legislation, we are making one of the largest tourist attractions in the city more attractive and comfortable,” Powers said in a press release. “Today, we are enhancing the bustling experience in Manhattan’s most famous public square by truly establishing pedestrian safety zones, thus welcoming New Yorkers and visitors alike.”
City Council Chairman Corey Johnson said this week that increased pedestrian traffic in Times Square has generated aggressive competition for space. Johnson noted that the City Council is working with the Times Square Alliance to ensure that commercial activity can take place, but takes place in spaces that do not lead to unpleasant interactions with pedestrians.
Powers said that in recent years, the city has received more complaints about artists stalking tourists and touching them without their consent. Times Square Alliance reported that 1 in 2 New Yorkers had an unpleasant experience with vendors or costumed performers in Times Square, while 1 in 5 had been touched by the characters without their consent.
The new guideline clarifies how and where business can take place. Today’s bounded areas loosely dictate where a costumed artist can charge for a photograph, but characters often don’t respect designated areas, according to officials.
This bill would ensure that all activity takes place within the appropriate zones, but does not affect the ability of workers to do their jobs, according to the statement. The new designated zones are designed to allow characters to interact with visitors without obstructing the flow of pedestrians.
The law, to be signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, would take effect in 60 days.
“These new rules ensure that visitors, spectators, residents and employees have the best possible experience in this iconic neighborhood,” said Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris.
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