New York mayor Michael Bloomberg is looking to hire Jan Gehl, a Danish urban planning consultant and architect in order to reduce the amount of traffic around Times Square, possibly banning cars entirely from the area.
According to The New York Daily News, Bloomberg wants Gehl, whose resume includes helping several major European cities – London and Copenhagen among them – alleviate serious traffic concerns in congested areas. Gehl’s previous works have prioritized cyclists and pedestrians over vehicles in congested areas.
Bloomberg’s plan, called plaNYC, would call for Gehl to increase the number of tree-lined streets (thus decreasing parking) and possibly making a $8 toll for drivers entering Manhattan below 86th Street. The toll would go directly towards improving the city’s mass transit systems. Although the plan has met some opposition in the city, many local businesses support the initiative, which would decrease congestion and pollution and likely amplify public transportation.
No word on how this would affect New York’s numerous taxis.
