Times Square Superheroes Foiled By City Hall | LBC
New York City has enacted a law to regulate Times Square's costumed characters, proving that not even Spider-Man and Batman can thwart officialdom.
Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the bill, allowing city officials to restrict the characters' movements and keep them from blocking passers-by in traffic-free parts of the square.
The legislation also gives the city's Department of Transportation control over pedestrian plazas throughout the city, including people's conduct, litter and traffic flow.
The city council approved the legislation this month to rein in aggressive panhandlers who harass pedestrians for money in the square.
There have been years of complaints about Elmo, Mickey Mouse, the Statue of Liberty and others pressuring tourists for tips.
The measure also follows last summer's furore over the topless, body-painted women known as desnudas.
Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the bill, allowing city officials to restrict the characters' movements and keep them from blocking passers-by in traffic-free parts of the square.
The legislation also gives the city's Department of Transportation control over pedestrian plazas throughout the city, including people's conduct, litter and traffic flow.
The city council approved the legislation this month to rein in aggressive panhandlers who harass pedestrians for money in the square.
There have been years of complaints about Elmo, Mickey Mouse, the Statue of Liberty and others pressuring tourists for tips.
The measure also follows last summer's furore over the topless, body-painted women known as desnudas.
Comment