Bloomberg Boos Lawn Chairs But Loves Broadway Car Ban

Mayor Bloomberg says those down-market beach chairs in the new car-free sections of Broadway have got to go. Speaking about the new pedestrian plazas on his weekly radio show, Bloomberg revealed his disdain for the inexpensive chairs, which have been subjected to savage criticism from the likes of cranky Post columnist Andrea Peyser, who derided them as "flimsy furniture that littered the streets like a going-out-of-business sale." Hizzoner has sided with the haters, and wants everyone to know that once work on the pedestrian plazas is complete, "there will not be those kinds of lounges." Street furniture controversy aside, the mayor declared the experiment, which reroutes southbound traffic to Seventh Avenue in an attempt to reduce congestion, an overwhelming success: "So far, it is working exactly as the computer modeling says it will." Of course, not even the most powerful computer in the world can accurately gauge New Yorkers' capacity for complaining.

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By John Del Signore in News on May 30, 2009 3:34 PM

Comments [rss]

broadway lawn chair lover

Just returned from a weekend in Gotham and we (party of 6) LOVED the lawn chairs. Only in the greatest city in the world could you sit and watch the world go by in a lawn chair. A great idea. A fabulous fun experience. Bloomberg needs to try and connect with the steaming masses a bit more.

whitecastlerock

A smashing success after less than a week? Please Mayor Mike, put the pom poms down for a bit

Think2wice

Am I the only one who likes the lawn chairs and lounge chairs. The low seat, the high back—they were made for lounging in, just staring into space or people watching. "Al fresco" or "cafe" type chairs are not for lounging in. In fact I've never felt comfortable in them unless I look busy.

verbal

Every cab driver I've asked, and two of my delivery drivers have all said this is a fiasco.

If osama bin laden snuck through a subway stop and frisk, the midget would claim success.

Spirit of 76

If Bloomie hates them so much, why doesn't he pony up a few hundred grand for real street furniture and buy himself a few more votes in the bargain?

Phrases like "overwhelming success" and "smash hit" must be driving "thefacts" crazy.

NannyState

I say do it Saudi airport style with persian rugs and LaZBoy recliners.

Jack D. Ripper

I would go with the throw pillows instead.

thefacts

" Hizzoner has sided with the haters, " = Nothing like journalistic impartiality!

NYC, a worled design center par excellance, must accept tasteless and tacky furniture to keep JDS pleased.

Rocknrope

Lord knows why you're getting your panties in a twist over this post. It reads to me like JDS is just relaying the sentiment of those who aren't fond of the recliners.