Are people going to even use this stupid traffic-causing bullshit in the winter time when it is 20 degrees out?

Even if funded publicly, these tables and chairs are a good idea. I spent an hour relaxing and people-watching in one of the old ones, and I'll admit it made being in Times Square actually enjoyable for once.

People tend to forget that permanent park furniture costs a lot, lot more because it needs contractors to install it, funding to maintain it, and eventually contractors to remove it if they decide to change traffic plans again. I'll bet you could replace this stuff four times for the same cost as permanent fixtures.

I think portable seating, even if engineered for those of smaller posteriors, makes more sense now than permanent seating. As analyses change, seating ideas may change. and also leaves the area adjustable for emergencies, special events, NYE, etc. The chairs can also be used elsewhere if needed, for other events. And the Bryant park chairs have survived. While my walk- thru a few weeks ago was interesting, heat, crowding and poor flow were a problem. Traffic in surrounding streets actually seemed better, but the whole project needs continued adjustment & tuning. Winter should be interesting.

Just a comment, i'm 6'6 and about 380, and the bryant park chairs hold up just fine, so i'm pretty sure they can accomodate 99.999% of new york's residents and guests. Felix, i hope i get to sit real close to you on as many subway and bus rides as possible and turn your your rides into an ocd, fat hating nightmare. your double standards are amazing. animals are cool, and all people are cool except fat people and politicians. you also make a lot of borderline homophobic comments. here's hoping my back roll finds your elbow soon, sailor.

Andrea Peyser was joined by the Times's Susan Dominus who, in a ridiculous article (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07..., complained about the tables, chairs, and ambiance that wasn't up to her lofty downtown standards. What's really offensive is some of the ethnic/racial overtones (see above) to criticism of the area. If you're scared of diversity, people with accents, or people who don't spend all their time in Manhattan, stay away from the plaza; that'd be better for everyone. And if the chairs on Broadway are too saggy for you, the tables too cheap or the "vagrants" too fat, go down to Ikea and get your own damn furniture.

I recorded a podcast on this subject last month; please check it out at http://tiny.cc/sc1Bo or detweilogs.com

I'm disappointed. I was really hoping for those airport lounge seat that come attached in rows.

That photo on the right is just a zoomed in crop of the one on the left. Gothamist couldn't take another photo? It's digital photography for crying out loud!

Old ratty seats were great and comfortable, these bryant park seats are just made to keep the hobos, and everyone else off, by being so uncomfortable.

These pedestrian malls should keep those pesky street performers and vagrants that haven taken a ticket outta town away.

Now maybe this was addressed at some point and I missed it, but why didn't they just get these chairs to start with?

That was addressed in an earlier article. These chairs were part of the plan before the space was converted. But for a reason that was never revealed, they could not be delivered before August, so the Alliance scrambled to get any kind of furniture they could before the pedestrian plaza opened. Pintchik Hardware on Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn came to the rescue at that point.

Thanks,Spirit. Though I guess it remains partially shrouded in mystery. . .

at least the seats are smaller so the obese won't be able to sit. I seen all these men sitting with their guts hanging out and all I could think was if you only went vegetarian then you would be slim as me.

Does becoming a vegetarian also come with a stick up your ass?

no the stick is up yours and you like it there don't you?

Mmmmm breathe in that fresh air everyone!!!

At least a bit fresher minus a few lanes of belching automobiles.

yes the impact is immeasurable...

That caps off my daily dose of sarcasm :)

Is that a homeless vagrant that smells like pee with the de rigueur duane reade bag christening the first table in the first pic? awesome.