Rockefeller Center Pedestrianization Plan: What Does NYC Think?

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — Anticipating another influx of tourists into Midtown during this year's holiday season, Manhattan leaders have begun floating an idea: blocking traffic around Rockefeller Center to make more room for people.

The proposal, by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Councilmember Keith Powers, is not unprecedented. The city did just that in 2019, closing off 49th and 50th streets between Fifth and Sixth avenues, allowing the hordes of people to take selfies in front of the Christmas tree and admire the Saks Fifth Avenue window displays.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has been noncommital on the idea so far. Asked about it on Thursday, he said the proposal is under discussion, but acknowledged weighing pedestrians' needs against the risk of worsening traffic nearby.

"We want to be really smart about it," de Blasio said. "Lots of folks are going to want to come out who didn’t have as much opportunity last year."

Patch wants to know: what do New Yorkers think about the proposal? Use the survey below to share your thoughts about the Rockefeller Center pedestrianization plan.

Meanwhile, Brewer and Powers already have their sights set beyond this holiday season, arguing in a letter to the Department of Transportation that the streets, once closed off, should stay that way forever.

"It is our expectation that after the expected success of this holiday program that we will meet with the DOT to discuss permanent pedestrianization plans for the area," they wrote.

Related coverage: Pedestrianize Rockefeller Center Again For Holidays, Pols Say