NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York City is on track to pass legislation that would tighten the rules for Times Square’s street vendors and costumed characters, according to a report.
The City Council on Thursday voted 39-2 to pass legislation that would create a “Theatre District” zone within the Crossroads of the World, the New York Post reported.
As part of the legislation, the New York City Department of Transportation would be able to designate areas inside the zone that performers, costumed characters and vendors could operate within, the outlet reported.
“Times Square is getting busy again, and there have been some issues in Times Square competing over space,” Council Speaker Corey Johnson said, according to the outlet.
“We’re updating that and working with the Times Square Alliance and making sure it’s clear that there are additional spaces for people to engage in commercial activity, but also places where it’s not appropriate,” he added.
The city initially created zones for costumed characters and performers back in 2016 amid concerns about tourists and passersby being hassled for money.
The legislation the Council passed Thursday is “merely tightening those rules,” the outlet reported.
Mayor Bill de Blasio must sign off on the new rules for them to take effect.
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