Mayor de Blasio: Central Park to become car-free in June

<p>Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that in just a few months, Central Park will permanently become car-free.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 21, 2018, 11:56 AM

Updated 2,207 days ago

Share:

Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that in just a few months, Central Park will permanently become car-free.
As of June 27, the final loop drives in the park that are currently open to car traffic will close to cars for good.
These include Center Drive, Terrace Drive, East Drive and West Drive.
The mayor says the move will return the park to its original purpose, as a recreational space, helping the more than 42 million people who use the park each year to enjoy it without the pollution and safety issues that have been concerns for years.
"And it comes back to remembering the meaning of a park like this. This park was not built for automobiles, right? This was not the purpose of this park to be a place for automobiles," says Mayor de Blasio. "Literally, it was built before there were automobiles. It was built for people and the idea of thinking about every aspect of our lives and finding ways to make that change, that's what this is all about."
However, the transverse roads cutting across the park at 97th, 86th, 79th and 65th streets will not be affected by these changes.


More from News 12
2:43
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

2:22
Mild and muggy in Connecticut; rain returns by midweek

Mild and muggy in Connecticut; rain returns by midweek

1:43
Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

2:11
Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

1:48
'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

0:36
Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

0:20
Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

1:05
National Water Safety Month: 40,000 free swim lessons offered across tri-state area offered across tri-state area

National Water Safety Month: 40,000 free swim lessons offered across tri-state area offered across tri-state area

0:36
Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

0:56
Nonprofit builders group celebrates 20th anniversary with annual fundraiser in Darien

Nonprofit builders group celebrates 20th anniversary with annual fundraiser in Darien

0:49
Mother’s Day event in Greenwich looks to empower women

Mother’s Day event in Greenwich looks to empower women

0:59
Pickleball America hosts first Dinko de Mayo Tournament

Pickleball America hosts first Dinko de Mayo Tournament

2:15
Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Connecticut National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Connecticut National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

0:42
Texas, prolific retired Connecticut State Police K-9, dies from illness

Texas, prolific retired Connecticut State Police K-9, dies from illness

0:44
Handball tournament honors former Bridgeport state representative

Handball tournament honors former Bridgeport state representative

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:34
State police: Merging car collided with tanker to cause I-95 overpass fire

State police: Merging car collided with tanker to cause I-95 overpass fire