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Park Ave, 7 miles of streets close for summer fun

By Megan Stride | Special to amNewYork

August 8, 2008

In an unprecedented initiative, the city will be closing nearly seven miles of city streets--including much of Park Avenue--to traffic on the next three Saturdays to create a pedestrian-friendly space.

From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., no traffic will be permitted from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, starting at Lafayette Street, through Fourth Avenue and then onto Park Avenue until East 72nd Street.

The project, called "Summer Streets," is an experiment designed to offer pedestrians a way to enjoy the city without the noise and atmosphere created by busy traffic, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a news conference Thursday that included rapper Jay-Z.

Bloomberg added that if successful, the city will repeat the program.

But some business owners are worried that closing off such busy thoroughfares will complicate their lives. Dennis Yetikyel, owner of Park Avenue Audio at East 29th Street, said that Saturday could be difficult for him.

"How do we function if we need to make deliveries? How do you expect a customer to take home a 50-inch plasma TV?" said Yetikyel, 42. "You just took one of the major chunks of real estate in New York City and shut it down."

Joe, a doorman at 625 Park Ave., said that August was a good time because many people leave town, so traffic disruption would be at its lowest now.

"August is the quietest month around here," he said. Everyone is on vacation."

Activities like yoga classes and organized runs are planned along the route, and a stage at 24th St. will feature musical performances. Three rest stops will offer water and first aid services.

The Associated Press contributed to this report