Road Closures, Tow Zones Come Ahead Of Climate Change March
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A massive march against climate change was set to roll into Midtown and the Upper West Side on Sunday, and commuters will have to be ready for bumper-to-bumper delays.
As CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported, the People's Climate Change March is expected to draw about 100,000 people. They will jam their march route as they call for more government action to help the environment.
Some drivers are worried.
"I think it's going to be a nightmare," said motorist Paulo Flosi.
"We are anticipating major gridlock. We've got two huge events going on – one, of course, is the lineup for Climate Change March, which we're proud to host and very excited about. We also happen to have the Columbus Avenue street fair going on," said City Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal (D-6th.)
That means major avenues will be closing, and east-west side streets will be left with limited or no access for most of the day.
Starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, Central Park West will be closed from 59th Street to 86th Street. Columbus Avenue will also be closed from 66th Street to 86th Street.
Also closed will be the Central Park Transverse at 79th street, and the one at 81st Street. The east side of Amsterdam Avenue will also be closed between 72nd and 86th streets.
"Bad traffic for us means we'll have to have an alternate route," said a Grey Line tour bus driver.
Ahead of the street closures will be mass towing. Rosenthal issued a warning to drivers.
"Please remember to remove your car if you park here, or else the cars will be towed by the NYPD tonight," she said.
On Central Park West, towing began at 10 p.m. Saturday. Towing along Columbus and Amsterdam avenues was to begin at 3 a.m.
And it will be a challenge getting around until the march and cleanup are done late in the day.
"I want to stay home and enjoy my family," Flosi said. "Please boss, please -- listen to me, listen to this camera and keep me home."
"Don't drive in. If you can, take public transportation, which we always promote; it is green," said City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-31st). "You know, you should take public transportation."
The march will begin at Columbus Circle and end at 34th Street and 11th Avenue. Police said many of the towed vehicles will be impounded at a lot in Queens.
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