Topless Painted Women, Homeless Reemerge Amid Unseasonably Warm Weather
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The temperature hit a downright summery 79 degrees on Thursday, and the sun and warmth seemed to bring everyone back to life.
But as CBS2's Dave Carlin reported, "everyone" includes the homeless and the notorious painted topless women in Times Square.
On the date of March 10, it should still be the season for winter coats and maybe even hats and scarves. But this particular March 10 was a day for exposed skin in public places.
The unusually warm weather drew rodeo trick roper Bill Savoy and others to Pier 45. Savoy was working without a shirt.
"It couldn't be better for practicing," said Savoy, of the East Village.
Many people were happy to see the out-of-season sunbathing, but some were annoyed to see the return of the desnudas – painted, bare-breasted women whose presence in Times Square made headlines last year.
The desnudas seemed to be hibernating over the past few months, but now, they are back posing for photos and collecting cash.
"The weather brings it out," one woman said.
CBS2 has learned many of the desnudas are South Americans just back after most of the winter spent in Venezuela or Brazil.
Similarly, homeless people -- many of whom were out of sight on our coldest days -- are now out and about.
"They're not staying in the shelters, or whatever they do or whatever they are," said Timmy Tolan of the West Side.
It all means a summer like shift for law enforcement. But are police up to it?
CBS2 demanded answers from Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Carlin: "We're seeing more homeless in parks because the weather. We're seeing the return of the painted women to Times Square. What about enforcement?"
De Blasio: "Oh, you're going to see lots of enforcement. NYPD has a greatly expanded presence in time square. Any kind of infraction would be immediately addressed."
The City Council has a plan and that would create zones in Times Square, including one section for the painted ladies and costumed characters to work for tips. The mayor said he expects that proposal will become law.
"We will enforce that very stringently," de Blasio said.
The mayor said the early spring fever does not excuse anyone from going too far, showing too much, or acting out.
City leaders said before the bill on the Times Square zoning goes to a vote, the City Council will meet with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and the local community board.
