City Council Pushes 75 Miles of Open Streets, But NYC Officials Say Not Gonna Happen

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson is backing a bill to close 75 miles of streets for pedestrians and cyclists. It would create more outdoor space for people during the COVID crisis. He says cities and towns across the world are closing streets now, and wants to know why New York won't do it. He says 75 miles are just 1 percent of city streets.

“I don’t buy the idea that our drivers can’t adjust, I have more faith in New Yorkers,” he said.

But NYPD Deputy Chief Michael Pilecki says there has to be an officer on every street.

“We know there could be a small percentage of people, who for whatever reason might want to get onto that block and move the barrier and drive onto the street,” Pilecki says. And, he says, too many officers are out sick now to take on this job.