Urban planners in New York City are proposing that the historic 42nd Street be transformed into a pedestrian mall that would cross the entire city.
Proponents of the plan argue that creating a pedestrian mall would greatly increase retail and restaurant business, raise property taxes, and reduce cross-town traffic with its planned light rail line.
"Vision42 backers say the light rail, which would run river to river along 42nd Street, and pedestrian mall would boost property values by $3.5 billion which would translate into a $277 million boost in property taxes."
"Still, the project is years away, if approved."
"It would cost an estimated $360 to $510 million to convert the streets and build the light rail system. City Hall has yet to endorse the project."
FULL STORY: Group pushes to transform 42nd Street into pedestrian mall

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