At a City Council hearing, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration faced difficulty answering questions about the proposed compromise on the horse-carriage industry, leading to criticism from council members who felt political motives were rushing the deal. The administration could not provide details on the cost of renovating a stable in Central Park, the job losses among horse-carriage and pedicab drivers, or specifics about carriage trips and pedicab numbers. Under the deal, pedicabs would be restricted to the northern parts of Central Park, and the number of horses would be reduced from 180 to 95, with a stable built in the park estimated to cost about $20 million of public money. This proposal has faced opposition from park advocates and was scrutinized by council members frustrated by its terms and lack of consultation. Despite the Teamsters union’s “in concept” agreement to the compromise due to fears of a ban, they admitted dissatisfaction with the bill and anticipated job losses for 40 to 50 members. The hearing, which lasted nearly seven hours, saw officials unable to confirm details, considering alternative stable sites, and unsure about the completion of an environmental impact study. Council members expressed disappointment with the mayor’s office’s lack of preparedness and transparency, while pedicab drivers, excluded from negotiations, protested alongside horse carriage drivers outside the chamber.
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https://www.wsj.com/articles/city-council-grills-officials-over-proposed-deal-on-horses-1453492243