City officials faced scrutiny from the City Council during a hearing on a proposed bill to limit carriage horses to Central Park and construct a new stable, but provided limited details, especially regarding the stable’s location and the impact on pedicab drivers. The Parks Department mentioned a building on the 86th Street Transverse as a potential site for the stables, yet no final decisions have been made, and an environmental study is ongoing. Councilmembers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of specifics, including the project’s cost, estimated at $25 million, and the timeline, with concerns that the proposed October 2018 completion date is unrealistic. The plan also includes reducing the number of carriage licenses and banning pedicabs from operating below the 85th Street Transverse, raising concerns about job losses in both industries. Officials admitted they couldn’t provide data on how many pedicabs operate in Central Park or how many jobs might be lost due to the changes. The hearing saw strong reactions from council members, pedicab supporters, and various stakeholders, with more than 100 people signed up to give testimony.
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