Mayor Bill de Blasio remains confident that his plan to relocate carriage horses to Central Park will be approved by the City Council, despite mounting opposition and criticism. The proposed bill aims to reduce the size of the horse carriage industry and move stables inside the park, a move that has sparked controversy among horse carriage medallion owners and pedicab drivers, with the latter being restricted from operating south of 86th Street in Central Park. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has expressed readiness to sue on behalf of pedicab drivers if the bill passes, and the Central Labor Council, representing 1.3 million workers, has voiced concerns over potential job losses. Despite these challenges, de Blasio defended the bill, emphasizing its balanced nature and the legitimate representation by the Teamsters union in negotiations. However, City Councilman Rory Lancman has shifted to opposition due to what he perceives as the administration’s disregard for the plan’s consequences. Despite the backlash and concerns, some Council members believe the bill will pass, citing the resolution of previous issues and a commitment to support the Teamsters.
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