The proposed legislation to reform New York City’s carriage-horse industry, introduced to the City Council and billed as a compromise, has met with dissatisfaction from various stakeholders. The plan, resulting from a prolonged debate between animal-rights groups who favor a ban and carriage-horse drivers defending their trade, would confine horse carriages to Central Park with a reduced fleet and require the construction of a new stable within the park. Despite being agreed upon by the Teamsters union representing the carriage drivers and NYCLASS, a leading animal rights group, there are significant concerns. The legislation proposes reducing carriage licenses from 180 to 110 by December 2016, a move the Teamsters are seeking to modify to mitigate job losses. NYCLASS supports the compromise as a step towards protecting carriage horses, though they prefer a total ban.
Pedicab drivers, unexpectedly impacted by the proposal which restricts them to operating north of 85th Street in Central Park, express that the changes will adversely affect their livelihood. They claim they were not consulted on the plan, which would severely limit their access to tourists. The plan for a new stable by 2018 raises additional questions regarding its location, cost, and feasibility within the proposed timeline. Throughout a lengthy City Council hearing, members voiced their concerns and skepticism, indicating the compromise might not be as satisfactory as intended. With no clear next steps announced and many unresolved issues, the future of the legislation remains uncertain.
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https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2016/01/carriage-ban-compromise-not-everyone-likes.html