Cornelius Byrne, a New York City stable owner with deep family ties to the horse carriage industry, is facing uncertainty as ongoing negotiations between Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration and City Council could significantly impact the future of horse-drawn carriages in the city. Despite public support, there’s a potential for the industry to be drastically reduced, with a proposal to relocate horses to a Central Park stable that only fits 70 out of the current 220. This has raised concerns about the welfare of the remaining horses and the livelihood of carriage drivers.
The situation is further complicated by discussions to restrict pedicabs to less popular areas of Central Park, potentially giving carriage drivers a monopoly on tourist tours. This move has been criticized by pedicab drivers and reflects the complex political dynamics surrounding de Blasio’s campaign promise to ban horse carriages, a promise that has become a contentious issue in his tenure as mayor. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, with the future of many horses and the traditional carriage industry hanging in the balance.
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https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2016/01/13/carriage-horse-latest-