New York City lawmakers are attempting to revive legislation that would ban parking at street corners to improve visibility for pedestrians. The initiative, known as “daylighting,” follows reports that Mayor Zohran Mamdani has wavered on a campaign promise to implement the policy citywide.
The proposed legislation, Intro 511, would prohibit parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk across the five boroughs. This measure would also require the Department of Transportation to install hard barriers at 1,000 corners annually.
A Battle Over Pedestrian Safety
The push for daylighting follows a period of significant tragedy in the city. In 2023, two seven-year-old children—one in Queens and one in Brooklyn—were killed by drivers while attempting to cross streets where visibility was poor.
Data from the Department of Transportation underscores the high stakes of intersection safety. Intersections account for 59 percent of pedestrian deaths and 77 percent of pedestrian injuries in the city.
Council Member Julie Won, who is sponsoring the bill, expressed frustration with the current administration’s stance. She noted that while she voted for Mamdani based on his promise of universal daylighting, the Mayor has since deferred to the Department of Transportation.
The Department of Transportation has expressed opposition to the universal mandate. Agency leaders have argued that having cars parked right against a crosswalk can protect pedestrians by preventing drivers from making sharp turns.
Financial and Legislative Hurdles
The cost of the proposal remains a point of intense debate. While the DOT suggested a $3-billion price tag, other estimates are significantly lower. The city’s Office of Management and Budget estimated the annual cost at approximately $16.7 million, while the Council estimated it at $9.9 million per year.
Implementing the law would also have a major impact on city infrastructure. Officials noted that daylighting could reclaim roughly 300,000 parking spots across the city’s 40,000 intersections.
Currently, Intro 511 has secured 25 co-sponsors, which is just short of a majority in the 51-member Council. This legislative path could become more difficult if the Mayor decides to oppose the measure.
What May Happen Next
If Mayor Mamdani chooses to veto the legislation, the Council may need to secure a two-thirds super-majority to pass the bill. The success of the measure could depend on whether advocates are able to secure $15 million in the current budget to fund the installation of hard barriers.
The Council’s legislative process may also include further public engagement and input as the bill moves forward. The outcome could eventually determine whether New York City follows the lead of municipalities like Hoboken, which has utilized lower-cost methods like paint and plastic bollards to clear its corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “daylighting”?
Daylighting is a design practice that prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk to improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians at intersections.
Why is the Department of Transportation opposing the bill?
The DOT has argued that parking up against a crosswalk can act as a protection by preventing sharp turns, and the agency has expressed a desire to retain control over where daylighting is implemented.
How much support does the bill currently have?
The legislation has drawn 25 co-sponsors so far, which is just short of a majority in the 51-member City Council.
How should the city balance the need for street corner visibility with the demand for available parking?
