NYC Councilman Pushes Bill for 5M Sq Ft of New Pedestrian Space

Legislation aims to create 1 million square feet of new pedestrian plazas, curb extensions and car-free space annually over 5 years.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:53pm

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A far-left Brooklyn councilman has introduced legislation that would require the city's Department of Transportation to include the creation of 1 million square feet of new pedestrian space as a benchmark in its next five-year Streets Master Plan. The bill would prioritize these pedestrian-friendly projects near high-traffic bus stops and subway stations.

Why it matters

The proposal highlights the ongoing tensions in New York City between car-centric policies and efforts to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists and public transit. While supporters say the plan would improve walkability and access, critics argue it would lead to more traffic congestion, especially in outer borough 'transit deserts'.

The details

The legislation, introduced by Democratic Councilman Lincoln Restler, does not estimate how many parking spaces or driving lanes would be lost to create the new pedestrian space. City transportation officials also could not provide those figures. The bill would require the DOT to 'prioritize' new plazas, curb extensions and other car-free areas near busy transit hubs like Herald Square and the Barclays Center.

  • The legislation was introduced on March 3, 2026.
  • The DOT's next five-year Streets Master Plan is due in December 2026.

The players

Lincoln Restler

A Democratic New York City Councilman representing parts of Brooklyn, including Williamsburg and Greenpoint. He has championed policies to reduce curbside parking and prioritize pedestrians, cyclists and public transit over drivers.

Joann Ariola

A Republican New York City Councilwoman representing parts of Queens, including the Rockaways, Howard Beach and other 'transit deserts'. She has criticized Restler's legislation as favoring the 'anti-car lobby' at the expense of outer borough residents.

Mike Flynn

The Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, appointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He expressed support for expanding pedestrian space in response to growing demand.

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What they’re saying

“This would be adding more open streets, adding more public plazas, adding more 'daylighting' [banned parking near crosswalks], so that we all have the necessary pedestrian space we need to get around.”

— Lincoln Restler, New York City Councilman (New York Post)

“This is yet another favor for the anti-car lobby that will make life harder for residents of the outer boroughs.”

— Joann Ariola, New York City Councilwoman (New York Post)

“As demand for pedestrian space increases, we are responding by expanding opportunities that prioritize pedestrians at the block, corridor, or district-wide scale.”

— Mike Flynn, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner (New York Post)

What’s next

The New York City Council is expected to vote on Restler's legislation in the coming months. If passed, the DOT would be required to incorporate the new pedestrian space targets into its next five-year Streets Master Plan, due in December 2026.

The takeaway

Restler's proposal reflects the ongoing debate in New York City over how to balance the needs of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and public transit users. While supporters say it would improve walkability, critics argue it could exacerbate traffic congestion, especially in transit-dependent outer borough neighborhoods.