New York City officials are set to vote Thursday on Intro 943, a measure that would phase out the historic horse‑drawn carriage industry by June 1, 2028. The proposal, championed by Mayor Zohran Mamdadi, was introduced after an 18‑year‑old tourist died in a Central Park carriage accident.
Legal objections surface
City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino told Fox News Digital the legislation is “unconstitutional” and warned that lawsuits will be filed immediately after passage. “Intro 943 is unconstitutional. Lawsuits are going to be filed immediately after this effort is passed,” Paladino said, adding that the legal battle will become “tangled up in legalese.”
Impact on small‑business owners and tourism
Paladino emphasized that many carriage operators are immigrants and small‑business owners who contribute to the city’s cultural fabric. “Let’s remember that these owners represent a melting pot,” she said. “Their livelihood exists in and around the city.” She also argued that eliminating carriage rides could diminish a “tremendous tourist attraction” that draws visitors from around the world.
The proposed ban would also require a transition plan for drivers and a humane disposition of the horses, but critics say the plan does not address the broader economic fallout for families who depend on the trade.
Alternative transportation concerns
Paladino criticized the city’s focus on electric bicycles and scooters as an alternative, noting that many of these devices travel at speeds of 20 to 40 miles per hour without licensing, registration, or insurance. “How many people get run over by those people?” she asked. She urged the Mamdadi administration to prioritize regulating the scooter and e‑bike industry rather than dismantling the carriage sector.
“If the Mamdadi administration truly cared about public safety, why don’t they get a handle on the scooter and bike industry?” Paladino said.
Labor union response
The union representing carriage workers also signaled its intent to challenge the ban in court if the legislation becomes law, adding another layer of potential litigation.
Mayor’s office remains silent
Mayor Mamdadi’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
What’s at stake
The debate pits historic tradition and a niche tourism market against concerns for public safety and animal welfare. Supporters argue that the ban will prevent future tragedies like the Central Park accident, while opponents warn of economic harm to immigrant‑run businesses and the loss of a beloved city icon.
City Council members will weigh these arguments Thursday, and the outcome will determine whether New York City moves toward a carriage‑free future or preserves a long‑standing element of its cultural landscape.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
