I just made my reservations for a week in NYC - 4 days
before the New Year and 3 days after. I have never been to
NYC during a New Years celebration, but from a TV, and word
of mouth perspective it seems to be the best party on the
planet. I have also recently seen some bad press on NYC:
the shootings, the mayor protests, etc. I'm looking for
some HONEST LOCAL opinions on how crazy you think it will
get during the New Year celebrations. Will it be safe?
Can they really control all those people without pushing
people around? I'm not looking for police bashing, just
some advice on do's and donÆts. I just wan't to make sure
I have the best possible time.
[There are 7 posts - the latest was added on Wed 26 May, 6:37]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
Well, I live in New York, and gut feelings are that it will
be no problem safety-wise come New Year's. That's not to
say it won't be crazy. It's a big, crowded city, and if
you're into big (VERY BIG) crowds and partying, it will be
something quite unprecedented. Expect the expected crush
and bustle of a major city multipled somewhat, but no riots
or anything.
Personally, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near Times Square
for the moment (I'll be on a mountain top in colorado), but
then I was never one for crowds....
the truth is very few of us locals will go anywhere near
times square on new years -- it should be safe enough --
there is always a huge police presence but the crowds are
awful, drunken and loud -- the midnight run in central park
with its fireworks is where you'll find the locals if they
haven't run away from the city !!
I'm another New Yorker who also wont be anywhere near times
square on New Years. Every year it's a crazy scene, but
probably only really enjoyable if you love crowds,
congestion, and teenagers. I wouldn't worry about safety,
except for normal city precautions against pickpocketing,
walking down dark, isolated streets, etc. From past
experience, I think the majority of young and/or trendy New
Yorkers will be partying at private parties at bars and
clubs that were booked and paid for (my range of invites ran
from $60 - $125 this past year) well ahead of time. I
imagine this New Years will only be worse. If I was going to
be in NY, I would make sure to get an invite and RSVP early
to a party with friends. The few bars & clubs that aren't
invite only will probably be unbearably crowded (can't get a
drink) and expensive. I'm sure it will be lots of fun in any
case though. Have a blast!
But I'm sure it will be a blast.
I've heard that every NY City police officer is expected to
be on duty on New Year's Eve. The crowd will be loud and
rowdy, no doubt. As mentioned above, do take usual
precautions when in the crowd. I'd leave knapsack, pocket
book, etc. home...pickpockets run rampant in these sort of
situations. Subway and walking will be best way to get
around-since many blocks will be closed to traffic, don't
even bother hailing a cab. That is if you can find one!
I'd suggest no open containers (alcohol) and no
drugs...these "quality of life" offenses will be what cops
are looking for.
In the past, cops have made "grids" in the area around
Times Square to control the crowd. A couple of cops on
horse patrol their grid. I've done the Times Square thing
in years past and the crowd has always been insanely
jubilant, but generally good spirited.
The police situation in NY has been strained and dividing.
A few months ago, while on patrol hunting down a serial
rapist, an elite undercover force of four officers shot an
unarmed, innocent black man 41 times in the lobby of his
apartment building. This, on top of the Louima situation
(white cops beat a black man in melee outside of a
nightclub, hauled him in to HQ where one proceeded to
brutally assault and humiliate him) has intensified
scrutiny of police and again let racism rear its ugly
head. Hopefully, justice will prevail. A little
idealistic, but ya gotta have some hope. There have been
many protest marches, especially near where I work
(downtown NY) which is near Police HQ. These protests have
for the most part, been peaceful. Al Sharpton does try to
stir up the emotions often, but most just want justice and
peace.
Make sure you have very definite plans re: lodging. Many
hotels have been booked for years!! Room rates are
unbelievably inflated. A number of restaurants and lounges
will (believe it or not) be closed...either they don't want
to deal with the madness, or they cannot find staff to work
on New Year's Eve.
Happy travels!!
Please don't hesitate to post if you have any questions
about NYCity. LP TT posters have helped me with my travels
many times in the past. I'd be glad to return the favor.
Welcome to NY!
As a rare Manhattan native, I have always been like the
above posters - thinking myself too cool to join the
tourist throngs in Times Square. I have always attended
private parties etc.
However, I think that Times Square IS the place to be for
New Year's 2000. I have talked to others who have done it
in the past and am slightly turned off by the police
measures:
the police actually close off many side streets and create
an artificial flow in and out of the square to prevent
trampling. apparently it can take a few hours just to exit
the square!
One thing I have learned from other nyc street events is to
scope it out a few days before hand, get there early and
keep your spot - a window sill a few feet above ground
level, the top of a mailbox, etc. you will be elevated and
have a seat. if that is not possible bring a plastic milk
box to stand on. either way bring a friend and choose a
place near a cheap restaurant with a bathroom.
one note though - its _really_ fucking cold here in
January. bring hot toddies, thermal underwear, and bundle
up!
Unlike you, I do not think that I am "too cool" for Times
Square. Please do not pass judgement or decide what I
think. Not right. Not cool.
Unlike you, I do not think that I am "too cool" to enjoy
Times Square on New Years. Just happen to have other plans.
Please do not decide what I think I am...not right and
definitely not cool.