While President Obama is expected to discuss the ever complicated Palestinian statehood question and Russia headache at this month's United Nations General Assembly, New Yorkers are gearing up for their own share of headaches, including heavy traffic congestion and tight security.
The NYPD says to anticipate delays and announced official roadblocks which include:
Streets subject to closure at the discretion of NYPD:
W 34 St to E 57 St from 1 Avenue to 2 Ave, all inclusive<
E 50 St between FDR Dr and 6 Ave
E 43 St, 44, 45, 46 and 47 St from 1 Ave to 3 Ave
E 45 St and 46 St from Madison Ave to Vanderbilt Ave (all inclusive)
E 48 St 49 and 51 St from Madison Ave to 1 Ave
E 48, 49, 50, and 51 St from Lexington Ave to Madison Ave (all inclusive)
W 52 St and 53 St from 6 Ave to 7 Ave
W 54 St from 6 Ave to 7 Ave
6 Ave from W 54 St to W 55 St
The city is also under high terror alert, and although there are no known targets directed towards the General Assembly, spokesman for the NYPD, Paul Browne, says security will increase again. The Coast Guard says they are preparing for security zones on the East River. The President is also expected to attend the Clinton Global Initiative meeting on Wednesday.
President Obama isn't the only head of state causing increased security in the area. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is reportedly staying at the Warwick Hotel, brings his annual controversy to town, with many demanding the hotel reject his stay. Expect Ahmadinejad's visit to be the cause of one of many protests happening around United Nations headquarters.
Friday, September 23 is the last day for the assembly. Below is a video from past General Assembly protests.