Horse-carriage boarding areas to be moved into Central Park

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is announcing a plan to move the carriage horses that line up along the southern edge of Central Park to designated boarding spots inside the park.

The Democrat promised during his 2013 mayoral campaign to ban the horses and buggies "on Day One." But a bill to phase out the industry died amid opposition from carriage horse supporters.

Under the plan announced Thursday, horse-drawn carriages awaiting fares would be relocated from Central Park South to five boarding areas inside the park.

City Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said the move will reduce the amount of time horses spend next to car traffic.

But Elizabeth Forel of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages said the horses could still become spooked and bolt inside the park.

The proposed boarding locations:

• Grand Army Plaza: In the center lane at the Grand Army Plaza entrance to Central Park
• East 72nd Street Entrance: On the north curb approximately 50 feet west of 5th Avenue
• West 72nd Street Entrance: On the east curb approximately 130 feet east of Central Park West
• West 67th Roundabout: On the north curb of the roundabout next to Tavern on the Green
• Seventh Avenue Entrance: On the east curb, approximately 20 feet north of Central Park South