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This is an eyewitness report from the NowPublic member Pythiian1 who is on the scene.
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New York City Rings in 2009 with Style and Security
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by Pythiian1 | December 31, 2008 at 08:21 am
1871 views | 123 Recommendations | 29 comments
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Since yesterday, Dec.30, the familiar blue and steel barricades were set up along the side-streets, no parking zones were enforced from 33rd to 59th Streets and from Sixth Avenue to Eighth Avenue, and all mailboxes and man-holes were sealed temporarily.
Welcome to the City with the biggest party. The theme is "Let There Be Joy."
The giant 12,000-pound ball with 26,000 Waterford crystals and 32,000 LED bulbs was already raised to the top by the time I decided to walk up to the area. This Waterford crystal ball will remain on display in the city after the New Year.
Security is especially higher as the New York Police Department (NYPD) welcomes 1,129 newly-minted officers among its rank. This year, the NYPD will be working with the Secret Service Agents as the Clintons are expected to join Mayor Michael Bloomberg to welcome in 2009 in Times Square.
The city is home to a large population of strong supporters on each side of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which raises the security concern to higher than usual. The mayor, Michael Bloomberg has taken an international stance as he sides with Israeli reaction to the rocket attacks.
This morning, the sky is gray as the temperature dips to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow with wind-chill factor will drive the temperature to 18 degrees Fahrenheit by the time the Clintons and Mayor Michael Bloomberg press the button to release the New Year's ball to its countdown descent in Times Square.
Street closures will start at 3:30 pm today from Seventh Avenue and Broadway, from 41st to 59th Streets, and 43rd through 47th Street including Sixth and Eighth Avenue. By 6:30 pm these streets and avenues will be sealed off and only foot traffic is permitted on the streets.
Random security check-points are set up to clear those who want to enter these secured areas.
Security sweep on the grounds and in the air have already begun as of this writing. Helicopters are seen and heard as they are patrolling the Hudson River and western neighborhood's vicinity.
On another security note, the revelers have been warned not to bring backpacks, large bags, and absolutely No Alcohol. Once the revelers have been scanned to enter the particular sections, they will not be permitted to return if they decide to wander out of their sections before the ball drops.
The revelers are told to dress warmly as the temperature is expected to dip somewhere near 0 degrees Fahrenheit with wind-chill factor. Warm and non-alcoholic beverages will be offered to those revelers lucky enough to know where the stands will be stationed.
The New Year Party's organizer, Tim Tompkins promises the revelers a catchy 3-Musketeers confetti wishing wall where people write their wishes on confetti that will be dropped at midnight, the Nivea practiced-kisses at every hour on the hour, and other live entertainments.
This Manhattanite writer wishes the NP staff, contributors, and readers a Happy and Peaceful New Year.
Since the article was posted earlier in the day, some updated photos had been added by the writer among (thanks to) a slew of NP staff's, contributors' and readers' contributions.
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158
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (29)
at 08:34 on December 31st, 2008
Great post! Happy New Year!
at 08:47 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you, Rachel, and Happy New Year to you and yours.
at 08:45 on December 31st, 2008
I'm kind of surprised that there are so many security measures, but that is a good thing. Great post and Happy New Year!!
at 09:03 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you, Amy, and a Happy and Peaceful New Year to you and yours as well.
New York City and security measures are synonymous, and the alert is especially higher during any large event.
New Yorkers have learned to adjust their routines hence most will steer clear of the area today, which is why I went up to mid-town yesterday. As a local resident, I noticed some of the obvious security measures as unmarked vans are parked all over Times Square's vicinity while workers busily sealing off man-holes and mailboxes.
Visitors to the city won't notice anything unusual other than being told to ditch their large bags if they choose to enter into the secured zones.
at 09:14 on December 31st, 2008
Great original post!
at 12:22 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you and for the footage, Rpshen and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
at 10:18 on December 31st, 2008
good NY story Pythiian1, thanks for Happy New Year greetings. Well security, in france we have today additional 7000 men security; the reason instead of Firecrackers youngsters burn cars up to 700 at the end of the year. Nobody knows why ?
at 10:45 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you, Solarlife, and Happy New Year to you and your family. Bonne Annee.
at 12:02 on December 31st, 2008
Enjoy the New year. Stay safe Very nicely done
at 12:10 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you, Politisite, and best wishes for Happy New Year to you and your family.
at 12:42 on December 31st, 2008
Original post! What a delight!
Happy New Year!
at 13:06 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you, Dunkelberg, and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
Well, the biggest party happens to be in my own backyard, so I couldn't resist sharing a native New Yorker's views of the goings-on.
at 13:05 on December 31st, 2008
Great story, Pythiian1! A happy and peaceful New Year to you too!
at 13:30 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you, Rhonda for your kind words. The revelers are in for a cold wait because it's definitely colder now as the wind whips in from the north.
at 16:56 on December 31st, 2008
Very good stuff.
Happy, Happy
New Year..
at 17:04 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you, 158, and best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and yours.
at 19:02 on December 31st, 2008
Happy New Year09.
at 19:12 on December 31st, 2008
Great on the ground post. Really enjoyed reading it. Even in India, celebrations were low key. In the wake of Mumbai terror attack mood was somber. In national capital New Delhi, there were more security personnel than revelers.
at 19:21 on December 31st, 2008
Thank you, Sanjay, and a Happy and Peaceful New Year to you and your loved ones.
It's like a fortress in NYC unbeknownst to the thousands who are visiting here, just as well ...
at 11:15 on January 1st, 2009
Thank you Sanjay for your comments and input - best wishes and warm regards to you and yours in 2009.
at 19:29 on December 31st, 2008
Happy New Year Dennis . I love you and always will, I want 2009 to be the year we finally make it.
Love always,
Carol
at 04:19 on January 1st, 2009
Happy New Year from London UK!
adam_scott has contributed a photo to this story.
at 04:39 on January 1st, 2009
at 04:46 on January 1st, 2009
Great post, and thanks for asking me to share my photos.
Happy New Year from London (^^)/
lhuga has contributed a photo to this story.
at 12:41 on January 1st, 2009
nice Post.
at 13:00 on January 1st, 2009
Thank you Paschen, and best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and your family.
at 14:28 on January 1st, 2009
Nice piece.
I have written a sequel so to speak of the actual ball dropping festivities.
We have some of the same photos it appears.
at 21:33 on January 1st, 2009
Thank you, Harrintola. I noticed the same thing since the same people who uploaded their photos to my article have also uploaded the photos to yours. I've also noticed that my photos have now been included in your piece as well.
at 19:41 on January 1st, 2009
Where were the official fireworks sites? I know Grand Army Plaza Prospect Park has fireworks, but I noticed other locations last night as well. I was watching from far away on the 33rd floor of a Co-op City apartment, there seemed to be 4 displays around Manhattan.