Special NYC zones for panhandling superheroes

The costumed characters, naked painted ladies, and bus tour ticket sellers who have made all of Times Square their stomping grounds could be restricted to specific zones under legislation being considered by the City Council.

The council’s committee on transportation is holding a hearing on legislation that would allow the city’s Department of Transportation to create rules and regulations for pedestrian plazas like the ones in Times Square.

The bill comes after a large number of complaints in recent years over aggressive panhandling behaviour, primarily from the costumed characters pushing onlookers for tips.