| Contact: | Sunny Mindel / Michael Anton Tom Cocola (DOT) |
(212) 788-2958 (212) 442-7033 |
Mayor Giuliani said, "As the most diverse city in the world, New York City has an excellent record of respecting all of the faith traditions of its 8 million residents. This step by the Department of Transportation is in keeping with that record. I want to wish all Jewish New Yorkers the very best as this important holiday approaches."
"It is a rare occurrence for Purim to fall on a Friday, the day before the Jewish Sabbath," Commissioner Weinshall said. "As a result, the traditional activities associated with Purim will now be compressed into a shorter period of time."
Purim is a Jewish holiday commemorating the deliverance of Jewish people from a massacre by Haman. In a number of communities throughout the City, people will be driving to deliver presents and visit friends and relatives.
The Commissioner is lifting ASP regulations for safety concerns, since it will create more parking spaces. Commissioner Weinshall said many community groups asked DOT to consider suspending ASP for Purim.
According to DOT Rules, (Section 4-02), "the Commissioner may, at his or her discretion, suspend any regulations contained herein in situations involving and safety. Also, the rules state (Section 4-08): "Street cleaning rules are suspended…on such other days as announced by the Commissioner or his/her designee."