Updated 12/30/2009 12:01 AM
Times Square Alliance Tests Out New Year's Confetti
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The Times Square Alliance promoted the annual New Year’s Eve celebration with its confetti "air worthiness" test Tuesday morning.
Those who cannot make it to Times Square Thursday night can ring in the New Year with NY1. Tune in at 11 p.m. for the station’s special, "Countdown to 2010." Right before the New Year arrives, NY1 will stop the commentary and let viewers enjoy the celebration.
The organization also invited people to come to the Times Square Information Center on Seventh Avenue through midnight Wednesday to write messages on the confetti that will fall on New Year's Eve.
"[We’ve received] all kinds of wishes,” said Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins. “We've got one here that says, ‘for my daughter to speak to me again soon.’ Another person says, ‘I wish I had one kitten.’ A third says, ‘I wish Miley Cyrus will marry me.’ ‘I wish I could fly,’ is another request to the wish ‘I wish I could end world hunger.’ So it’s things from the very personal and specific to the larger causes and hopes for the future, because New Year’s Eve is about hoping for a new beginning and a better beginning."
"I wish to all my big family happiness and great health,” said one Times Square visitor.
"I want to graduate and I want a new girl,” said another.
Those who cannot make it to Times Square can submit their wishes online at TimesSquareNYC.org.
A less glamorous angle to the party was also received with much fanfare Tuesday, as Broadway stars joined Charmin to promote the public toilets in Times Square.
At the charity benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the group performed show tunes, including revised lyrics for "Give My Regards to Broadway" that included plenty of "toilet" humor.
Meanwhile, the New York City Police Department says it's ready to keep New Year's revelers safe when the ball drops.
Radiation and biological detection equipment will be used during the big event. Nearby garages will be searched for bombs and sniper teams will also be in place.
As always, no backpacks or large bags will be permitted in the area.
Alcoholic beverages are also banned and anyone who leaves the area before the ball drop will not be allowed back in.
Also, from 7 p.m. Thursday to 12:15 a.m. Friday, the N, R and W subway lines will skip the 49th Street station in both directions, while the northbound 1 subway train will skip the 50th Street stop.
There will be no parking in the following areas from 12 a.m. Thursday through 1:00 a.m. Friday:
• All crosstown streets from 33rd to 59th Streets between Sixth and Eighth Avenues.
• West side of Fifth Avenue from 37th to 52nd Streets.
• West side of Sixth Avenue from 34th to 59th Streets.
• East side of Sixth Avenue from 37th to 52nd Streets.
• East side of Eighth Avenue from 34th to 57th Streets.
• 48th Street between Fifth and Ninth Avenues.
• 43rd Street between Fifth and Eighth Avenues.
• 42nd Street between Fifth and Ninth Avenues.
• 37th Street between Fifth and Eighth Avenues.
• 34th Street between Fifth and Eighth Avenues.
• 48th Street between Fifth and Ninth Avenues.
• 52nd Street between Fifth and Eighth Avenues.
• 58th Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenues.
• 59th Street between Fifth Avenue and Columbus Circle.
The following streets will be closed on Thursday to all vehicular traffic:
Starting at 2:30 p.m. Thursday:
• Seventh Avenue from 41st to 59th Streets.
• Broadway from 47th to 59th Streets.
• 43rd to 47th Streets from Sixth to Eighth Avenues.
Starting at 5 p.m. Thursday:
• 42nd Street from Sixth to Eight Avenues.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday:
• All crosstown streets from 37th to 41st Streets from Sixth to Eighth Avenues.
• All crosstown streets from 49th to 59th Streets from Sixth to Eighth Avenues.
• 48th Street from Fifth to Ninth Avenues.
Crosstown access for emergency vehicles will be available on 42nd, 48th, and 59th Streets. On-street parking will be extremely limited in the Midtown area. People should avoid all crosstown streets from 34th to 59th Streets, as well as Sixth and Eighth Avenues.