New York City closed sections of Broadway to traffic over Memorial Day weekend, an audacious plan to decongest the sidewalks, create new public spaces, and speed up traffic on 6th and 7th Avenues to boot. TSTC staffers were on Broadway today to see the results. We loved it — and so did the visitors and residents we talked to. Here’s what they had to say:

“Wonderful. Only in New York can you come and sit in a lawn chair in the street.” – Carolyn, visiting from Buffalo. (More photos and quotes after the jump:)

“It’s about time!” – 3 postal workers on break.

“This is something unique. I’m enjoying it.” – Rakesh, visiting New York for the first time, from India.

“It’s cool. I don’t mind it at all. Now I can cross this street (pointing at Broadway) without worrying about traffic, and now it’s not as congested.” – Winston, resident of Midtown Manhattan for 23 years.