Tourism is Great for NYC But.......

With the exception of the four years I spent in college I have lived in NY my entire life. I am in so many ways the "typical New Yorker". I am constantly in a hurry (even when I have no place to go), I rarely sit to drink my coffee preferring it in a paper cup "to go". I am always on my cell phone and my conversations are short, sweet and to the point. I have no patience for incompentancy and generally believe that my point of view is the only relevant one.

Now, I fully understand the importance of Tourism with regards to the economy of the city. Not only do tourists spend a lot of money in hotels, restaurants, the theater and in the stores but they also buy a lot of real estate here in the city and thats great for our business.

So, here is my problem...when you mix native New Yorkers on their way to or from work or home with countless tourists that walk like they are at home strolling through the mall the result is mass chaos. What exactly is it that is so fascinating about the tops of high rise buildings that tourists need to stare at endlessly? Why do these hords of out of towners need to stand at the top of the staircase outside a subway station to discuss their next move?

A while back I read that someone (I cant remember who) had proposed a separate lane on the sidewalk for tourists. I laughed when I first heard this but after it taking me what seemed like an hour to make my way three blocks in mid-town last night I now want to know where do I sign to voice my approval for this plan.

Dont get me wrong, I love the tourists and appreciate them spending their money in our fabulous city, I just cant stand sharing the sidewalk with them.