UN Lockdown Around Browning

The UN general assembly, happening from September 10-30, is causing gridlock in midtown. The heavy traffic is being caused by many street blockages to protect UN employees and dignitaries.

A frozen zone on 1st avenue from 40 street to 49 street allows access only for people who live and work in the area, causing a large amount of traffic due to detours. One source says: "The road closures were very annoying for me because I live right next to the UN, and it normally takes 15 minutes to go to school by car, but during the UN general assembly I had to wake up earlier in the morning than usual and I was still late for school.” Midtown East is normally not a very busy area, but during the UN general assembly, many people come to Midtown so it becomes extremely crowded due to UN dignitaries and their security.

Even though the UNGA can be annoying, it generates revenue of around 3 super bowls. The money comes from the materials bought; and it employs around 10,900 people, making it the 22nd largest employer in New York City. Of all the workers that live in the 5 boroughs, they brought home $1.25 billion. Overall the UN contributed an estimated $3.69 billion in the total output to the NYC economy in 2014.