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NYC Considering Table Service In Times Square

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) –  The Crossroads of the World will become more than just a tourist hot spot this summer if The Times Square Alliance gets its way.

Sidewalk cafes will soon be popping up on Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets as part of a one year pilot program.

The Times Square Alliance on Tuesday issued a request for proposals from area restaurants and vendors to take orders and serve food to people seated at the 100 tables and chairs in the car-free zone.

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1010 WINS' Al Jones speaks with New Yorkers about the idea

Those that dine outdoors will also have more to choose from than just the five vendors that will be issued contracts. The Alliance is also trying to round up some companies interested in providing a delivery service from nearby eateries to the plaza.

Beer and wine may also be served in designated areas for those that like too cool off with a cold one in the sticky New York summer heat.

Proceeds from the vendor sales will go to the alliance for maintenance and security of the plaza.

The Alliance is hoping the move will attract not just tourists but workers in Midtown.

Alliance president Tim Tompkins said the nonprofit is constantly thinking of how to make the Broadway pedestrian plazas a great urban space.

The deadline for proposals is April 15.

What kind of vendors do you hope set up shop in Times Square? Would you consider dining and drinking in the pedestrian plazas? Let us know below

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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