MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- President Joe Biden arrived in New York City Monday to attend the United Nations General Assembly and is set to speak when the general debate begins Tuesday morning.
Biden is expected to address the role of the United States in the world, including the war between Ukraine and Russia as it enters its third year, the conflict between Israel and Gaza, and the competition the U.S. faces with China's growing economy.
The NYPD is implementing extra resources during the General Assembly amid conflict in Gaza and two assassination attempts on former president Donald Trump. The additions include bomb units, k-9 units, checkpoints, and drone technology.
Traffic is being redirected to ensure world leaders from the 193 member states are safe during the General Assembly. Drivers will have to seek alternate routes as road closures extend from 6th Avenue to FDR Drive from 34th to 60th Street.
Meanwhile, some local businesses are reaping the benefits of the dignitaries and world leaders being in town.
“On a regular Monday we get 100 customers, today we’ve done over 200 orders and we haven’t started with the dinner service yet,” said Elia Acosta of CHIRP.
Up the block, the feeling was different as the road closures impacted everyone at work at a Greek restaurant, including the owner who had to park several blocks away due to closures.
"The benefits are not overweighing the difficulties necessarily," said Dimitrius Kaantzoglou, manager of The Casual Greek.
"The traffic is bad. There were protests and we couldn't get deliveries from the suppliers," added George Tsimoyianis, owner of The Casual Greek.
Heavy traffic will likely remain for the rest of the week. Officials encourage commuters to utilize the subways as even some bus routes will be impacted due to congestion.
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