A rusting relic from Rudolph Guiliani's reign as NYC mayor during the 1990s. This hydraulic stop sign was erected at the beginning of the Mayor's "Quality of Life" campaign outside City Hall. Its function seemed more symbolic than practical as it was possible to drive around it. Since then there have been two more barriers placed in front of it, a metal gate and hydraulic bollards, layering up the fortifications around City Hall.
The square is owned by the Mitsubishi Estate Co.