Michael Appleton for The New York Times People waited in line to enter the gates of City Hall.Bill de Blasio was sworn in as the 109th mayor of New York City on Wednesday, a few minutes after midnight, but his formal inauguration ceremony on the steps of City Hall is scheduled to begin at noon. Times reporters and photographers arrived early to capture the scene.
One sign of the changing times at City Hall: the tunes.
Before the inauguration was to begin, unmistakable toe-tapping, and even the occasional full body sway, could be seen among the crowd of lawmakers, power players, and other ticketholders looking for a way to keep warm.
From a booth beside the stage, DJ M.O.S â€" headphones on, head bopping â€" showered attendees with an array that included Stevie Wonder, the Commodores, and “Blame It on the Boogie,†made famous by the Jacksons, as well as a series of dance club hits like “Get Lucky†by Daft Punk.
Older rock takes, like “Glory Days†by Bruce Springsteen and “Don’t Do Me Like That†by Tom Petty, also shared the spotlight.
Representative Carolyn Maloney was among those impressed with the groovy tone.
“This music!†she exclaimed happily. “You’d never hear this with Giuliani or Bloomberg.â€
With the ceremony nearing around 11:45 a.m., DJ M.O.S. turned to the Bruno Mars hit “Treasure.â€
“You’re wonderful, flawless,†the lyrics read. “Ooh you’re a sexy lady.â€
As Mr. de Blasio took the stage before noon, shaking hands and greeting well-wishers, DJ M.O.S. unfurled an eclectic mix that included “Native New Yorker,†“Empire State of Mind†and “Roar,†by Katy Perry.
â€" Matt Flegenheimer
Mayor Bill de Blasio had arrived with his family at the subway station beneath the Municipal Building, across the street from a packed City Hall plaza awaiting his arrival, when a familiar face strode over to greet him at 11:37 a.m.
Nate Schweber for The New York Times Mayor Bill de Blasio met Michael R. Bloomberg on the subway platform on Wednesday.It was Michael R. Bloomberg, private citizen.
The two shook hands and embraced.
“How does it feel to be a free man?†the new mayor asked.
Mr. Bloomberg greeted each member of the de Blasio family, then turned back to Mr. de Blasio and confided a lesson, should Mr. de Blasio go on to enjoy another inauguration someday:
“You never forget your first one.â€
With that, Mr. Bloomberg was done. “O.K., what’s now?†he said to a companion.
The former mayor turned, walked off, and left the de Blasios on the platform.
â€" Nate Schweber
Ruth Fremson/The New York Times Workers prepared the podium for the new mayor’s formal swearing-in, scheduled to start at noon.With New Year’s Eve stragglers still stalking the sidewalks, leaving plastic party hats in their wake, Lower Manhattan residents awoke on Wednesday to find not just a new mayor, Bill de Blasio, but a new neighbor â€" and a sprawling operation preparing to welcome him.
By 9 a.m., the national anthem had been performed at least twice by a high school choir inside the gates of City Hall. Chairs were lined across the plaza. A few well-connected guests, clutching folded papers, began slipping through side entrances.
Carlos Molina, 53, who lives a short walk away, on Spruce Street, passed the building around 8:45 a.m. with his dog, Charlie. He hoped to avoid the crowds on Wednesday, but expects to see more of the new mayor than he did of the old one.
“He’s closer to the regular people,†Mr. Molina said. “More accessible.â€
As a sound check began for the ceremonial swearing-in, Charlie stuck her nose through the gate, her tail whipping the cold air.
“She’s looking for squirrels,†Mr. Molina said.
â€" Matt Flegenheimer
