President Barack Obama will attend three fundraisers in New York City today to raise money for his re-election bid. Traffic is expected in the city as the President makes his way to the events.

At 4 p.m., the President is expected to meet with Jewish leaders at the Upper East Side restaurant Daniel on 65th Street. Tickets for that event cost about $15,000.

Next, the President is scheduled to attend a dinner at director Spike Lee’s apartment on 63rd Street. About 40 people are expected at that event, and tickets cost over $35,000.

And finally, the President will make his way to the historic Apollo theater on 125th Street at around 7:00pm for a show featuring singers Al Green and India.Arie.

Instead of his normal route — a helicopter to Wall Street and then a motorcade that shuts down the FDR Drive or West Side Highway between the financial district and midtown — Obama will be coming into Manhattan over the RFK Triborough Bridge, said traffic guru “Gridlock” Sam Schwartz, which will likely lead to closing the FDR drive above 63rd Street.

“The Secret Service is really shaking things up a bit,” Schwartz told amNewYork. “Maybe they’re reacting to complaints from lower Manhattan about traffic jams.”
Obama’s first fundraiser, “Cocktails & Conversation with the President” for a cool $15,000 per person, starts at 4 p.m. at restaurant Daniel on E. 65th Street.

He’ll then travel a few blocks — Schwartz said he “wouldn’t be surprised if [Obama] doesn’t decide to take a little stroll” instead of driving — to director Spike Lee’s house for a $35,800 dinner at around 6 p.m. with a few dozen people.

“If you’re south of 59th street, you’re probably in good shape,” said Schwartz, warning, “just stay south of 59th street.”

(Source: WPIX / AMNY)