Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Public Space

Thompson, Avella Pledge to Dump Sadik-Khan If Elected

By Ben Fried | Aug 27, 2009 | 64 Comments

Tony Avella and Bill Thompson. Photo: Daily News. I didn’t get to watch last night’s Democratic mayoral debate between Bill Thompson and Tony Avella, so I missed the high drama that ensued when the candidates were asked if they’ll retain Janette Sadik-Khan as transportation commissioner. Good thing Brian Lehrer played excerpts on his show this […]

When Dodging Death Becomes a Fact of Life

By Brad Aaron | Aug 19, 2009 | 38 Comments

Lisa Sladkus sent in this photo of yesterday’s mayhem at the 72nd Street subway station. For the second time (that we know of) in less than a week, a yellow cab driver has wreaked havoc on Manhattan streets, terrorizing pedestrians and leaving a trail of destruction. Miraculously, unlike Akim Saiful Alam, the unidentified driver in […]

Streetfilms: Carmaggeddon Averted as Broadway Comes to Life

By Clarence Eckerson Jr. | Jul 20, 2009 | 19 Comments

When New York City opened up new pedestrian zones in the heart of Midtown this summer, naysayers predicted a traffic nightmare. Nearly two months later, we’re still waiting for the much-feared Carmaggedon. In this video, Streetsblog publisher Mark Gorton takes us on a tour of Broadway’s car-free squares and boulevard-style blocks, where conditions have improved […]

Independence Day Special: The Freedom to Sit

By Ben Fried | Jul 2, 2009 | 10 Comments

This was the scene at Herald Square yesterday afternoon. It’s full of people doing what the Times’ Susan Dominus finds so un-New York: sitting down. Some of these loafers are actually putting their feet up, right in the heart of our fast-paced, cutthroat city. It’s like they’ve never even seen The Sweet Smell of Success. […]

Find Out More About DOT’s Plaza Program

By Ben Fried | May 12, 2009 | No Comments

DOT’s plaza program emphasizes projects in neighborhoods where public space is scarce. If you’re interested in reclaiming some asphalt in your neighborhood for a new public space, now’s your chance to learn more about NYCDOT’s Plaza Program. DOT is holding a series of information sessions about the program this month, including one at Brooklyn Borough […]

DOT: Nine New Public Plazas in the Works

By Brad Aaron | May 1, 2009 | 5 Comments

Before and after: Fulton St. and Marcy Ave. Image via DOT. DOT has announced its selections for round one of the NYC Plaza Program, which invites non-profits throughout the boroughs to propose the development of new public spaces. According to DOT, applicants were chosen based on organizational and site-specific criteria, with special consideration given to […]

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