Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Public Space

Astor Place Moves Closer to Becoming a Great Public Space

By Ben Fried | Jul 28, 2008 | 6 Comments

A rendering of "Village Plaza" — a pedestrian space that may supplant the asphalt-covered area south of Astor Place. Remember the Alamo? That’s the public sculpture (AKA "The Cube") located on a pedestrian island in the middle of Manhattan’s Astor Place. It’s a decent landmark for meeting up with a friend, but it always looks […]

Livable Streets Projects Getting Hung Up in Budget Bureaucracy?

By Aaron Naparstek | Jul 23, 2008 | 2 Comments

From today’s Crain’s Insider: The city is weighing a new set of street design guidelines that would make installation of pedestrian-friendly elements, like curb extensions, easier. The Department of Transportation has developed a number of new street and traffic plans in Madison Square Park and other places around the city. But each one requires special […]

Weiner Invokes Jane Jacobs, Endorses “Alternative Modes”

By Ben Fried | Jul 23, 2008 | 6 Comments

Move over Weinermobile. Queens Congressman and 2009 mayoral hopeful Anthony Weiner released a manifesto of sorts yesterday. "Keys to the City" lays out his plan, in broad strokes, to "keep New York the capital of the middle class." Toward the end, Weiner touches on transportation policy. While he remains opposed to congestion pricing, he comes […]

Streetfilms: Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square

By Clarence Eckerson Jr. | Jul 10, 2008 | 1 Comment

According to the Project for Public Spaces (PPS), Portland, Oregon’s Pioneer Courthouse Square is one of the Top 10 greatest public spaces in the U.S. & Canada. I couldn’t agree more. Affectionately referred to as the city’s "living room" the charming and versatile block was once slated to be a parking garage in the 1960s. […]

Streetfilms: FIGMENT Festival on Governors Island

By Brad Aaron | Jul 7, 2008 | No Comments

A couple of weekends ago, FIGMENT, a non-profit art and culture festival, held its 2008 event on Governors Island. Streetfilms contributor Nick Whitaker was there. Partnering with Governors Island, the producers of FIGMENT hope to increase the enjoyment of art by placing it in an under-utilized public space just minutes from downtown. FIGMENT is free […]

T.A. Offers Reward for Park Slope “Post-Automobile Street” Designs

By Brad Aaron | Jul 7, 2008 | 10 Comments

9th St. and 4th Ave.: "A dangerous crossing that divides surrounding neighborhoods and inhibits street life." Transportation Alternatives is seeking proposals to reinvent the intersection of 9th Street and 4th Avenue in Park Slope. "Designing the 21st Century Street," a competition open to the general public, will reward the three most promising submissions with up […]

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