NEW YORK—A new outdoor street plaza now graces the cityscape of Union Square’s East 17th and 18th streets along Broadway, complete with outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and potted plants.
These are among the changes in Union Square unveiled today by Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.
“By simplifying crossings and eliminating many of the area’s most notorious hot spots, we’re able to make the area safer and more enjoyable for everyone who makes Union Square a destination every day, whether by foot, bike, subway, or car,” said Khan in a statement.
In response to a high rate of pedestrian injuries in the Union Square area (95 from 2004 to 2008), DOT set out to implement a set of safety enhancements, while trying to maximize the area’s potential.
Khan called the famed square an economic and urban oasis for New Yorkers and visitors. During peak summer days, Union Square receives over 200,000 people in pedestrian traffic.
In addition to the pedestrian plazas, the $500,000 project includes reducing traffic to a single lane on Broadway from East 18th to 23rd streets with a bike path on the west curb. Traffic signals on East 17th Street and Broadway have also been improved, while traffic between Park Avenue South and Broadway on East 17th Street has now become one-way going westbound.
Jennifer Falk, the executive director of Union Square Partnership, said that 70 percent of the surrounding businesses have been in favor of the project and that they have received a lot of positive feedback. The improvements address important pedestrian safety and traffic congestion, she said.
Maria Coll, a tourist visiting from Argentina, stopped by to rest on the chairs while her daughter went in for some New York shopping.
“It’s a great little space to rest,” said Coll, adding that it’s great to have such a place in the middle of the city.
Marcel Van Ooyen, executive director of GrowNYC, oversees the farmer’s market at Union Square. He says he’s very pleased with the implemented changes, noting that improved space offers 12 more feet for customers, as well as extra room for farmers. He also announced that the market has agreed to provide plants for the flower pots in the plaza year-round free of charge.
These are among the changes in Union Square unveiled today by Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.
“By simplifying crossings and eliminating many of the area’s most notorious hot spots, we’re able to make the area safer and more enjoyable for everyone who makes Union Square a destination every day, whether by foot, bike, subway, or car,” said Khan in a statement.
In response to a high rate of pedestrian injuries in the Union Square area (95 from 2004 to 2008), DOT set out to implement a set of safety enhancements, while trying to maximize the area’s potential.
Khan called the famed square an economic and urban oasis for New Yorkers and visitors. During peak summer days, Union Square receives over 200,000 people in pedestrian traffic.
In addition to the pedestrian plazas, the $500,000 project includes reducing traffic to a single lane on Broadway from East 18th to 23rd streets with a bike path on the west curb. Traffic signals on East 17th Street and Broadway have also been improved, while traffic between Park Avenue South and Broadway on East 17th Street has now become one-way going westbound.
Jennifer Falk, the executive director of Union Square Partnership, said that 70 percent of the surrounding businesses have been in favor of the project and that they have received a lot of positive feedback. The improvements address important pedestrian safety and traffic congestion, she said.
Maria Coll, a tourist visiting from Argentina, stopped by to rest on the chairs while her daughter went in for some New York shopping.
“It’s a great little space to rest,” said Coll, adding that it’s great to have such a place in the middle of the city.
Marcel Van Ooyen, executive director of GrowNYC, oversees the farmer’s market at Union Square. He says he’s very pleased with the implemented changes, noting that improved space offers 12 more feet for customers, as well as extra room for farmers. He also announced that the market has agreed to provide plants for the flower pots in the plaza year-round free of charge.
