A Proposed Park Avenue Redesign Attempts To Transform Midtown East
Mayor Eric Adams is advocating for a Park Avenue redesign between East 46th Street and East 57th Street, right above the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed, which is currently under construction.
On August 27, he and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez released an RFP that details plans to create a verdant area and restore the space to what it once was. He claims it’s time to put the “park” back in Park Avenue.
Inside the proposed Park Avenue redesign
Though we don’t typically consider the iconic block to be one of the best parks in New York City, it actually was a bucolic atmosphere in its heyday. The installation of greenery, seating, concessions, and medians widened up to 20 feet — which could potentially allow for art, bike paths, and landscaping — are all part of the plan. According to Mayor Adams, these factors are non-negotiable.
High-quality public spaces aren’t just a luxury — they’re a necessity, and they’re a vital component of our vision to revitalize commercial corridors like Midtown and build a safer, more affordable, better city for all New Yorkers. — Mayor Adams.
This news mirror’s the Mayor’s ongoing efforts to reimagine Fifth Avenue into a pedestrian hub, and perhaps this is yet another step towards reshaping the city.
“This street redesign is a key piece of a new vision for East Midtown, and we look forward to identifying a partner to make this vision a reality,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez.
Pedestrians are seemingly at the forefront of conversation, as this news comes on the heels of the announcement of a 32-mile cycling and pedestrian path heading to Manhattan’s waterfront. Though we have time until the East River Greenway comes to fruition — it’s expected to be complete in 2028 — it appears we could potentially have a less-congested city in the future.
“Creating a continuous loop of public open space around the perimeter of Manhattan is key to enhancing quality of life for all New Yorkers by allowing use of the waterfront for enjoyment and safe travel,” James Patchett, president CEO of the city’s Economic Development Corporation, said in a press release five years ago — a similar sentiment to that of Mayor Adams.
Time will tell how these plans unfold. How do you feel about the city’s potential transformations? Learn more about this proposal at nyc.gov.
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