The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has proposed a master plan to install curb extensions and pedestrian ramps within the landmarked Street Plan of New Amsterdam and Colonial New York in Lower Manhattan. The proposal, presented to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday, seeks approval for a coordinated program of accessibility and streetscape upgrades at several intersections within the historic street network. The project area is located in Manhattan’s Financial District and includes multiple sites where pedestrian infrastructure would be reconstructed while maintaining the historic street alignment.
New Amsterdam and Colonial New York existing conditions, via NYC.
The proposal aims to upgrade non-standard pedestrian ramps and install ADA-compliant crosswalks using New York City Department of Transportation standard materials. In addition, the master plan would formalize the construction of permanent curb extensions at locations that currently contain painted curb build-outs. According to the presentation, the improvements are intended to address accessibility requirements and changing mobility needs in the area while maintaining the character of the landmarked street plan.
New Amsterdam and Colonial New York existing conditions, via NYC.
Design treatments vary depending on whether the surrounding sidewalk is historic or non-historic. Proposed elements include granite curbs, pigmented concrete sidewalks, and granite block headers. These materials are consistent with DOT standards for historic districts and are intended to reinforce the historic character of the streetscape while marking the historic curb line within the landmarked street plan. The project would affect several intersections, including Broadway and Rector Street, Hanover Square and Pearl Street, Broadway and Beaver Street, Bridge Street and Whitehall Street, and Broadway and Wall Street in Manhattan Community Board 1.
The project sites are located in Lower Manhattan near several subway lines, including stations serving the 1 train at Rector Street, the 2 and 3 trains at Wall Street, and the 4 and 5 trains at Wall Street and Bowling Green. Additional nearby transit access includes the J and Z trains at Broad Street and the R and W trains at Whitehall Street–South Ferry.
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Absolutely. And get rid of the scaffolding all over Manhattan ASAP.
Unpopular opinion alert, but this is money that could be better spent on something else.
Agree…no one has complained about the curbs in lower Manhattan, such a minute detail.
Just pedestrianize most of the streets. Municipal vehicles only and deliveries off peak.
This is a solution in search of a problem. Many downtown streets have fairly little car traffic even in the busiest parts of the day. DOT should put this money to use by upgrading truly useful pedestrian infrastructure particularly in the OBs.
What else is new? Several years ago, the granite curb stones were replaced with concrete along a stretch of West End Avenue just because someone had allocated the money.
I am with Guest, I thought Councilmember Marte had floating idea of pedestrianizing a lot of lower Manhattan. I think instead of expensive curb extensions we could get a bit more bang for buck just pedestrianizing some of these streets.
There’s a pothole repair blitz going on in the city right now, curb extentions and repairs seems like a logical extension..
Piss it away, I say!
It’s not like the city has financial problems!