Sunday, June 15, 2008

DOT does right, CB1 doesn't agree


Ever since the new NYC DOT commish took over there has been a buzz about a Ciclovia type street closing plan for NYC. While many thought that Broadway would be closed from the top of the island to the bottom, NYC rolled plans this week for Saturday morning closures in August. The Downtown Express broke the story.
On three Saturday mornings in August, the Department of Transportation will ban cars from nearly 5 miles of city streets to make way for cyclists, joggers and walkers. Starting at the beginning of Centre St. in Lower Manhattan, then moving north onto Lafayette St., Fourth Ave. and Park Ave., people will be able to travel all the way to 72nd St. and then to Central Park by walking down the middle of a street. The streets will be closed to cars on August 9, 16 and 23 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. On 15 major east-west streets, like Canal, 14th St. and 42nd St., cars will be allowed to cross the car-free zone.

Board members countered that Downtown streets are already heavily constricted by construction and street fairs, and the last thing anyone needs is to close a major northbound thoroughfare.

The word I am hearing is that DOT will make a formal announcement on Monday. While this is a step in the right direction, morning closures seem to be half measures. The streets aren't bustling with activity until at least 1 o'clock. A full day street closure (much like street fairs and block parties) until at least 6 or 7 pm would be much better.

Hopefully Monday we will get all the details.

1 comment:

Escape Brooklyn said...

Too little too late. Street closings until 1:00 p.m.? Could they spare it? Who does that benefit?

This city is done.