The 21st Century Battle for Public Space (2000 – Present)
2000-Present - PEdestrian Friendly Streets
THe creation of Pedestrian Malls in New York City
Starting in 2000 Mayor Bloomberg began his quest to reclaim the streets of New York for the other travelers. Ever since the creation of the car, New Yorkers have been in a state of battle between who has the right of way on the packed city streets. Bloomberg showed that it is possible to regain space for the pedestrian in the most populated place in America with the right planning and funds. The first YouTube clip highlights some of the traffic problems faced in the average New York intersection on any given day.
As part of his Go Green NY initiative Bloomberg created a series of pedestrian plazas, bike lanes, and outdoor cafes. Partnered with NYC DOT and the Gehl Architects a series of plans were drawn up for these locations. One such plan, Broadway Boulevard between W. 42nd and W. 35th, aimed to “create more pleasant links between destinations and provide an environment that is enjoyable as well as functional” (Sadik-Khan 2008). The outcomes of Broadway Boulevard were improved safety for tourists, residents, and those who no longer have to wait for public transit in the street. The success of this plan led to the creation of pedestrian plazas all over the city in problem intersections. While the plans did regain rights of pedestrians, it did have some disappointments. Unfortunately these boulevards cost a lot of money to construct, they are only fully functional in certain seasons, and in some locations, traffic jams have gotten worse (Sadik-Khan 2011).
Another issue raised by these pedestrian malls is for whom where they created. Many of these locations are outside private businesses. While they are created by the City, businesses can control who can use the space. For example, a homeless person cannot sleep/seek shelter for an extended period of time in the safety of the square. What these malls are turning into years later is a corral for tourists while they try and snap photos of Times Square. The furniture has fallen into disrepair and very few New Yorkers spend any significant amount of time sitting in the area while cars wiz past. That being said these malls are still a step in the right direction.
As part of his Go Green NY initiative Bloomberg created a series of pedestrian plazas, bike lanes, and outdoor cafes. Partnered with NYC DOT and the Gehl Architects a series of plans were drawn up for these locations. One such plan, Broadway Boulevard between W. 42nd and W. 35th, aimed to “create more pleasant links between destinations and provide an environment that is enjoyable as well as functional” (Sadik-Khan 2008). The outcomes of Broadway Boulevard were improved safety for tourists, residents, and those who no longer have to wait for public transit in the street. The success of this plan led to the creation of pedestrian plazas all over the city in problem intersections. While the plans did regain rights of pedestrians, it did have some disappointments. Unfortunately these boulevards cost a lot of money to construct, they are only fully functional in certain seasons, and in some locations, traffic jams have gotten worse (Sadik-Khan 2011).
Another issue raised by these pedestrian malls is for whom where they created. Many of these locations are outside private businesses. While they are created by the City, businesses can control who can use the space. For example, a homeless person cannot sleep/seek shelter for an extended period of time in the safety of the square. What these malls are turning into years later is a corral for tourists while they try and snap photos of Times Square. The furniture has fallen into disrepair and very few New Yorkers spend any significant amount of time sitting in the area while cars wiz past. That being said these malls are still a step in the right direction.