City Council, Question 7

Question 7:
The NYC Department of Transportation's Public Plaza Program, Pedestrian Street Program and Summer Streets events are intended to diversify the use of public space and provide more places for New Yorkers to recreate and socialize. Do you support the temporary or permanent repurposing of street space for pedestrians and cyclists?
  • Yes of course we need more parks and bike paths (my alternate street plan) the city has proved thru the Time's Sq plaza, that it do’s not adversely affect traffic flow, we get used to the system the truckers and cabbies get to know the when’s an when nots and live goes on, and it makes it a better place for s and our kids to live

  • I support these repurposing decisions when they are made with adequate community involvement, input, and notification. When done well, these repurposing can bring communities together. When done poorly or without proper process, it can unfortunately harm local businesses and anger local residents.

  • I support temporary repurposing of City streets. Summer Streets was a resounding success bringing New Yorkers of all ages from all five boroughs to experience the joys of running, biking and walking in our city.
    I am more skeptical about permanent closing. While the Times Square changes have been popular, they have created some serious traffic problems. My district is one of the most walkable in the City, and people want to see more green space. However, we also have serious traffic problems in district 1, including Canal street traffic, Park Row closures, and the traffic associated with three bridges and two tunnels here, I cannot fully support permanently closing major streets or intersections.
    Most importantly, the Department of Transportation engages in adequate community consultation in advance of major projects. One example is the Grand street bike lane. I support the idea of increasing space for projects like bike lanes, the installation on Grand street was done by fiat, without community discussion, and has created major traffic problems. Any temporary or permanent street closures or alterations must include significant advance community consultation, which I will facilitate as City Council member for District 1.

  • I am a strong supporter of increasing street space for pedestrians and cyclists. I support dedicated bike lanes, weekend street closure, and closing certain streets to traffic. I support the mayor's Time Square traffic plan, including closing Broadway.

  • I support a permanent repurposing of street space for pedestrians and cyclists. This will provide all of us a safer, healthier and cleaner breathing environment.

  • I support the temporary repurposing of streets. This is a great way for communities to enjoy the warmer months and to get together outdoors and enjoy the neighborhood. I also think that this can help bring business to the neighborhoods through pedestrian traffic. I am cautious of permanent repurposing, unless the community has been brought into the discussion. Before permanent repurposing is done we need to look at the real impact it has on the community and surrounding areas and listen to peoples concerns. The Plaza Program seems well thought, it uses underutilized streets. I support programs which are thoughtful.

  • Again these types of urban improvements are most desireable in Manhattan and areas like downtown Brooklyn. In districts more like my 18th city council district, expansion of and practical design of local greenways in addition to expanded green street properties would have a more positive impact on local neighborhood environmental and recreational needs. I advocate the reduction and elimination of unnessary DOT road beds and right-of-ways. I am a supporter of an expanded "Green Streets" program. I recommend the design and construction of greenways which service the local transportation needs of my districts neighborhoods in addition to the regionally planned, currently designed and constructed green way systems.

  • I support the temporary repurposing of street space for community use, though I believe we should fully examine the possible effects street space being permanently repurposed on a site by site basis.

  • The newly created Broadway/Times Square Plaza has already greatly improved the quality of life in the midtown area. These neighborhood plaza's transform busy commercial streets into exciting vibrant user-friendly public spaces. These areas also provide unique opportunities with private organizations to join forces and share the costs and benefits of these programs. Each area provides a safe environment with increased space for pedestrians, residents, tourists, pets and a reduction in pollution. I will support future Plaza programs that are approved by the community and work toward increasing our quality of life.

  • I personally have enjoyed repurposed street space in areas such as Times Square and my
    experience was quite enjoyable and relaxing. Having a similar space in our area might not be as
    ideal, since District 19 has access to much public space already in the form of parks, etc. But in
    select places, pedestrian street programs could prove quite beneficial, especially in places where
    streets are not heavily used for vehicular traffic, but are centrally located and could benefit
    many citizens as public open spaces.