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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 06, 2024 | The Indian Eye 30

Mayor Adams Launches Major Step

to put the “Park” Back in Park Avenue

City Releases RFP to Redesign Park Avenue Between East 46th Street and East

57th Street, as Greener, Safer, More Welcoming Corridor

OUR BREAU

NEW YORK, NY
ew York City Mayor Eric Adams and New
York City Department of Transportation
N(DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez
have announced a major step to put the park back
in Park Avenue between East 46th Street and East
57th Street by adding greenery, public seating, con-
cessions, and safer crossings for pedestrians. The
city released an RFP today to help develop a cohe-
sive design vision for that portion of Park Avenue,
which sits atop the Grand Central Terminal Train
Shed — currently undergoing a major capital reha-
bilitation by the Metropolitan Transportation Au-
thority (MTA)’s Metro-North Railroad. This effort
comes as the city continues to advance its vision to
permanently reimagine Fifth Avenue as a safer, less
congested, pedestrian-centered boulevard, as well
as other public realm projects in commercial corri-
dors across the city.
“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 project along Park Avenue — one of the world’s forward to continuing to partner with DOT and the
Midtown and build a safer, more affordable, better great thoroughfares — exemplifies the bright future East Midtown Governing Group to implement pos-
city for all New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “Our for Midtown Manhattan by bringing beautiful open itive upgrades to this community.”
ambitious project will ensure that as the MTA com- space, housing, and culture next to modern offices.” “Collaborating with sister agencies to enhance
pletes its underground structural work, the Park Av- “We’re putting the ‘park’ back in Park Avenue! our green spaces is a cornerstone of our commit-
enue that goes back on top will be better than ever, This project will transform this iconic stretch of ment to New Yorkers. This synergy allows us to cre-
with more space for people to enjoy the greatest city Manhattan’s Park Avenue by adding greenery and ate vibrant, accessible environments that enrich the
in the world.” making important safety improvements. The Ad- lives of all residents, promote community well-be-
“We are seizing the opportunity to make trans- ams administration continues to reimagine public ing, and sustain the natural beauty of our city,” said
formative changes to ensure New York City is the space in record ways,” said DOT Commissioner New York City Department of Parks and Recre-
place where people want to be,” said First Deputy Rodriguez. “This street redesign is a key piece of a ation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Reimagining
Mayor Sheena Wright. “The Park Avenue redesign new vision for East Midtown, and we look forward Park Avenue builds on this administration’s efforts
exemplifies investments we are making not only to to identifying a partner to make this vision a reality.” to enhance public safety, promote sustainable trans-
enhance our public realm but to help reshape busi- “The East Midtown Rezoning continues to de- portation, and develop exceptional public spaces in
ness districts into even more livable neighborhoods liver for the public, as funds generated from private Midtown.”
that attract businesses and workers and generate development will help us deliver a greener and safer “As a city, we understand the importance of cre-
economic growth that benefits all New Yorkers.” Park Avenue,” said New York City Department of ating more green and vibrant corridors across the
“As the MTA works underground to shore up City Planning Director and New York City Planning whole city,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-
our train infrastructure, we are taking this unique Commission Chair Dan Garodnick. “This is just an- Ting Liu. “Investing in the redesigns of Park Avenue
moment to make the vital artery, Park Avenue, a other example of how we’re planning ahead to im- and Fifth Avenue continue to show progress in our
destination,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations prove livability and public safety in New York.” commitment to improve the connectivity and feel of
Meera Joshi. “Lighting, furniture, and concessions “This administration is transforming urban neighborhoods where we live, work, and play.”
will create more of the vibrant space New Yorkers space and finding opportunities to create safer, “Reimagining Park Avenue further advances
love and deserve.” calmer, and quieter places within our streetscape,” implementation of the ‘New’ New York Panel’s
“As our administration made clear in the ‘Mak- said New York City Department of Design and recommendations to reshape our business districts
ing New York Work for Everyone’ action plan, a dy- Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Old with great public space,” said “New” New York
namic public realm ensures our commercial corri- Park Avenue placed much more emphasis on the Executive Director B.J. Jones. “This effort joins
dors remain vibrant hubs for daily life,” said Deputy ‘park’ and we can get back to that while preserving Broadway Vision, the redesign of Fifth Avenue,
Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and mobility with dedication to a new set of design prin- and more to make Midtown an inviting, pedestri-
Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “This important ciples that values people’s health above all. We look an-friendly global center of commerce.”

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