DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION PREVIEWS NEW SHARED STREET AS PART OF EAST MIDTOWN’S PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENTS

   The de Blasio Administration detailed plans to launch a Shared Street on 43rd Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue as part of the rezoning of Greater East Midtown. That comprehensive plan, developed with Council Member Dan Garodnick and Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, included major improvements to the public realm and streetscapes across the business district. The NYC Department of Transportation will begin piloting a new configuration of 43^rd Street between Lexington and Third Avenues in spring 2018 that will increase sidewalk space, provide room for tables, chairs and plantings and lower vehicle speeds—while maintaining access for deliveries. A full capital buildout of the space will be completed by 2021.

The rezoning of East Midtown directly ties new commercial growth to improvements in the district’s public transit and public space. In addition to the 43^rd Street ‘shared street,’ New Yorkers will see major investments in subway stations, less congested sidewalks and expansive plazas across the district.

“This shared street will make a big difference in the quality of life for people working and traveling near Grand Central. It’s part of our commitment to a new formula for growth,” saidMayor de Blasio. “In the years ahead, this neighborhood will see major upgrades to subway stations, more expansive space for pedestrians, investments in its iconic landmarks, and a new generation of office buildings that will spur good jobs for New Yorkers.”

A “Shared Street” is a roadway designed for slow travel speeds where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists all share the right of way. Vehicles are advised to drive 5MPH and the roadway is flush from building line to building line without the typical curb line grade separation. Shared streets can be designed and managed in a variety of different ways to balance the needs of all users while enhancing the safety, aesthetics, and overall experience of the area. Earlier this year, DOT created its first full-time Shared Street on Broadway between 24^th and 25^th Streets in the Flatiron District; on that block during evening rush hours, pedestrians had previously outnumbered vehicles by an 18:1 margin.   

East Midtown is the city’s largest business district, generating 250,000 jobs and 10 percent of the city’s property tax revenue. But its office buildings average 75 years-old and have become increasingly out-of-date and inefficient for today’s companies. The rezoning passed in August will spur a new generation of office buildings to grow jobs and keep New York competitive, while investing in the area’s streets and public transit.

“Our newest Shared Street, steps away from Grand Central Station, will be an amazing public space in the heart of one of the densest parts of New York City,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.  “In a part of Midtown where pedestrians can outnumber cars by as much as 16 to 1, we will strike a better balance.  Pedestrians, bicycles and slow-moving cars will all safely share this block of East 43^rd Street, which will become more welcoming and more vital.  We thank Deputy Mayor Glen, Councilmember Garodnick and our community partners for their leadership in the continued transformation of this vibrant neighborhood.”