What you should know
- Quisqueya Plaza will receive a $7 million capital improvement that will improve public spaces, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
- The Inwood location was the first open street to be transformed into a permanent, full-time public plaza focused on pedestrians, new bike connections and local restaurants.
- Commissioner Rodríguez announced the funding and unveiled new signage in the plaza reflecting the co-name “Quisqueya Plaza” as part of the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day celebration.
NEW YORK – Just in time for the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day celebration, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez announced $7 million in funding to make capital improvements to Quisqueya Plaza, the first location of open street which became a permanent place in 2021.
The investment aims to bring about a major reconstruction of the square, as well as improvements to pedestrian safety and cycle paths. Commissioner Rodríguez announced the funding and unveiled new signage in the plaza reflecting the co-name “Quisqueya Plaza” as part of the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day celebration.
“All New Yorkers, no matter where they live in our city, need a safe place to meet, socialize, or just hang out. That’s why, as part of my State of the city, I have committed $375 million to create new public spaces in all five boroughs,” Mayor Adams said. “On Dominican Independence Day, I am proud to announce that $7 million from this Funding will go towards dramatic improvements to Quisqueya Plaza, an open street that has helped save local businesses and jobs in the heart of upper Manhattan’s Dominican community. “
The square pays homage to Quisqueya, the Taíno (meaning “mother of all islands”) name for the Caribbean island home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Situated at Dyckman Street between Broadway and Avenue of sailors, Quisqueya Plaza has become a haven for the neighborhood during the pandemic, allowing seven different restaurants on one block to expand al fresco dining. By devoting more space to people than cars, DOT research has shown that open streets like this have been a boon to local businesses during the pandemic.
As part of its plaza conversion, the DOT installed a new two-way bike connection through the space, joining the protected two-way bike lane at Dyckman Street often worn by working cyclists.
The agency works closely with Dyckman Gardens, a group of local restaurants and neighborhood actors formed during the pandemic, to manage and grow this public space. The program NYC Plaza it’s a key part of the city’s effort to ensure all neighborhoods have access to safe, walkable public spaces that support local commerce, community and culture.
DOT is currently in the scoping phase of the $7 million capital project, slated to begin design in 2024. Mayor Adams’ $375 million commitment will also make transformative improvements to the city’s public spaces , notably :
- The Broadway Vision program plans to connect Madison Square to Greeley Square between 21st and 33rd streets.
- Unblocking of two spaces under the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan for public use with a working group to evaluate medium and long-term concepts for these spaces and others nearby.
- Additional high quality pedestrian space around the perimeter of Court Square Park and along Thomson Avenue and Court Square West in Long Island City.
- A full reconstruction of Jamaica Avenue from Sutphin Boulevard to Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica.
- Permanent street improvements open to Avenue Willis between East 147th Street there Bergen Avenue in the Bronx with a bike path, pedestrian safety improvements and beautification of public space.
- Permanent open street improvements Minthorne Street on Staten Island, with an expanded pedestrian area Tompkinsville Park and a new place in Central Ave.