Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, known for its luxury stores, is set to undergo a major transformation. New York City officials have unveiled a plan to revamp a central portion of the avenue, between Bryant Park and Central Park, into a more pedestrian-friendly boulevard. The proposed changes include doubling the size of sidewalks, reducing traffic lanes, adding seating areas, and planting hundreds of trees and planters. The goal is to create a pedestrian-centered space similar to iconic boulevards like the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
The plan, estimated to cost over $350 million, will be funded through a combination of public and private financing. Officials believe that the project could pay for itself in less than five years through increased property and sales tax revenue. However, some transit advocates have expressed concerns about the plan not adequately addressing the needs of the public bus system and cyclists. A public meeting will be held later this month to gather feedback on the proposal, with construction potentially starting in 2028.
Fifth Avenue, with just two 23-foot sidewalks, currently struggles to accommodate the high volume of pedestrians it attracts. During peak times, such as the holidays, the avenue sees around 23,000 people per hour. City officials believe that the proposed redesign is necessary to alleviate overcrowding and make the area more pleasant for both shoppers and workers. The plan for Fifth Avenue is part of a broader effort by city officials to revitalize and improve various roadways in New York City.
In addition to the Fifth Avenue project, city officials have also put forward plans to cap sections of the Cross Bronx Expressway, a major highway that runs through the Bronx. The proposals involve creating parks and green spaces on top of the covered highway, with the aim of reconnecting communities that were divided and disrupted by the expansion of the national highway system and suburban development. Meera Joshi, the city’s deputy mayor for operations, described these projects as a historic opportunity to rectify past mistakes and bring communities together once again.
Overall, the planned makeover of Fifth Avenue represents a significant effort to enhance the pedestrian experience in one of Manhattan’s most iconic areas. By prioritizing pedestrians over cars and creating a more spacious and green corridor, city officials hope to revitalize the avenue and attract more visitors and shoppers. The proposed changes, if implemented, could have a positive impact on the surrounding businesses and neighborhoods, as well as on the overall vibrancy of Fifth Avenue. As the city moves forward with these ambitious redesign plans, it will be important to carefully consider feedback from the public and ensure that the needs of all road users are taken into account.
