Just in time for the warmer weather, the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza has been extended to Jersey Avenue.
Mayor Steven Fulop signed an executive order extending the plaza an extra block from Barrow to Jersey Avenue for a period of 60 days. The city will collect feedback from residents and business owners during this time and it’s expected that the plaza’s new reach will be permanent thereafter.
“The expansion of the Newark Avenue Plaza to Jersey Avenue serves as further proof that our commitment to investing in car-free, community spaces is ongoing, and I hope that during the next year, we can bring these types of spaces to more neighborhoods,” said Mayor Fulop in a written statement.
Plans for the plaza include additional benches and a new playground for kids. The city also plans to add more green space to Exchange Place this summer.
Wonder why another neighbor didn’t get a pedestrian street before downtown’s was expanded.
Were thoughts/concerns not collected beforehand? Is there a plan to replace the parking spots that have been removed and will likely cause people to park in permit-only spaces (even if only temporarily)? Is there a plan to resolve any traffic issues that will ensue? Is there data supporting that these businesses will profit more from foot traffic vs. driving/parking traffic? Additionally, after threats of closing down the original plaza last year due to noise and fights, why would Fulop think this is smart? There is already vomit on the streets on any given weekend and excessive noise at night. Now, with the addition of two new clubs coming on Newark this summer, it will only worsen, especially if drunk people have more room to roam.
I don’t drive, but I’ve noticed a huge uptick in traffic along Newark Ave. It’s gotten worse than what it was. There are definitely some businesses that aren’t happy with the closure.
Yeah, my bf is a driver and has noticed the increase in traffic. Honestly, this would have been better in Newport, Paulus Hook, or Exchange Place, but not in the heart of the downtown where you HAVE to go through, one way or another, to leave or enter JC.
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