A stretch of Park Row that’s been closed since 9/11 is not going to reopen to non-public vehicular visitors, however police parking there’ll now be restricted, in line with the town’s Financial Growth Corp., which briefed neighborhood members on the choice Wednesday evening.
The decision is a part of an Adams administration effort to revamp Chinatown’s Kimlau Sq. and its five-way intersection at Park Row’s northern finish.
“Last year, we announced a historic $56 million-dollar public realm investment in Chinatown that will make much-needed traffic safety improvements at Chatham/Kimlau Square, expand the public plaza footprint, and beautify the Park Row connection to Chinatown,” Meera Joshi, the town’s deputy mayor for operations mentioned in an announcement.
“Our work with the Chinatown community and all who live, work, and visit the area continues as we move the next phase of design forward to bring this neglected space back to families, businesses and workers,” Joshi mentioned.
Mayor Adams launches “Chinatown Connections,” a joint metropolis and state funding that may dramatically enhance the general public area in Chinatown by means of redesigning Park Row and Chatham/Kimlau Sq. in Manhattan, on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (Michael Appleton / Mayoral Pictures Workplace)
Safety considerations across the street’s proximity to NYPD Headquarters — in addition to different federal legislation enforcement and judiciary buildings — have stored it on lockdown for greater than 23 years, with manned checkpoints at Price St. and Frankfort St.
Then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg loosened restrictions in 2018, permitting pedestrian and bus visitors, however retaining the thoroughfare closed to non-public vehicles. For the previous 20 years, the street has largely served as parking for legislation enforcement officers.
The street plan introduced Wednesday, nonetheless, will purpose to enhance pedestrian security by eradicating all NYPD parking areas alongside the east aspect of the road, EDC officers mentioned.
The choice is a part of an Adams administration effort to revamp Chinatown’s Kimlau Sq. and its five-way intersection at Park Row’s northern finish. (Google)
The 2-decade street closure has been a contentious problem for space residents, with a minimum of one coalition of locals calling for the complete reopening of the road as a solution to reconnect neighborhood companies with the Monetary District.
The Adams’ administration plans to speculate $55 million in close by Kimalu Sq. in an effort to encourage safer foot-traffic by means of the neighborhood.
Initially Revealed: January 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
