New Pedestrian Plazas Unveiled at Astor Place

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Two new pedestrian plazas were unveiled at Astor Place on Wednesday, marking the completion of a $21 million joint project managed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC).

One of the new pedestrian plazas, The Alamo Plaza, underwent a community enhancement project, which includes larger sidewalks, 42,000 additional square feet, green space, automated in-ground irrigation systems, and, soon, 100 new bike racks, the city announced. The bike racks are "coming soon," the DOT says.

The Alamo, a cube-shaped structure that was previously in the Alamo Plaza, returned for the first time since 2014 after recently undergoing a $180,000 restoration.

The Alamo Plaza was created when the area between Lafayette Street and Cooper Square was closed. It was merged with adjacent expanded sidewalk areas. The second new plaza, called the Village Plaza, is on the west side of Third Avenue between East 5th and East 6th Streets.

The Subway Plaza was expanded and improved with new planting areas, and the area south of Cooper Union — between East 6th and 7th Streets —was also renovated.

“The reconstruction of Astor Place – and the reinstallation of the East Village’s beloved Alamo – provides a terrific example of how well-designed public space can create a more unified, better-functioning public sphere," New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver said in a statement. "Fluid, attractive, and walkable spaces like Alamo Plaza are crucial as we work together to create a greener, healthier New York City."

Facebook user Kimberly Couzens praised the new space, thanking the DOT for improving her commute.

"My walk to and from work from Astor is sooo much better because of this!!!" she wrote. "No more nasty puddle by Kmart or waiting on one tiny corner with 40 other people waiting to cross."

Others were not so pleased, however. Facebook user Kenny Fung said it was a waste of money, and Bruce Cohen said that the older plazas looked "much safer and less congested" than the new plazas.

Lead photo via the DOT