On Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City and the Future of Fifth Partnership announced their plans to transform a section of Fifth Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard. This project will involve expanding sidewalks by 46%, shortening crosswalks for safer crossings, reducing traffic lanes from five to three, and adding plantings and lighting for both aesthetics and safety.
According to Adams, “New Yorkers deserve an iconic boulevard that can compete with the rest of the world. With our partnership with Future of Fifth, we are determined to make this happen.” Currently, despite pedestrians making up 70% of those on Fifth Avenue between Bryant Park and Central Park, they only have access to less than half the space available. During holidays like Christmas when there is heavy foot traffic in this area (23k people per hour), it becomes overcrowded as everyone tries to navigate through limited sidewalk space.
This redesign marks a significant change in history as it is the first major overhaul that has been done on this avenue in its 200-year existence. It is expected that within five years after completion,the increased property value due to improved infrastructure will generate enough revenue through taxes (property & sales)to cover all costs incurred during construction.
